Office air conditioning in Croydon

Why does Croydon have so many offices to cool?

Because it was built as an office town. The Greater London Authority counts 126,000 jobs in the borough in 2023, a third of them inside the 194-hectare Croydon Opportunity Area around East Croydon and the town centre, which the London Plan has earmarked for 14,500 more homes and at least 10,000 more jobs. Much of the stock dates from the 1960s and 1970s, with deep floors, big windows and plant that has been replaced once or twice already. Source: GLA.

What does the law require of an employer?

A reasonable temperature. Regulation 7 of the Workplace Regulations 1992 says the temperature in indoor workplaces must be reasonable during working hours. GOV.UK adds that there is no guidance for a maximum, and suggests a minimum of 16°C, or 13°C where the work is physical. The Health and Safety Executive said in June 2026 that heat is classed as a hazard and should be treated like other hazards, and that employers must assess the risk to their workers by law. Sources: Regulation 7; GOV.UK; HSE press office.

How do we size an office system?

• Floor area, ceiling height and the glass, with the direction it faces.
• Headcount at the busiest point of the week, not the average.
• The wattage of the computers, monitors, printers and lighting, because almost all of it ends up as heat.
• Any comms cupboard, which wants cooling of its own.
• Who runs the building, and what the lease allows on the roof and the walls.

In a converted 1960s block, the plant positions, risers and the landlord's contractor rules often decide the design before the heat load does.

Will an office unit need planning permission?

Probably. For non-domestic buildings the Planning Portal's advice is that an air source heat pump is likely to need an application, since the rules for houses do not carry over. Inside the Central Croydon conservation area, which the council describes as the town's historic municipal and commercial heart, a visible position needs even more thought, so the rear or an existing plant deck is the starting point. Your landlord will need to agree as well. Sources: Planning Portal; Croydon Council.

What is a TM44 inspection?

A legal energy inspection for any air conditioning under one person's control that adds up to more than 12kW of cooling. Small units count towards the total. An accredited assessor must inspect at least every five years, and the person who controls the system keeps the report. Trading Standards can issue a £300 fixed penalty for not having one and £200 for not producing it within seven days of a request. Source: GOV.UK guidance.