The British government has officially announced that the long-standing “19°C heating rule” for public sector buildings is being lifted, marking a significant shift in energy policy and workplace comfort standards. Originally introduced during the 1970s energy crisis, and later reinforced in sustainability efforts, the heating limit has remained a symbolic and operational guideline for decades. The move is sparking reactions across departments, raising questions about energy consumption, employee comfort, and the modernization of building stock across the UK.
This rule removal doesn’t grant carte blanche for setting thermostats at will, but it reflects a broader desire to address the often cold and outdated work environments found in many government buildings. Departments will now be free to determine heating levels based on operational needs and building design, while still encouraged to meet overall efficiency and emissions goals. The change signals a potential precedent for other institutions and is likely to shape the conversation around heating practices across both public and private sectors.
Overview of the rule change
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Previous Rule | Maximum heating limit of 19°C in most government buildings |
| New Policy | Departments can set internal heating temperatures as needed |
| Goal | Enhance employee comfort, support productivity, modernize facilities |
| Limitations | Still expected to align with Net Zero and energy efficiency targets |
| Implementation Date | Already in effect as of winter season 2024 |
What changed this year
The decision to remove the 19°C cap comes after years of complaints from public sector employees working in often outdated, poorly insulated buildings that struggled to maintain even those cool temperatures. Feedback from civil service unions, occupational health bodies, and building safety audits compiled over the last few winters highlighted the impracticality of a one-size-fits-all policy for heating.
In response to these challenges, the Cabinet Office approved changes giving departments greater latitude to assess what’s right for their buildings. This devolved, site-specific approach allows building managers and energy teams to make informed decisions, provided they can justify their heating choices through energy data, comfort assessments, and budget planning.
Why the 19°C rule existed in the first place
This temperature limit stems from energy-saving mandates during the 1973 oil crisis, when the UK government enforced widespread conservation measures. Over time, the 19°C cap transitioned from emergency procedure to long-term practice in government offices, often viewed as a template for setting “reasonable” office temperatures to curb emissions and cut costs.
However, critics argue that times have changed: building usage has evolved, insulation standards have improved in some locations, and occupational comfort is increasingly prioritized in workplace design. Maintaining an artificially low temperature in already draughty government buildings has become more of a liability than a target.
Who qualifies and why it matters
The policy shift applies to all government departments and public sector bodies occupying non-domestic premises, from ministries and administrative offices to public health outposts and local government facilities. This includes over 150,000 buildings and structures nationwide, many with staffing models that are sensitive to comfort conditions — from frontline service roles to desk-based jobs in regional hubs.
For workers, it means a more comfortable and potentially more productive environment. For facilities managers and energy teams, it introduces a level of flexibility previously prohibited by policy. Staff in colder regions — such as Scotland and Northeast England — stand to benefit most, as complaints around heating deficiencies have been most vocal in these areas where winter lows can drop below freezing for weeks.
How energy managers will adjust
Despite the rule change, departments are not being given a green light to waste energy. Updated government guidance confirms that any increase in heating must align with broader energy performance goals. HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) systems in many government estates will require recalibration, and smart monitoring will be essential to track performance.
Energy leads within departments are being instructed to perform thermal comfort risk assessments and invest in better insulation and detection technologies rather than simply cranking up the thermostats. Government Property Agency is also introducing training for facilities staff to balance comfort and decarbonization targets.
“It’s not about turning up the heat — it’s about turning up the intelligence. Comfortable spaces are more efficient when systems are modern and data-led.”
— Dr. Helena Grant, Head of Public Sector Energy Transition Initiative
Winners and losers of the new heating policy
| Winners | Losers |
|---|---|
| Public sector employees in cold buildings | Departments unable to modernize HVAC systems |
| Occupational health and safety advocates | Facilities with high energy waste risk |
| Regional offices in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and NE England | Older buildings with slow-to-adapt systems |
| HVAC contractors and retrofit consultants | High-energy bills without efficiency measures |
Balancing comfort with net-zero goals
One of the prevailing concerns is that relaxing temperature policies could impact the UK’s net-zero emissions target by 2050. However, ministry insiders argue the opposite: building modernization and smart energy technologies are more effective long-term levers for sustainability than outdated rules that reduce comfort without addressing inefficiency or waste.
This rule removal creates impetus for departments to prioritize building retrofits, from adding secondary glazing to upgrading boilers and switching to heat pumps. The government is also rolling out funding options and procurement frameworks for low-carbon building systems to help offset this expected transition period.
“Staff comfort and carbon reduction are not mutually exclusive. The old policy was a blunt instrument; the future is nuanced and smarter.”
— James Orton, Senior Policy Advisor, UK Infrastructure & Energy Office
How to implement the new policy on site
Departments looking to take advantage of the change should begin with energy reviews of their building stock to calibrate heating settings according to design, usage, and occupancy levels. Multistakeholder planning sessions are advised — involving engineers, HR, sustainability directors, and union representatives — to jointly determine acceptable comfort levels and implementation strategies.
Resources such as the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme and advisory services from the Government Property Agency have been mobilized to support local implementation efforts. Departments are also encouraged to incorporate visual energy dashboards and office posters to communicate changes transparently to staff.
What staff should expect this winter
Most staff should notice warmer working environments this winter, particularly in older buildings where indoor conditions previously fell below general office comfort norms. However, workers should also be prepared for fluctuations as departments trial different temperature settings.
Teams may be surveyed for their thermal comfort levels, and adjustments might be staged across different floors or zones. Use of personal heating devices will still be restricted in most cases due to fire risk and energy load balance.
“Listening to staff comfort concerns is long overdue. Sensible heating policies breathe new life into old buildings.”
— Sandra Taylor, Civil Service Union Regional Chair
Frequently asked questions
Will office temperatures be the same across all buildings?
No, temperatures will vary depending on building structure, location, and occupancy. Each department can adjust heating to suit their needs while keeping energy efficiency in mind.
Does this mean energy use will increase significantly?
Not necessarily. Although comfort standards will rise, the government emphasizes upgrading inefficient systems and using better energy monitoring tools to control costs.
What funding is available for heating upgrades?
Several grants and funds, including the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, are available for departments committed to sustainable modernization projects.
Can staff complain if their offices remain too cold?
Yes. Departments are encouraged to take staff feedback seriously and conduct indoor climate assessments where complaints are common or recurring.
Is this a permanent policy change?
Yes, as of 2024, the 19°C limit is no longer in force. However, ongoing monitoring will ensure that heating practices support health, productivity, and sustainability.
How are departments being held accountable?
Periodic audits and reporting requirements will ensure departments comply with both comfort protocols and emissions reduction goals.
Will schools and hospitals also see rule changes?
Most schools and hospitals already set temperatures differently and are not subject to the same central heating policies as administrative buildings. However, practices may still evolve.
Are there limits on how high the temperature can go?
While not set by policy, departments are encouraged to avoid overheating and adhere to general principles of 20–22°C for optimal health and energy use.