CIBSE is pleased to announce that the Domestic Building Services Panel (DBSP) has now formally migrated into CIBSE, becoming the CIBSE Domestic Building Services Panel (CIBSE DBSP). This important step creates a dedicated resource within CIBSE, funded by DBSP, to support the domestic sector with authoritative guidance, best practice, and technical expertise.
DBSP, known as the “association of associations”, brings together more than 12 member organisations representing the mechanical, regulatory and training sectors. With significant influence across the UK, DBSP plays a vital role in shaping political, standardisation, and commercial policy, while providing trusted design, technical and good practice guidance for heating engineers.
The panel is dedicated to advancing best practice in the survey, design, installation, commissioning, operation and maintenance of domestic building services. Its work underpins the safe, efficient and reliable provision of comfort in homes, through the services and systems that support energy supply and use.
By becoming part of CIBSE, the panel will continue to develop and maintain impartial guidance on domestic building services systems – from space heating and hot water to integration with wider energy systems. This guidance is designed to support specifiers and technicians involved the design and installation of heating systems in domestic and light commercial buildings.
The role of CIBSE DBSP
CIBSE DBSP will act as a forum for all relevant organisations in the domestic building services field, ensuring that the sector has a collaborative, impartial voice. Its key activities will include:
- Developing and updating authoritative guidance on domestic building services systems.
- Advising industry on regulations and training for professionals, technicians and craft personnel.
- Providing impartial expertise in response to changes in standards, ensuring heating design engineers and other practitioners have access to reliable, practical advice.
The panel’s publications, including its established suite of four guidance documents, will now be issued under the CIBSE brand, benefiting from CIBSE’s rigorous peer review process to ensure quality and consistency. Further guidance is in development, including a forthcoming publication on heat pumps and systems integration.
In conversation with Andy Mathews, Chair of CIBSE DBSP
To mark the transition, we spoke with Andy Mathews, Chair of CIBSE DBSP, about what this milestone means for the panel and the wider industry.
Q1: What does it mean for DBSP to become part of CIBSE?
It means the Domestic Building Services Panel (DBSP) will operate under the umbrella of CIBSE, giving it greater visibility, resources, and influence. By being part of CIBSE, the panel can align its work with the Institution’s wider mission of advancing building services engineering, ensuring domestic buildings receive the same level of professional focus and rigour as commercial and industrial sectors.
Q2: Why is it important to have a dedicated focus on domestic building services?
Domestic buildings make up the majority of the UK’s built environment, and their performance has a direct impact on energy use, carbon emissions, and occupant comfort. A dedicated focus ensures that challenges unique to homes such as retrofit, heating decarbonisation, ventilation, and affordability are addressed with tailored guidance, research, and best practice, rather than being overshadowed by the commercial sector.
Q3: How will practitioners benefit from the work of CIBSE DBSP?
Practitioners will gain access to specialised guidance, standards, and knowledge resources designed for the domestic sector. The panel’s work will support skills development, provide forums for knowledge-sharing, and influence regulation and policy in ways that benefit those working on housing projects. Ultimately, practitioners will be better equipped to deliver safe, efficient, and sustainable homes.
Q4: What priorities does the panel have for the near future?
The immediate priorities include supporting the transition to low-carbon heating and hot water systems, improving ventilation and indoor air quality, and providing guidance for effective retrofit strategies. The panel is also focused on strengthening collaboration across industry, shaping policy, and ensuring training and competency frameworks are in place to meet the challenges of decarbonising homes.
Q5: How do you see CIBSE DBSP influencing the industry going forward?
CIBSE DBSP will play a leading role in raising standards across the domestic building services sector. By developing authoritative guidance, engaging with policymakers, and championing innovation, it will help shape a consistent, high-quality approach to domestic design, installation, and maintenance. In doing so, it will influence industry practices, accelerate the transition to net zero, and improve outcomes for both occupants and the wider environment.
A strengthened partnership
As part of CIBSE’s commitment to strengthening its support for the domestic sector, the Institution has recruited a Domestic Sector Technical Manager (a role funded by DBSP) within its Technical Team. This role will focus on developing and coordinating guidance, monitoring regulatory and policy developments and ensuring that the needs of domestic building services practitioners are represented across CIBSE’s work.
The migration of DBSP into CIBSE strengthens the collaboration between professional and trade bodies in the domestic building services sector, recognising the importance of CIBSE’s brand in supporting and amplifying the panel’s work.
With CIBSE DBSP now in place, the Institution is able to offer a stronger, dedicated resource for the domestic sector – supporting practitioners, shaping standards, and helping to ensure the delivery of safe, sustainable and efficient building services in homes across the UK.