Heat pumps are critical for meeting the UK’s legally binding commitment to achieve net zero by 2050. An area-based approach that can target appropriate homes is necessary for the rapid deployment of heat pumps at scale. This paper describes the application of an online and interactive local area energy mapping tool (LEMAP) to assess air source heat pump (ASHP) suitability for 865 dwellings in a suburban area of Oxford, UK. The tool brings together GIS based spatial data on energy, buildings, socio-demographics, tenure, fuel poverty and electricity networks to (1) identify the baseline current energy demand, (2) target dwellings that are heat pump suitable but require adequate insulation and support (3) target dwellings that are heat pump ready. The suitability and readiness elements of the ‘targeting’ approach required versatile data that included building footprints from the Ordnance Survey, Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) and socio-demographics (Experian Mosaic). Heat Pump Suitable dwellings were regarded as dwellings that required current levels of insulation to be improved adequately, while Heat Pump Ready dwellings had current good levels of insulation (>EPC rating D). About 483 of the total 865 dwellings were considered suitable (56 % of the target area), of which 432 were considered Heat Pump Ready. Ten dwellings were targeted as ‘priority’ among the Heat Pump Suitable dwellings since they used electricity for heating. The suitable dwellings comprised owner occupied and social housing. They were located in two secondary substation areas with grid loading of 40–60 %. Fuel poverty was prevalent and digital capability was low, raising concerns about the rollout of smart energy technologies without adequate education and training. The findings helped to customise the offering and financial incentives for heat pump deployment, combining fabric improvements for Heat Pump Suitable and rapid deployment for Heat Pump Ready dwellings along with resident engagement.
Gupta, Rajat Liu Chenfei Gregg, Matt
School of Architecture
Year of publication: 2024Date of RADAR deposit: 2025-06-10