Glossary Glossary 2026-06-09
What is a heat decarbonisation plan?
A heat decarbonisation plan (HDP) is a structured assessment and roadmap that outlines how a building or estate can transition from fossil fuel heating systems to low-carbon alternatives.
It is commonly used by public sector organisations to support funding applications and long-term net zero strategies.
Why heat decarbonisation plans matter
Heating is one of the largest sources of carbon emissions in buildings. An HDP helps organisations to:
- Identify the most effective low-carbon heating solutions
- Prioritise investment across an estate
- Reduce reliance on gas and other fossil fuels
- Support compliance with UK net zero targets
What does a heat decarbonisation plan include?
An HDP typically covers:
- Existing heating systems and infrastructure
- Energy demand and usage patterns
- Heat pumps (air or ground source)
- Heat networks
- Hybrid systems
- Infrastructure requirements
- Space and capacity constraints
- Phasing and prioritisation
- Cost estimates and funding opportunities
Heat decarbonisation in practice
HDPs are widely used across:
- NHS estates
- Schools and universities
- Local authority portfolios
They are often the first step in a wider decarbonisation strategy.
Frequently asked questions
A heat decarbonisation plan is important because heating is one of the largest sources of carbon emissions in buildings.
An HDP helps organisations identify effective low-carbon heating solutions, prioritise investment, reduce reliance on gas and other fossil fuels, and support compliance with UK net zero targets.
A heat decarbonisation plan supports net zero by creating a clear route for reducing emissions from heating systems.
It identifies where emissions are coming from, what low-carbon heating options are technically feasible and how improvements can be phased across a building or estate.
Heat decarbonisation plans are commonly used across NHS estates, schools, universities, local authority portfolios and other public sector buildings.
They are often used as the first step in a wider decarbonisation strategy.
A heat decarbonisation plan assesses the existing heating systems and infrastructure, building energy demand, usage patterns, technical constraints and opportunities for low-carbon heating.
It may also consider space availability, electrical capacity, plant room requirements, distribution systems, costs, funding opportunities and delivery phasing.