Research reveals significant solar carport opportunity

Schools and hospitals should leverage funding to install solar carports, a renewable expert has said, after research has revealed a significant power generation opportunity from car parks. Damian Barker, Managing Director of RenEnergy, has said that institutions could regain control of their finances and energy supply if they elect to use the government’s new £180 million funding to install this unique method of solar energy generation. To evaluate the potential impact carports could have, RenEnergy has commissioned ongoing research to identify how many parking spaces could be suitable for installation. So far, over 151,000 suitable parking spaces have been identified across schools, colleges, universities, hospitals and medical facilities in England and Scotland, which could produce over 350 GWh of power – enough to cover the average annual consumption of over 97,000 UK homes. With the UK having 32,149 schools and 1,148 hospitals, the research has only scratched the surface of the amount of green power that could be produced. If schools used the first major investment from the government’s state-owned power provider to invest in solar carports, RenEnergy believes they could use the now available energy funds to finance a variety of much needed assets. With the teaching crisis putting substantial pressure on senior leadership to retain talent while balancing costs, reducing energy bills could allow schools to attract new educational providers and vital equipment and resources, the energy expert claims. Alongside this, by generating green energy, schools can help meet their local authority’s sustainability goals and provide teachers, students and parents with EV charging ports. On the other hand, hospitals require a consistent flow of energy to perform and provide critical medical care to patients. RenEnergy believes that if they were to install solar carports, trusts would be able to provide additional resilience, managing challenges and delays due to power cuts. Alongside providing green energy hospital premises, solar carports can also provide EV charging points to help the increasing number of electric vehicles recharge. As many hospital patients may be travelling long distances to receive specialist care, ensuring that they have an accessible space to charge their car is vital. According to the Carbon Trust, schools spend £543 million each year on electricity bills, while the NHS is the single largest public energy user at nearly £1.5 billion. The use of solar carports could significantly reduce this figure, RenEnergy believes, allowing for the funds to be reinvested in teachers and medical advancements. Damian Barker, Managing Director of RenEnergy, explains, “The rising costs for schools and hospitals has been of concern for many years now, with cutbacks and price increases impacting productivity. This is why the government has elected to make £180 million available to help future-proof these institutions with renewable energy solutions. Not only will this help reduce their bills, but also their carbon footprint. “With the staggering amount schools and hospitals spend on energy alone, the money that they save can be reinvested in research, hiring, supplies and more so that they can provide a high-quality service. Carports can help make this a reality by using an existing asset which schools and hospitals have an abundance of.” To add this additional facility, hospitals and schools do not need to apply for planning permission due to the installation being covered by permitted development. Once built, management will have to contact the District Network Operator (DNO) to secure grid capacity. Damian continues, “The government has made its plans clear to help reduce the carbon footprint of schools and hospitals by investing in green power solutions. Carports could have a significant role in the rollout of this £180 million funding, helping institutions regain control of their finances and invest in the future.” For more from RenEnergy, click here.

