PHAM NEWS | FEBRUARY 2025 Point of View A year of change
As the Association of Plumbing & Heating Contractors marks its centenary this year, CEO John Thompson anticipates some of the changes ahead which could have a lasting impact on the industry.
T
his year is set to be a year of change as the UK continues to develop plans towards net zero in 2050. Whilst we still feel as though we’re at
the very early stages of this journey and there are many questions associated with how we reach the end game, it’s safe to say that the net zero developments that are now happening will shape what our industry looks like for decades to come. The Clean Heat Market Mechanism (CHMM) regulations are now in place and ready to be launched this April. They aim to introduce a market-based mechanism that incentivises the adoption of heat pumps as a proportion of fossil fuel boiler sales. The aim is to provide heating appliance manufacturers with the policy certainty needed to invest in low-carbon technologies. The CHMM also focuses on building
capacity and skills within the supply chain. The Heat Pump Investment Accelerator Competition and the Heat Training Grant are designed to support manufacturers and installers in scaling up production and installation capabilities. Overall, the CHMM regulations represent what is aimed to be a significant step towards a sustainable, low-carbon future.
Future homes The Future Homes Standard for new build properties was scheduled to be launched and implemented this year. However, towards the end of last year announcements identifi ed that the new government were considering some amendments and tweaks to the final content. Probably the most significant development for the plumbing & heating industry is the date by which fossil fuel boilers should cease to be installed in new builds. The latest position is that it’s likely to be 2026/2027 when that ban will come into eff ect with new builds. As to whether we see the Future Homes Standard being introduced this year is questionable at present on the basis that a change to the Building Regulations will be required and we’ve yet to see any proposals for those changes.
Certifi cation scheme The new version of the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) is being introduced during this year. The scheme will be significantly changed from the previous version. One of the primary goals of the revised MCS that has been much welcomed by installers is to shift the focus from paperwork-heavy assessments to practical, performance-based evaluations. This means that instead of emphasising
administrative tasks, the new scheme will prioritise the actual quality of installed systems. The new scheme will see the introduction of a ‘Quality Risk Model’ that adjusts the frequency of assessments based on the quality of an installer’s work. Installers who consistently deliver high-quality installations will face fewer assessments, while those with lower performance
will
be assessed more frequently. Overall, the changes to
the MCS are designed to foster greater consumer confi dence in renewable energy technologies
– whether the desired outcomes are to be achieved will be seen over time.
WaterSafe In late 2024 WaterSafe, the UK’s national register for approved plumbers, launched a signifi cant campaign that is continuing throughout this year urging all plumbers and installers to pledge to use only lead-free solder in plumbing systems. Despite the use of lead solder in drinking water systems being illegal for over 35 years, a recent survey revealed that many plumbers still carry and use lead solder. Water companies also periodically report coming across new cold water installations where lead solder has been used that has led to serious lead poisoning (contamination) incidents. Lead can dissolve into drinking water,
posing serious health risks, particularly to babies and young children. To combat this, WaterSafe is calling on all installers to sign a pledge to only carry and use lead- free solder in their work. The pledge aims to ensure that no lead solder is accidentally used in drinking water systems, thereby safeguarding consumers’ health. By promoting the use of lead-free solder, WaterSafe hopes to eliminate the risk of lead contamination in drinking water, ensuring safer and healthier water for all. I’d urge you to sign up and commit to the pledge found online.
Centenary year I’m proud to say that 2025 is a highly significant year for APHC as we’re celebrating our centenary this year, marking 100 years of dedication to the plumbing and heating industry. Founded in 1925, APHC has been a
cornerstone in supporting businesses of all sizes in the plumbing and heating industry in England and Wales. The centenary celebrations will include a series of events, workshops, and awards to honour the achievements of our members and the industry’s evolution over the past century. In turn, we’ll be providing all our members with a gift to mark the centenary and to thank them for their loyal support. ◼
phamnews.co.uk/225/41
FIND SOME BALANCE.
NEW PTRVs FROM INTATEC.
New Pressure Independent Thermostatic Radiator Valves feature an incorporated differential pressure regulator.
Each pre-settable thermostatic valve comes with six pre-set Kv values. The flow rate pre-setting limits the maximum flow passing through the radiator and thereby ensures simple and effective radiator circuit balancing.
Available in 15mm & 1/2”, straight and angled. For more details visit
intatec.co.uk/ptrv
Intatec Limited Airfi eld Industrial Estate, Hixon, Staff ordshire ST18 0PF t. 01889 272180 e.
sales@intatec.co.uk www.intatec.co.uk
Proud to be a leading Briti sh Brand
SCAN FOR MORE INFO
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
