NEWS & APPOINTMENTS
Businesses back hydrogen trials to accelerate Net Zero ambitions
Most senior business leaders are planning to adopt hydrogen as part of their energy improvement strategies, according to new research from Centrica Business Solutions. Three quarters (77%) reported that they had already or would implement hydrogen-ready technologies such as combined heat and power (CHP) units as they seek to optimise energy consumption and reduce carbon emissions. More than a quarter (27%) are planning on doing so in the next two years. Almost one in 10 (8%) said they had already installed hydrogen-ready CHP, while a further seven in 10 (69%) are either considering the technology, trialling it or planning to implement it. This suggests that the cost and carbon saving benefits associated with the technology are seen as attractive by many organisations. The biggest driver for investing in hydrogen is cost. A third (33%) of firms believe hydrogen will be a more predictable cost for them to factor into their plans than alternative fuels. Justin Jacober, director of Centrica Business Solutions UK & Ireland, said: “Organisations clearly see the potential of hydrogen in creating a net zero future, where energy costs are more predictable than those imported from overseas. A progressive approach to modern energy technologies that incorporates hydrogen will mean firms benefit from reduced carbon emissions and lower energy costs. “What we need to see next is the UK invest in hydrogen and get ready to deploy technologies more quickly. By investing now, the UK can make sure it is a leading hydrogen economy. A fully realised hydrogen strategy has the potential to improve flexibility within the grid and enable us to better harness the power of renewables, which will be essential if we’re to reduce renewable curtailment and eliminate carbon emissions.” Download the research report:
https://www.centricabusinesssolutions.com/finding-cost- effective-path-net-zero
“Significant concern” over F-gas proposals
FETA chair Mark Hughes expressed “significant concern” that the EU is focusing on legislation linked to lowering global warming potential (GWP) at the expense of energy efficiency. Speaking at the annual FETA lunch, at
The Brewery in London, Mr Hughes said: “The process is not yet over, but it is fair to say that currently we have significant concerns that the EU may be focusing on legislation which, while reducing the GWP for refrigerants, does so at the expense of the much bigger prize of energy efficiency. “It is in this area where our industry, given the flexibility around choice of technology, can make the biggest impact by reducing dependence on fossil fuels – the role of our heat pumps being a shining example. There is no question that industry buys into where we need to be on Net Zero but there is a need to be pragmatic and ensure we do actually achieve the targets. I am therefore pleased to report that the UK Government is taking an approach where it seemingly wants to fully understand the impacts of potential proposals before acting.
Mr Hughes also commented on the current
pressure on supply chains over the past year saying: “Higher costs and demands on the supply chains have been significantly
exposed but hopefully we are going to see an easing of these pressures over the coming months as inflation starts to reduce. We certainly wish we can build on some early signs of the proverbial green shoots and hope those are not simply those associated with the recent spring like weather.” On the introduction of the UKCA and UKNI marking, Mr Hughes said while this had proved challenging in 2022 on a number of fronts, he was pleased to see that the Government had paused the introduction and was now consulting with industry on future use to ensure it truly supports the UK’s Net Zero targets.
He welcomed the establishment of the Building Safety Regulator saying “it marks a big change in the way the UK oversees the safety and standards of all buildings; helping and encouraging those in the built environment industry and building control professionals to improve their competence. It will also lead on the implementation of the new regulatory framework for high-rise buildings.”
Employers urged to take advantage of T Level funding boost
A leading trade body has welcomed a £12 million injection of government funding to increase the uptake of T Levels including grants of up to £25,000 for employers who take students on work placements.
The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) said this was an opportunity for engineering firms to support future generations of skilled workers, boost their own in-house expertise, and promote career opportunities in the built environment sector. The funding is the Department of Education’s latest attempt to increase the number and quality of placements that form a central
part of T Levels. Employers are being offered the money to cover “legitimate costs” for any placements that start between April 1 this year and March 31, 2024. Costs can include administration, equipment linked to the placement, transport, insurance, and training for existing staff. Colleges and other T Level providers will make the payments to employers and the money does not have to be repaid even if the course ends prematurely or the student drops out. Employers are not required to provide evidence to support claims, but the Department said it would conduct random spot checks on providers and employers to ensure the money was being properly allocated. “T Levels are a crucial part of the government’s strategy to grow the number of young people on a path towards employment in technical professions like building engineering,” said BESA’s head of training and skills Helen Yeulet.
4 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER MAY 2023 Appointments
BESA appoints new membership director
Rebecca Fox has joined the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) as its new director of membership. Formerly director of membership and business development at the Association for Project Management, Fox brings a wealth of experience to the role. She was also previously group head of membership at the Chartered Institute for Procurement and Supply having progressed from general manager for the Middle East and North Africa and before that had a series of international roles at the logistics company DHL.
Fox said she was delighted to be joining an organisation “with an exciting future” representing a
sector that is central to so many of the biggest social and economic challenges facing society, such as climate change and levelling up. “I thrive on having an impact and making a difference, so this seemed the ideal new challenge,” said Fox. “BESA is a fantastic brand with a strong heritage, and it is my vision to strengthen and grow the BESA membership brand and base. “We should not be afraid to challenge and evolve our value proposition to ensure
it is relevant and compelling,” she added. “Our members’ businesses are changing; their marketplace is evolving, and we are on the cusp of regulatory and technological transformation that will have a major impact on the sector. Our membership offer must keep pace.”
NICEIC welcomes new technical director
NICEIC, the UK’s leading Certification Body for the building services industry, has announced the appointment of Paul Collins as their new technical director.
“I want to congratulate Paul on his new appointment,” said Certsure managing director, Richard Orton.
“Having been with the organisation for 13 years and successfully heading up the Technical Services Division for the past four, I have no doubt Paul will bring a wealth of knowledge, experience and enthusiasm to this important role.
Paul has held an number of positions within NICEIC including helpline engineer, head of consulting, head of NICEIC, head of operations and most recently head of technical services. In his new role as technical director, Paul will continue to represent NICEIC on various committees and working groups. “I am delighted to take on this new role,” he said. “I am passionate about our industry, and I am committed to pushing it forward, raising standards, and ensuring technical integrity remains at the heart of everything we do. “There truly has never been a more exciting time to be involved in our industry and I am excited to be part of the team who will continue to develop and cement NICEIC’s leading role within it.”
New MD and board directors at Gripple UK & Ireland
Gripple, the manufacturer of wire joiners and tensioners for agriculture, innovative suspension solutions for construction and engineered solutions for civil, solar and infrastructure applications, has appointed a new managing director for the UK & Ireland and new board directors. Kevin St Clair takes up the role of UK managing director, following 21 years at Gripple, Charlotte Hill will replace Kevin in his former role as operations director and Sam Ryall, joins the UK board as supply chain director. Kevin started his career at Gripple in 2002 as the company’s first quality manager,
responsible for implementing ISO9001 and ISO14001 Certification, before moving into a broader quality and supply chain management role and later becoming site manager at Gripple’s Riverside Works facility in Sheffield. Five years ago, Kevin was promoted to group operations director, where he had full operational responsibility for Gripple’s six UK manufacturing sites.
He said: “I am delighted to take up my new role at Gripple and to be working with a fantastic board of directors. My focus will be on delivering strong results in the UK as well as continuing to improve our global service and support.
Read the latest at:
www.bsee.co.uk
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