Aico announces winner of Smart Social Spaces competition

Aico has announced Bromford Flagship as the winner of its Smart Social Spaces competition. As a result, the housing group will receive technology to fit 10 of its properties with Aico’s innovative home life safety systems. Aico says that the initiative marks an important step in Bromford Flagship’s mission to enhance resident safety, reduce maintenance visits, and improve overall well-being. The prize includes a suite of home life safety and environmental monitoring equipment, including Aico’s Gateway, 3000 Series alarms, and Environmental Sensors. The systems will offer comprehensive protection and life safety monitoring capabilities, ensuring Bromford Flagship’s residents can live in safer and healthier homes. The competition was open to all members of Aico’s SHPN Network. After several entries, it was evident that Bromford Flagship’s entry focused on its aims to invest in safety and improve the energy efficiency of their properties, aiming to reach at least a C rating by 2028. In addition, Bromford Flagship wanted to utilise Aico’s technology to tackle asset management, compliance, disrepair, fuel poverty and improving resident health and wellbeing. Bromford Flagship plans to use the pilot installations to target properties with electric heating systems, aiming to reduce the frequency of annual visits to residents by enabling remote monitoring through the Gateway. In addition, the Environmental Sensors will play a critical role in improving the living conditions of residents by providing valuable data on temperature, humidity, and air quality. By addressing environmental factors that influence health and comfort, Bromford is committed to promoting the long-term well-being of its residents. Paul House, M&E Programme Manager Electrical at Bromford, comments, “We are thrilled to have won this competition and to partner with Aico on this exciting project. This initiative aligns perfectly with our customer obsession goals, and will enhance the safety, comfort, and sustainability of our homes allowing our customers to thrive. We look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on our customers lives." Aico’s HomeLINK Environmental Sensors connect to the Gateway, providing valuable real-time data on temperature, humidity, and air quality, which are then analysed to identify properties at increased risk of developing damp and mould. This proactive monitoring allows for early intervention, preventing any issues from escalating. A key feature of HomeLINK technology is its ability to differentiate between environmental and structural causes of damp and mould through their 'Signature of Mould' technology. This distinction enables targeted solutions, whether addressing ventilation problems or underlying structural issues. Landlords and property managers gain access to comprehensive data and analytics through the HomeLINK platform, facilitating informed decision-making and efficient management of damp and mould concerns. The pilot installations represent a forward-thinking approach to housing management, Aico says, leveraging smart technology to improve operational efficiency while prioritising the health and safety of residents. Peter Price-Higgott, Relationship Manager for Gloucestershire, Wiltshire & Avon, comments, “Congratulations to Bromford for winning the Smart Social Spaces competition! We're eager to support the team as they integrate IoT into their housing stock and continue our collaboration. We look forward to seeing the outcomes of the pilot scheme and the positive impact it will have on their residents.” For more from Aico, click here.

ECA President opens Half-house full of sustainable potential

Stuart Smith, President of the Electrical Contractors' Association (ECA), was among dignitaries at the launch of the Half-house to teach sustainable building practices. The Half-house is located at Farnborough College of Technology’s construction campus. Students have the space of a cross-section of a house to do practical work, and learn about safety, using sustainable technology and building practices such as electric vehicle charging, heat pumps, battery storage and solar panels. Stuart Smith, ECA President, says, “This a fantastic opportunity to inspire and train young engineers of the future in renewable energy. The targets to decarbonise UK power by 2030 will simply not be met without the investment in training of young engineers. “This facility is a first-class opportunity to give hands-on experience and knowledge and hopefully inspire these students to become renewable experts. “This ties in nicely with the current ECA campaign called ‘Electrifying Our Future’, which highlights the importance of the electrical sector in the UK’s clean energy transition by 2030.” The launch event was held at the new facilities on the college campus where students and apprentices look to pursue a career in industries such as electrical contracting. For more from ECA, click here.

