Contractor hub Green and sustainable
Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) are fundamental to the management of any building. Although HVAC technology is designed to remove pollution, it can also create it. Therefore, the demand for strict regulation for installers to adhere to, along with the use of much greener and more environmentally friendly products, has grown. Chairman of Western Thermal, Suresh M Lodha advises on sustainability through green technology
B
usinesses have seen many industries change their ways by developing new methods which have a positive impact on
our ecosystem. Today, the need for these practices is becoming more and more apparent in the HVAC industry as it continues to adapt and evolve to an ever-demanding market. When it comes to HVAC systems, there is always the possibility that these products will damage the environment through the unnecessary use of energy. This results in the greater consumption of non-renewable energy, contributing to environmental pollution due to using electricity to burn fossil fuels. In addition to these, other harmful pollutants that HVAC can create are through air conditioning chemicals, noise, water that has been contaminated and refrigerants which damage the earth’s ozone layer. As a result, the HVAC industry has had to develop emerging sustainability products, including green technology in order to meet the stricter requirements imposed on them. With this in mind, it is expected that those in the HVAC industry as well as other similar professionals could develop a better understanding of these concepts and apply effective strategies and techniques for meeting the goal of a greener, more prosperous industry and environment. In pushing for greater sustainability – the
preservation of the earth’s natural resources – a greater building block can be established for businesses. This is because HVAC is a constantly evolving industry in which many manufacturers are constantly looking at ways to make their equipment a lot more efficient for the consumer. As the consumer is now more conscious in what they buy and more companies are under pressure to meet these demands, going sustainable is something that has become essential. As a result, this has forced an improvement in HVAC products and the industry.
This leads to the ever growing importance of
green technology, which has continued to bring about major benefits for the industry. Products have become more efficient, cheaper and have kept up with the demands of government on using renewable energy. As explained, in going green these new systems ensure that the energy is efficient as well as environmentally friendly. The proper moisture regulation, cleaner air and energy conservation all emphasise this. Businesses will
benefit from the savings too as studies have revealed they increase productivity, create new jobs and also meet demands. The consumer also gets to reap the rewards of green technology by saving money as they are more durable products and this also allows customers to enjoy the health benefits they provide. To support this, sustainability also provides the platform to reduce costs for a business through a number of simple steps which can see these practices result in an effective return on investment, thus increasing profitability. Companies have come up with ways to reduce wasted energy. An example of this is changing the filters in HVAC products and accessories. As dirty filters result in bad air quality, the environmental impact is clear and will cost more in maintenance for a HVAC producer so changing them regularly is a sustainable practice as it will reduce waste and energy costs considerably. When it comes to green technology, it is clear that there have been a number of products which have revolutionised HVAC. Green technology enhances the sustainability, environment and also reduces the costs for the company. So far, geothermal heat pumps, smart thermostats and ice-powered air conditioners have been seen as the green technologies which have changed the landscape of the industry. The technology has already delivered long-lasting benefits which will see companies prosper in today’s society. There is no doubt both sustainability and green technology have helped shape the HVAC industry. Both sustainability and green technology are vital cogs in the HVAC machine as they are dependent on one another and this has been proven with the steps the industry has taken over the years. However, there is still plenty of work that needs to be done in order for it to be re-shaped in the image held by governments, business owners and consumers. Nevertheless, as HVAC continues to develop new ideas and introduce innovative products, the time that needs to be taken on these should be paramount to any future success and progress. In the case of green technology, there needs to be much testing before it is deemed suitable for use for companies and customers. By not emphasising the importance of this, the industry will not be able to drive forward and risks being left behind as other alternatives become available.
RETENTIONS ACTION
statutory requirements to pay within 30 days and recommended that cash retentions be held in independent accounts. It also called for the Small Business Commissioner’s remit to cover construction and give him the power to fine late payers. The report echoes recent announcements by Cabinet Office Minister Oliver Dowden MP that main contractors be excluded from public sector contracts if they fail to pay supply chains on time. Dowden and the BEIS Committee report have been praised by the ECA and BESA. Many of the outcomes of the report reflect
T
evidence given by BESA and ECA members directly to the Select Committee and in written submissions. As political support continues to grow, pressure is mounting on the Government and industry to come together and find a solution to the issue of retentions. BESA Public Affairs and policy manager Alexi Ozioro said: “With the anniversary of Carillion only one month away, this is a very welcome report. To have the BEIS Committee back retentions reform is a huge step for fair payments. The report goes further than previous ones, because it actually calls on Government to act with sound recommendations. “The Aldous Bill now has 270 MPs supporting it, there is industry consensus on the need for reform and now Select Committees are calling on government for independently held retentions. It looks like change is finally coming to the industry.” The BEIS Select Committee report states:
“We are shocked by the extent of late payments and the impact they are having on small businesses. This includes the personal cost to owners and workers but also the local communities they serve and the wider UK economy. It is completely unacceptable.”
he BEIS Committee report into Small Businesses and Productivity has called on the Government to introduce
www.heatingandventilating.net
January 2019
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44
