[ Green light: Online forum ]
Tour of the forum There are two main navigation panels once ECA members log into the forum. These are the top horizontal and left hand navigation options (see Figure 1). The top panel includes the following options: n View the posts; n Post new topic; n Downloads; n My settings; and n Help. The ‘My settings’ section allow members to change their
details, including their password and forum display name. They can also change their email alert settings, which allows them to customise incoming emails. The ‘Downloads’ section (see Figure 1) contains a
range of publications from the ECA and other key bodies in various formats, such as the ECA’s energy saving and carbon reduction checklists There are also general guidelines on using the forum.
Figure 1:
The great thing about the forum is that it offers virtually real-time comment and discussion
Incentive (RHI). The first phase of the RHI was due to start on 30 September 2011, but it was delayed by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) – with a statement announcing this released the day before it was due to go live. Having the online forum allowed the ECA to immediately communicate the announcement to members. Forum members also have the option of receiving email alerts for any new posting made to the forum, enabling them to receive the latest information straight to their inbox. In addition, the forum provides an efficient way to gather members’ comments and feedback on key government low carbon policy consultations – for example, the recently launched draft document consultation called PAS (Publicly Available Specification) 2030, which covers the installation of various measures for improving energy efficiency in buildings, both domestic and non-domestic. The standard is to be used with the forthcoming Green Deal, final details of which have yet to be agreed. The ECA is heavily involved in identifying standards for certain Green Deal technologies, including energy efficient lighting and controls. The ECA encourages forum members to help it influence the PAS 2030 document as it develops.
Figure 2:
Signing up Any employee who works for an ECA registered member company can sign up for free, and have their own forum username. To sign up, you simply need to fill in a short online registration form. This requires your membership number, which should be available from your company’s nominated representative, or from the ECA membership team (call 020 7313 4800). To find out more about the forum or to sign up, email
energysolutions@eca.co.uk If you are already signed up to the forum, please encourage colleagues who may be interested to sign up too. Contributions and comments on the forum will also assist us as we continue, on members’ behalf to: n Help develop related technology and installation standards;
n Feed back to government on policy and legislation like the Feed-in Tariffs (FITs), Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) and the Green Deal; and
n Strengthen our messages to clients and specifiers on the capabilities of ECA registered members.
The main forum homepage allows members to either post
new topics or reply to an existing topic (see Figure 2). The postings are categorised into popular topics indicated by the different silver tab options. Members can therefore either read and reply to postings relating to particular subjects, or simply view them all. The online forum also hosts a wealth of information resources, including; n News; n Useful links to various external websites; and n Events.
Instant communications One of the key benefits to members of the forum so far, has been the ability for the ECA to post government announcements almost instantly. A good example is a recent announcement concerning the Renewable Heat
Contractors recognise business opportunity
The ECA recently undertook a sustainability survey of registered members. The results show an impressive 90 per cent of members recognise the commercial business opportunity from the low carbon market. The ECA has therefore implemented the Renewables and Microgeneration Interest Group Forum, to help enable ECA registered members to take up this opportunity, through the additional support, discussion and knowledge, shared and gained via the forum. Question: Thinking about the growing interest in energy management and efficiency, renewables and sustainability, do you see this as a business opportunity?
n Yes n No
November 2011 ECA Today 21
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