Markel Direct reveals most common construction injuries

A new study by Markel Direct, a specialist insurer of tradespeople, has revealed the most common injuries faced by those working in the construction industry. The survey, which asked over 300 tradespeople about the impact of workplace injuries and illness, found the most common causes of workplace injuries for tradespeople, with 44% of tradespeople reporting that “faulty equipment or tools” as the reason for their injuries in the workplace - whilst other reasons given were “Lack of PPE” (38%) and “Poor safety regulations on site” (36%). The most common causes of workplace injuries to tradespeople in full: Faulty equipment or tools (44% of tradespeople) Lack of PPE (38%) Poor safety regulations on site (36%) Personal mistake (29%) Mistake or fault of others (16%) Injured while handling, lifting or carrying (13%) Not adhering to health and safety regulations (12%) Weather conditions (11%) Slips, trips or falls on same level (10%) Falls from a height (6%) 41% of respondents who had experienced an injury reported that it was as a result of a third-party (such as a co-worker), whilst a fifth of respondents reported not always taking the necessary health and safety measures at work, potentially putting themselves at risk of harm. The study also found that head injuries and concussion are the most common injury sustained by tradespeople, with over a third (37%) of respondents having experienced this in their line of work. The second most common injury was minor broken bones, including fingers or toes, which 33% have experienced. Whilst this type of injury isn’t usually a cause for concern, in manual skilled trades it can significantly impact the ability to work, which in turn leads to a loss of earnings for the tradesperson. The third most common was back injury, impacting 28% of tradespeople in the UK. The 10 most common injuries for tradespeople in the UK: Head injury/concussion (37% of tradespeople) Minor broken bone: fingers, toes, nose etc. (33%) Back injury (28%) Shoulder injury (27%) Knee injury (20%) Strain or sprain: ankles, wrists (18%) Large cuts or wounds (18%) Eye injury (15%) Neck injury (15%) Dislocation (9%) The survey also found that half of respondents had lost income or a contract as a result of their injury. But, despite the risk of injury (and accompanying income loss) in the construction industry, more than four in 10 tradespeople reported not having insurance to protect them against accidents on site, putting their finances and livelihood at risk. Rob Rees, Divisional Director at Markel Direct, comments, “Taking adequate health and safety precautions is key to staying safe, but it’s important to have a safety net in the event something happens. Arranging insurance cover – such as occupational personal accident insurance – can help support you financially if you can’t work because of an injury on the job, minimising the impact of lost days on your income”. To read the full study, click here. For more from Markel Direct, click here.

NAPIT supports plans for tougher sentencing of tool thieves

NAPIT has welcomed plans calling for changes to the law so that tool thieves face tougher sentences reflecting the full impact of their crimes. Amanda Martin, MP for Portsmouth North, and the sister of an electrician, has tabled the Tools of Trade Theft (Sentencing) Bill, which will have its second reading in Parliament on 25 April. She is calling for changes so that theft of tools is classed as causing “significant additional harm” and sentencing should factor in total financial losses - not just the value of stolen tools but also repair costs and lost work. This would mean tougher sentences of between six months and two years in prison instead of a community order, reflecting the impact of the offences. The campaign was launched at an event in the House of Commons in front of tradespeople and MPs, including Mansfield MP Steve Yemm whose constituency includes the NAPIT head office. They heard first-hand about the impact tool theft has on individuals, business and families. Theft of tools happens every 22 seconds in the UK and it can take a few minutes to empty vans or premises of thousands of pounds worth of essential equipment. NAPIT Managing Director, Frank Bertie, says, “We are pleased to add our support to this very important initiative and thank Amanda for raising the profile of tool theft which impacts far too many people. “It is not just the financial loss that hits tradespeople hard, but the impact it has on businesses, family members and the mental health of those worried about how they will work without their tools. “People may buy tools at car boot sales or down the pub but they need to be aware of the impact tool theft has on others, and if this Bill is adopted it could provide a real deterrent to those stealing tools.” Amanda Martin is urging tradespeople to contact their local MP about the issue and sign her petition at Labour Surveys ahead of the next reading of the Bill. For more from NAPIT, click here.

