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Heating Equipment Manufacturer Trade Associations can fi nd the right pathways to
decarbonisation ambitions By Steve McConnell, Director, ICOM
diff erent areas or industry sectors where they have a primary requirement. Humidifi ers are commonly used for human comfort, whether this be in a
medical institution or offi ces where they are key to preventing the transmission of viruses, stopping sore eyes or combating respiratory issues. Other sectors where humidifi cation control is a major factor is within test chambers and laboratories where a required set level of humidity is vital for maintaining a stable environment. This is also the case in museums and galleries where a stable environment of the right conditions is key to ensuring the preservation of the artwork. Dehumidifi ers are frequently used with swimming pools but can also create
exceptionally dry environments, such as for the manufacture of lithium batteries or within the pharmaceutical and food sectors to ensure the transmission of powders. A more standard application could be to prevent corrosion on metal surfaces or the preservation of valuable items such as classic cars. A humidity monitor, or hygrometer, is used to measure indoor humidity
levels. The device detects the amount of water vapour within a space. Humidity monitoring or measurement is essential to understand potential issues or to act as a warning before the moisture level goes out of specifi cation.
A date for your diaries
This year we held the fi rst ever World Humidity Control Day. The date, 12th March, holds historical signifi cance as it commemorates the birthday of John Frederic Daniell, a pioneer in our fi eld. His legacy as the inventor of the dew-point hygrometer reminds us of the profound impact that scientifi c advancements can have on our industry.
The purpose of the day is not only to highlight the signifi cance of humidity
control in specifi c applications but also to educate people on the impacts of humidity control on wellbeing and productivity. In future years we hope to add seminars and activities to run as part of the day and continue to raise awareness around this increasingly important issue.
s we have become used to in recent years, Government has been keen to commit to Net Zero targets, but when its intentions clash with reality, the promises seem to be soon broken with little impunity. Initiatives to support their policies have time-after-time been poorly created and have been rolled-out with little regard of the industry that it directly aff ects. Manufacturers put plans in place to react to the impending schemes only to have the rug pulled from under their feet, often with signifi cant fi nancial implications and wasted time. We don’t need to look too hard to fi nd examples. The Green Deal, the Boiler
Upgrade Scheme (even the name didn’t capture the intent of the scheme!) and most recently CHMM – delayed now until 1st April 2025 at least – or possibly kicked into the long grass for someone else to think about after the election. All these initiatives have been embarked on with either no consultation at all with ICOM, or the feedback from Trade Associations has we’re told, been noted but then largely ignored. This is possibly because the architects of the schemes think Trade Associations are being protectionist and will just scupper the plans. Heating equipment manufacturers all have alternatives to their traditional
products. They know that continuing to burn fossil fuels when there are viable alternatives that could be used is not sustainable. But although it is a noble ambition, we can’t just turn off the tap to the existing gas network. A transitional approach to decarbonisation should be taken with agreement
from all stakeholders that is achievable and relevant. The milestones are more likely to be reached because everyone involved will know the part they have to play in achieving the end goal. If Government worked together with heating trade associations on determining the way forward, the possibilities widen and the wastage of time, resource and expense in rolling-out initiatives to scrap them just before or after launch will stop.
If we look a little further afi eld we can see a collaborative approach can work well. It has proved successful in the Netherlands where their Government decided to consult with heating equipment manufacturer trade associations to get agreements on decarbonising existing housing stock before setting out on their endeavours. The results of the combined eff ort brought the purpose into focus and actually went beyond the original ambitions. ICOM and its members are ready to tackle the challenges of decarbonisation and engaging with them will help to fi nd the combined pathways needed if we are to get to net-zero and decarbonise heating. We believe it is possible to do this and far more likely to succeed if we take a collaborative approach and work together to achieve a shared ambition.
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