Comment by Sandeep Kang, Senior Product Manager at Energy Systems Catapult.

The recent cold snap is a stark reminder of how vital a reliable, efficient heating system is in maintaining comfort in our homes. For local authorities, the stakes are even higher. With ambitious Net Zero targets to meet, councils must proactively identify the best pathways to reduce emissions while improving energy efficiency across a diverse mix of housing. Heat pumps, both ground source (GSHP) and air source (ASHP), are key technologies in this transition, offering the potential to decarbonise heating while reducing energy costs for residents. However, to ensure these benefits are realised equitably, it is crucial to provide targeted warm home support to those who need it most, prioritising vulnerable households and those at risk of fuel poverty.

However, making the right decisions about heat pump installations is not always straightforward. Factors ranging from property type and garden size to regulatory compliance and noise considerations, can influence whether a heat pump is the right fit for a particular home. Without accurate, tailored data, councils risk misdirecting resources or confronting unexpected challenges, which can delay progress and dent public confidence in these systems.

Access to high-quality data changes the game. It empowers local authorities to make evidence-based decisions, prioritise the most suitable locations for heat pump installations, and maximise the return on investment for funding.

Avoiding the pitfalls

Understanding the specifics of each property and its surrounding environment is critical when installing a heat pump. For instance, GSHPs require a garden that can accommodate the loops needed to meet the building’s peak heat demand, and access for equipment must also be considered. Our dataset enables councils to quickly assess whether a garden has the space and configuration needed for these systems, reducing the risk of attempting installations in unsuitable properties.

As it currently stands, ASHPs must comply with noise regulations that impose minimum distances from neighbouring properties. Our data includes guidance on these variables, helping councils ensure installations meet technical requirements and align with planning rules and community expectations.

Without access to this kind of granular data, councils might find themselves grappling with unexpected obstacles, such as gardens that are too small for GSHP loops or ASHPs placed too close to neighbouring properties, resulting in compliance issues.

Prioritising resources

With finite budgets and ambitious goals, local authorities need to concentrate their resources on areas where they can have the largest impact. Comprehensive datasets can help councils identify properties most likely to benefit from a heat pump, allowing them to prioritise installations in homes that will deliver the most significant carbon savings and cost reductions.

For example, by analysing garden sizes and accessibility, councils can identify clusters of homes suitable for GSHPs, creating opportunities for efficient, large-scale projects. Meanwhile, areas where ASHPs are a more suitable fit can be prioritised based on noise regulations and heat demand. This considered approach streamlines decision making and ensures a smoother, more efficient rollout of heat pump installations.

Building confidence

Data plays an essential role in dispelling myths and building trust. Heat pumps are perceived as noisy, ineffective in cold weather, or only suitable for high-income households. Reality tells a different story. Heat pumps are quiet, highly efficient, even during sub-zero conditions, and versatile enough to suit a wide range of property types.

As research by the Catapult demonstrates, heat pumps are, on average, three times more efficient than gas boilers, and continue to maintain comfort in freezing temperatures. By equipping local authorities with the evidence to communicate these benefits, we can help build confidence in heat pump technology and accelerate adoption across communities.

Futureproofing for Net Zero

The transition to low carbon heating is a complex challenge, but data-driven decision making offers a clear path forward. Armed with robust datasets, councils can future proof their housing stock, ensuring new heating systems meet today’s needs and align with future energy demands.

By identifying the most suitable properties for heat pump installations and prioritising areas where they will have the greatest impact, local authorities can deliver tangible benefits to residents, from lower energy bills to reduced carbon footprints. Moreover, an approach informed by data minimises the risk of setbacks, ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget.

Pump it up

Informed decision making is the foundation of sustainable progress. While the data we provide is instrumental in identifying opportunities for heat pump installations, it’s about more than just information, it’s about giving councils the means to act decisively, confidently, and effectively in pursuit of Net Zero.

Local authorities are well-placed to drive the adoption of heat pumps and demonstrate leadership in the transition to low carbon heating. With the right data, they can partner with the private sector to unlock funding and ensure every decision counts, delivering warm, efficient homes for residents while paving the way to a sustainable future.

For councils ready to unlock the full potential of heat pump technology, our datasets offer the insights needed to turn ambition into action. Check out Net Zero Market.