NEWS & APPOINTMENTS


Built environment ‘desperate for an upgrade’ says BESA President


Buildings should be made to work better for social and economic reasons; not just to meet safety and climate change goals, according to the President of the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA).


Speaking at the opening of the Association’s annual conference in London, Claire Curran said the government’s “flip flopping” on net zero and infrastructure policy should not be used as an excuse to delay investment that would “make buildings work better”. “It makes no difference that the


government has got cold feet over its net zero timetable and the cost of vital infrastructure,” she told over 300 conference delegates. “We still have a built environment that is desperate for an upgrade. “We need look no further than the ‘crumbly concrete’ scandal in schools and hospitals for


proof that our existing building stock is not being properly maintained. Vital investment in refurbishment and retrofit has fallen so far behind the curve that many of our built assets are no longer fit for purpose.” She told the event that improving the built environment should be a priority as it was critical to “the hopes and aspirations of this and future generations”. “The buildings we live and work in are crucial to our well-being and quality of life – and


there is nothing more fundamental than that.” Landlords


Curran also criticised the two thirds of residential landlords who told a recent survey that they would rather sell their properties than pay for energy efficiency improvements to meet EPC regulations originally due to come into force in 2025. “And then the government scrapped the deadline anyway,” she said. “What sort of signal does that send? The whole point is that we are supposed to be improving buildings – not letting them continue to degrade.” She added that if the government was serious about wanting to help families who


are struggling with rising costs, then it should support a major programme of building refurbishment and retrofit to reduce their energy bills. “Whether you think net zero is achievable or not, making buildings better is surely a basic social responsibility,” added Curran.


Survey seeks feedback on Buildings at Risk Register


Appointments


NIBE appoints new MD


NIBE Energy Systems, a UK subsidiary of global manufacturer of HVAC solutions for 70-years, has announced the appointment of Paul Smith as managing director. Paul brings a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to advancing the company’s mission during this pivotal time for both the organisation and the UK heating market.


As the UK takes significant steps toward embracing low-carbon technologies, Paul is poised to lead the charge. His appointment comes at a crucial juncture as businesses and the general public seek to adopt low-carbon solutions to combat climate change, with the Government- backed Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) expected to gain momentum following increased grant funding. Paul has expressed his enthusiasm for


collaborating with various stakeholders involved in the deployment of heat pumps. From house builders striving to meet the Future Homes Standard, to installers, whether seasoned experts or newcomers eager to upskill in heat pump technology, and to consumers transitioning from conventional boilers to heat pumps, NIBE UK, under Paul’s leadership, is eager and committed to make the journey to Net Zero as easy as possible. Paul, who started his mission at NIBE on Monday 16 October, said: “I am proud to have joined NIBE at this pivotal period in the UK’s transition to low-carbon technologies. As a heat pump manufacturer, we take immense pride in our product line, and customer service. We are here to support house builders, installers, businesses, and consumers in the years ahead. A sustainable future benefits us all and to achieve it, we must work together to overcome the challenges which sit in our way. I am excited to see our vision become a reality.” NIBE Energy Systems has made substantial investments in support of this vision. After 17 years in the UK, the group has cultivated a robust network of installers through the provision of quality training and a bespoke NIBE Pro Partnership scheme. NIBE offers a range of products, from ground source and air source heat pumps to innovative exhaust air and muti-source heat pumps alongside accessories, catering to diverse property types and heating requirements.


Schneider Electric UK&I bolsters leadership team with two key appointments


Views are being sought on the Buildings at Risk Register - a tool that seeks to identify and secure a sustainable future for buildings at risk in Scotland. The Buildings at Risk Register (BARR) is maintained by Historic Environment Scotland (HES)


and provides information on historic buildings at risk. These include those that are vacant, suffering neglect or threatened with demolition. Just under 2,200 buildings are currently on the register, including churches, pubs, castles, stately homes, and buildings, many listed for their significance. The survey seeks to engage individuals, organisations, communities, and professionals, who have an interest in reuse of historic buildings at risk. Philip Robertson, from HES, said: “The Buildings at Risk Register is intended for use by anyone with an interest in bringing buildings back into use. That includes property developers, heritage organisations, investors, architects, and individuals with an interest in renovating, re-purposing, or saving these buildings. We want to further understand who uses the register and how they use it. ”


The Buildings at Risk Register was established in 1990 in response to the growing concern over vacant listed buildings and those in Conservation Areas that had fallen into disrepair. Mr Robertson added: “Reuse and regeneration of buildings at risk is a sustainable


approach and it helps to contribute to successful placemaking and economic regeneration throughout Scotland. We’re keen to hear from community groups and others who are working to refurbish buildings at risk and to put them to good use. We want to hear how useful the register is for this purpose.” He said: “Anyone who cares about how our countryside, towns and cities look, and how


they prosper, should take part in our survey. It is important we learn about the use of the register as this will help us to understand how best to encourage the repair and reuse of heritage buildings at risk across Scotland.” To take part in the survey, go to https://HarlowConsulting.welcomesyourfeedback.net/ Buildings-at-Risk-Register


4 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER NOVEMBER 2023


Schneider Electric, the specialist in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, has announced two new senior leadership appointments to help maximise the benefits of digital transformation on productivity and energy efficiency. Kristin Baker, who joined Schneider Electric in 2011, assumes the VP industrial & process automation role across the UK & Ireland region at a pivotal time for manufacturers and industrial businesses navigating the energy crisis and seeking to achieve sustainability goals. Replacing Mark Yeeles, who has moved to oversee the company’s data centre business across the region, Kristin’s primary focus is to strengthen collaborations with partners throughout the UK & Ireland, including AVEVA, the specialist in industrial software that was fully acquired by Schneider Electric in January this year and continues to operate as an autonomous business. Kristen Brown replaces Kristin Baker in her previous role as Vice President of strategy for


the region, responsible for developing and implementing group strategy across operations and ensuring short-term strategic execution. She will also manage government affairs, partnerships and Schneider Electric’s sustainable development team. Kristen joined the business in January 2023, initially leading the design and implementation of Schneider’s Future Energy Systems Strategy.


Kristin Baker said: “I am thrilled to be leading an exceptional team dedicated to making a tangible impact in key sectors such as water, food manufacturing and life sciences. Strong industrial performance and climate change mitigation go hand in hand, and digital transformation is crucial to achieving both.” Kristen Brown said: “Schneider Electric has a clear global purpose and vision to empower all to make the most of our energy and resources. I am privileged to take on the responsibility of operationalising that vision as VP of Strategy, in collaboration with colleagues, clients and partners in the UK & Ireland.”


Read the latest at: www.bsee.co.uk


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