Trilux launches Osido outdoor wall light range

Trilux has unveiled Osido, a new outdoor wall light range that delivers harmonised aesthetics, intelligent technology, and enhanced sustainability for building surrounds. The series launches with four shapes - square, rectangular, round, and oval - offering a consistent design language across different outdoor applications. Developed with flexibility and ease of installation in mind, Osido features an innovative one-person mounting system, a face illumination module for improved safety, and a specially angled indirect light component that directs illumination onto façades, reducing scattered light in the upper half-space and enhancing architectural staging. Available since February 2025, the range will soon expand to include bollards, spotlights, and ceiling luminaires. A cohesive lighting concept for building surrounds Exterior façades, staircases, pathways, and entrance areas often require different lighting approaches, leading to inconsistent visual designs. Osido eliminates this challenge with a coordinated family of luminaires, ensuring a harmonised appearance while maintaining exceptional lighting performance. The series also integrates seamlessly into indoor spaces, providing design continuity across entire buildings. The Osido wall lights boast a modern, minimalist aesthetic, featuring gently rounded edges and a high-quality die-cast aluminium housing with no visible screws. Standard finishes include elegant anthracite, with custom colour options available on request. Quick, secure and tool-free installation A standout feature of Osido is its newly developed Plug & Play installation system, enabling fast, one-person mounting. A larger cavity behind the mounting plate allows easy cable routing, while a fixed plug connector ensures a secure electrical connection. Thanks to an automatic safety catch, the luminaire housing attaches to the mounting plate without tools, providing tamper resistance and theft protection. Versatile optics for many lighting requirements Osido offers a diverse selection of MLT optics, allowing the luminaires to meet both functional and decorative lighting needs. Options include: • Direct and direct/indirect distribution for different lighting effects • Narrow or wide beam angles for targeted illumination • Asymmetrical light distribution for pathway lighting • A face illumination module directs soft lighting towards pedestrians, improving visibility and enhancing perceived safety in outdoor spaces With luminous flux packages ranging from 500 to 4,000 lumens and three light colour temperatures (2,700K, 3,000K, 4,000K), the range provides complete design flexibility. Sustainability meets smart technology Osido combines high energy efficiency (≥ 143 lm/W) with a long service life of 50,000 hours, reinforcing Trilux's commitment to sustainable lighting products. A unique six-degree angled indirect light component ensures precise façade illumination, reducing spill light and enhancing architectural integration. For further energy savings and automation, the luminaires can be equipped with smart control options, including: • Switchable (ET), dimmable (ETDD), and Casambi (ETBLE+CAS) variants • An emergency lighting version with a monitoring module • Full integration with Trilux LiveLink light management system for networked control and automation With Osido, Trilux delivers a future-proof lighting innovation that merges design, smart control, and sustainability. For more from Trilux, click here.

Electrical phase identification device to enhance efficiency

PENTA has unveiled a new device that has been designed to optimise workflow while ensuring safety and precision in electrical phase identification and analysis. Engineered for professionals managing electrical networks, the Phantom electrical phase identifier offers a range of features that are designed to simplify operations and improve performance. The Phantom quickly identifies electrical phases (L1, L2, L3) at any point in the network, allowing for precise phase detection, accurately indicating in seconds phase shifts caused by transformers, displaying results in angles or time indexes for easy interpretation. With instant feedback, users can efficiently prepare operations or make real-time decisions, even without Internet or GPS connectivity, the deferred mode ensures continued operation. While a single reference module seamlessly connects with multiple measurement modules, enhancing usability. Compact and lightweight, it is easy to handle in the field. Offering flexible measurement options, allowing for remote, proximity, or contact measurements with live parts, it is compatible with all AC voltage levels, making it adaptable to various network configurations. This Phantom is the perfect solution for modern electrical network management. By streamlining operations, reducing downtime, and ensuring unmatched accuracy, it empowers professionals to work more efficiently while maintaining the highest safety standards. Whether for restructuring projects or network maintenance, this tool delivers the reliability needed for seamless reclosure. For more from PENTA, click here.

