02 June 2025
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The Ground Source Heat Pump Association (GSHPA) is proud to announce the launch of Version 4 of its Vertical Borehole Standard, a significant and comprehensive update to one of the UK’s core technical standards for the ground source heat pump (GSHP) industry.
More than doubling the length of its predecessor (Version 3), the new V4 standard has been restructured to meet modern expectations for engineering documentation. It adopts a UK-standards-compliant layout with clear Scope, Normative References, and over 55 sub-clauses, bringing improved accessibility and ease of reference for professionals across the sector.
A timely update for a changing landscape
The update comes at a critical moment for the industry. With the 2023 amendment to the Environmental Permitting (England & Wales) Regulations (EPR), heat is now officially classed as a pollutant. The new standard incorporates detailed guidance on exemption and permit requirements, including the Environmental Risk Pyramid introduced by the Environment Agency. The updated standard also reflects wider changes, such as the transition from the Coal Authority to the Mining Remediation Authority, and includes refreshed planning references to the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Amendment Order 2024.
Chris Davidson, Chair of the Standards Working Group, said: “Version 4 isn’t just an update—it’s a complete evolution. It brings our industry in line with current regulation, addresses key safety and sustainability issues, and provides practical guidance that reflects the complexities of real-world installations. We believe this will strengthen installer confidence, improve site outcomes, and support the long[1]term credibility of ground source heat pump systems across the UK.”
Strengthened focus on safety, sustainability and competence
The new version includes an entirely new Health, Safety and Environmental section, with expanded guidance on worker safety, groundwater protection, and public welfare—reinforcing GSHPA’s ongoing commitment to best practice and environmental stewardship. Version 4 also introduces a clear competence framework for system designers, drillers, and supervisors, including definitions around chartered status and experience levels. This change aims to support both quality assurance and upskilling across the industry.
Enhanced technical detail
To support on-site efficiency and performance, the standard introduces new content on:
• Header Pipework and Valve Chambers
• Pipe Marker Tapes
• Two alternative pressure test methods (Rebound and Water-Industry)
• Updated materials tables aligned with BS EN 12201-2/3:2024 and latest ISO/ASTM standards
This richer “toolbox” of technical guidance empowers installers and designers with greater flexibility and precision in system specification and construction.
Language clarity and accessibility
Recognising the diverse audience that uses the standard, GSHPA has invested in plain English editing, codified use of “shall” and “should” for compliance clarity, and added over 20 new definitions, including COP, SCOP, SPF-H1-H4 boundaries and more.
These improvements aim to make the standard accessible to newcomers while remaining robust for seasoned engineers.
Smarter governance and sharing
Version 4 introduces a more agile approach to updates, with a newly formalised Standards Working Group review cycle, annual update cadence, and an open submission process via [email protected]. To support adoption, V4 includes additional features such as a redesigned foreword, gender-balanced contributor acknowledgements, and metadata such as ISBN, ICS codes, and QR-code-ready URLs to make referencing and sharing easier.
Availability
The Vertical Borehole Standard V4 is available now.
• Free to all GSHPA members vi the member portal
• Available to non-members for £350 + VAT at https://gshpa.site-ym.com/store/viewproduct.aspx?id=25784061
