BSRIA updates mechanical building services guide for heat pumps and heat networks
UK – BSRIA has published the fourth edition of its Illustrated Guide to Mechanical Building Services, updating the reference to reflect the growing role of heat pumps and heat networks, changes to Part L and increased attention to fire safety.
BG 31/2026 is the first major update to the guide since 2017 and is aimed at construction professionals who need to understand mechanical building services without being specialists in the discipline. It costs £199 to download and covers heating, ventilation, cooling, hot water and controls, alongside commissioning, building management and whole-life costs.
Heat pumps take a bigger role
Heat pumps and heat networks feature more prominently in the new edition, reflecting changes in the way new buildings are being heated.
The guide describes heat pumps as becoming the preferred means of heating buildings and considers their increasing use in modern non-domestic buildings and new homes. It also covers low-temperature heating and the principles and operation of heat networks.
BG 31/2026 explains the ‘lean, clean and green’ approach to reducing HVAC energy use and carbon emissions. This starts with reducing demand through building design before moving to efficient systems and low-carbon plant.
The revised guide also reflects the impact of changes to Part L on the specification of higher-efficiency plant, advanced controls and more sustainable technologies.
Focus on whole-life performance
BSRIA says mechanical services typically represent 15–25% of overall build costs in standard UK commercial and residential buildings, rising above 30% in complex buildings such as hospitals and high-specification offices.
Ventilation, cooling and hot water systems are covered, together with connections to water, gas, electricity and telecommunications networks. Key points, photographs and diagrams are used to explain the principles and operation of the different systems.
BG 31/2026 The Illustrated Guide to Mechanical Building Services is available from the BSRIA website.
