SPECIAL FOCUS
insideindustry S
ustainable environment specialist Ian Arbon has been announced as a keynote
speaker for the IOR Annual Conference – the Journey to Net Zero Heating and Cooling – Beyond Refrigeration 2021 which will take place on 21 and 22 April 2021. Mr Arbon’s presentation will be based on The Energy Hierarchy which provides a refreshing approach to tackling the challenge of net zero by putting energy demand reduction at the top of the list of things to consider when developing a plan for a future sustainable energy policy for the future. It highlights the need to challenge why we need to use the energy in the first place and how we can reduce or even eliminate demand.
Mr Arbon is a Fellow of IMechE – as a Founder and past Chair of its Energy, Environment & Sustainability Group, he has a long history in spearheading the Institution’s work in sustainable development. He currently runs Engineered Solutions, a Sustainable Engineering and Management consultancy. The event will be online and feature a programme packed with papers that demonstrate how the refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump sector is responding to the challenge of net zero heating and cooling.
Attendees to the conference will be able to sample keynote papers from experts in the field of environmental policy development and global heating and cooling initiatives, and workshops on leakage reduction and low GWP refrigerant options.
The themes covered during the two days will include Combining/ Balancing Heating and Cooling Demand, Using Energy Intelligently, Making use of Best Available Technology, Reducing the Need for Mechanical Cooling, Achieving Best System Performance, Developing the Best People and Skills and Working Together. To find out more about the
conference including sponsorship opportunities and to register, visit
https://ior.org.uk/events/netzero
O
ne of the construction industry’s largest skills certification registers
is launching a special card for engineers with degrees and other higher-level qualifications. Engineering Services SKILLcard, which has over 64,000 card holders across the UK, has developed the Academically Qualified Person (AQP) card so individuals with higher level qualifications can visit construction sites to help them gain more practical experience. SKILLcard, which is managed by the Building Engineering
Services Association (BESA) and is part of the construction-wide CSCS scheme, is used by heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigeration operatives to provide proof of qualifications, skills and experience. It already offers a Professionally Qualified Person (PQP) card, but this requires a certain level of industry experience. The new AQP card will enable graduate engineers and those holding further education qualifications such as HNDs and HNCs to provide evidence of their qualifications including the health & safety training needed to be allowed on site. Many of these academically qualified engineers do not fit the standard craft and operative criteria recognised by the industry, but need to spend time on site for employment purposes and/or to gain valuable experience to progress to the next stage of their careers. “This new card will provide an
essential bridge for individuals who hold higher level qualifications but don’t have enough workplace experience for the PQP card,” said BESA’s director of certification Rachel Davidson. “Holding a SKILLcard is not a legislative requirement, but many larger clients and contractors now insist on one for site placements or employment – and this is the best way for an engineer to provide
evidence of their qualifications.” The card was developed in
partnership with London South Bank University (LSBU) who stressed the important role it will play in allowing newly qualified engineers to gain site access and build their experience. “Graduates will need this card
during the transition period between graduating and acquiring the appropriate experience for the PQP card, normally while working towards chartered engineer status,” said Tony Thomas, visiting professor of work-based learning at LSBU.
“This card provides a much-
needed imprimatur which will be progressively essential for graduates to gain employment or placements on construction sites.” Professor Thomas also welcomed the stipulation that applicants must pass the Manager’s Health, Safety and Environment qualification or equivalent before placement as he said this would help to improve safety standards on construction sites.
BESA has also extended the list of recognised professional qualifications that qualify for the PQP card and increased the number of professional bodies considered appropriate for the industry to 23 – allowing all their members to apply for an Engineering Services SKILLcard.
10 March 2021
www.acr-news.com
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