ECA News
Energy-saving advice is guiding light
VIEW FROM THE LOBBY
by Carol Wrench, PR and public affairs manager
Throughout 2009, we worked hard to develop and deliver a focused lobbying agenda aimed at ensuring the survival and progression of our industry, while enhancing the business landscape in which our members operate. We couldn’t have predicted how much traction our stances and ideas would have in just one short year, with results coming in thick and fast. Our proposals have proved to be extremely timely, resonating with both government and civil servants, while enjoying cross-party support at the highest levels.
The ECA’s Guide to Energy Saving is now available from the ECA website (www.
eca.co.uk) and provides a list of funding options for those looking to take advantage of financial help that will allow them to invest in energy-saving technology.
The ECA has developed a range of courses based on renewable technologies, which will allow current electrical professionals to provide the best possible advice to consumers. For more information, visit
www.eca.co.uk/training.
Success
This has led to relatively swift success, particularly concerning pre-qualification, where great strides have been made in gaining mutual recognition of desk-based assessments. Here, the ECA has taken an active role, as excessive pre-qualification causes unnecessary cost, bureaucracy and a great deal of confusion. We will continue to exert influence in a bid to significantly reduce pre-qualification costs. Our efforts in highlighting the impending skills crisis have also substantially raised the ECA profile and positioned us as experts on skills in the building services sector. We have lobbied to ease the financial burden associated with taking on and training apprentices, and have also highlighted the need for rigorous and robust standards.
Government and opposition both welcome our views, and recognise that a new approach is necessary to ensure that Britain remains a viable industrial and economic force.
Low carbon
Lastly, we believe that existing domestic and commercial buildings are pivotal to making major reductions in carbon emissions. In the domestic arena alone, there are currently 25 million dwellings in Great Britain that would benefit from energy- saving technology. As our registered members will be responsible for installing much of this technology, we are working to ensure that this capability is recognised by government and that consumers are properly educated and incentivised to make sound environmental choices. We will continue to refine and develop our position to make sure that our messages remain relevant and continue to hit the mark.
n Carol Wrench is PR and public affairs manager for the ECA. For more information on the ECA’s engagement strategy and details of meetings with government ministers, MPs, opposition leaders and leading civil servants, visit:
www.eca.co.uk/lobbying.
12
ECA Today Summer 2010
SHUTTERSTOCK
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