UK Power Networks developing platform to safeguard networks

UK Power Networks is helping to develop and test a new digital platform which could help power lines weather any storm. In collaboration with organisations from across the utility sector and beyond, UK Power Networks is developing a digital platform called CReDO+ (Climate Resilience Decision Optimiser), which aims to help safeguard networks against the effects of climate change. The Artificial Intelligence tool works by creating a digital replica, or twin, of infrastructure assets then combining historic and predictive data to simulate how resilient power lines would be during different types of extreme weather. By consolidating data from across the electricity, water, gas and telecommunications sectors, CReDO+ maps out how different infrastructure systems depend on each other, to understand risks that can spread across sectors. The platform then creates new models that predict where utilities should invest to improve resilience. The project is being developed with partners including Connected Places Catapult, Computational Modelling Cambridge, Science and Technology Facilities Council (Hartree Centre and STFC Scientific Computing’s Data & Analytics Facility for National Infrastructure), Cadent Gas, National Gas, SP Energy Networks, National Grid Electricity Transmission, National Energy System Operator, Anglian Water, Thames Water, BT and the University of Edinburgh. The collaboration on CReDO+ represents a shift towards more holistic risk management in the face of climate change. In today’s interconnected world, sharing data between different utilities can enable them to make better long-term investment decisions to prevent climate change causing widespread disruption to services. CReDO+ is one of three UK Power Networks projects that secured funding from the Strategic Innovation Fund, an Ofgem programme managed in partnership with Innovate UK, to start large-scale trials. During earlier funding phases, CReDO+ developed and validated its digital twin technology, while also establishing clear guidelines for data sharing, security and regulatory compliance. Over the next three years, CReDO+ will work on expanding its impact by making its digital twin technology accessible for more regions and sectors. It will also refine its use of AI and machine learning for better climate planning and standardising ways to share data. Luca Grella, Head of Innovation at UK Power Networks, says, “With CReDO+, we're unlocking invaluable insights that will transform the way we understand and prepare for the challenges of climate change. “By harnessing the power of data and advanced predictive modelling, CReDO+ will give us a clearer, more detailed picture of how extreme weather will impact our infrastructure. The ability to simulate these scenarios allows us to proactively safeguard our networks and ensure we’re not only resilient today, but future-ready for the evolving challenges ahead." Dr Elliot Christou, Data and Technical Lead at Connected Places Catapult, and CReDO lead, adds, "CReDo+ will help us to deliver a digital twin platform that will better understand infrastructure interdependencies, improve conditions for planning investment into climate resilience, and evaluate the benefits of taking action. We look forward to working with UK Power Networks and other partners in the development of this project." For more from UK Power Networks, click here.

Legrand launches training portal for electrical contractors

Legrand UK & Ireland is furthering its commitment to supporting electrical contractors with the launch of its new online training portal. Developed to provide electrical professionals at all levels with easy access to training resources - and to complement the training already offered in Legrand Training Academy centres in London, Birmingham, Reading and Dublin - the online portal currently features over 20 courses covering healthcare, education, data centres, office environments and other project applications. To maximise convenience, the courses are accessible on the portal throughout the year and presented in easily digestible bite-sized sessions. The training content consists of information on a specific product or application, followed by a brief quiz. The portal then saves users’ progress, so they can make the training fit their schedule without the worry of losing track of which courses have been completed. Matt Crunden, Training & BIM Manager at Legrand UK & Ireland, says, “We are proud of our Training Academy, and the new online portal shows just how committed we are to educating electrical professionals across the industry. We understand that it’s not easy for contractors to find time to learn about product applications, so the portal has been designed from the ground up, with convenience in mind. “Contractors can search by application or by product type to find training that benefits them. The courses themselves are bite sized taking no more than 20 minutes each to complete. “Legrand’s training portfolio empowers contractors to increase their knowledge and skill with the blend of in-person academy training supported by online resources that best suits their schedules.” For more information on the training academy and to access the portal, click here. For more from Legrand, click here.

MSP adds support for SELECT's electrician campaign

Scotland’s largest construction trade association, SELECT, continues to draw cross-party support for its activities in its 125th year, with another prominent MSP publicly supporting its campaign for protection of title for electricians. Lorna Slater, Scottish Green Party co-leader and former Minister for Green Skills, the Circular Economy and Biodiversity is the latest politician to add her name to the campaigning trade body’s Wall of Support. Showing her support with a virtual ‘brick’, the MSP for Lothian Region says, “Currently within Scotland, due to a lack of regulation anyone can claim to be an electrician and carry out electrical work without proper qualification or oversight. “The installation of electrical work by unqualified or inadequately trained individuals is a major safety concern and risks potential harm to people and businesses. “I therefore welcome SELECT’s campaign for the regulation of the electrical industry and to make electrician a protected title to aid the protection of the people and the profession.” Lorna – who was born in Canada and worked in Scotland as an engineer in the renewables sector – has also joined 25 MSPs from across the political divide who have backed the recent tabling of a special motion in the Scottish Parliament, congratulating SELECT on representing the electrical industry since 1900. The motion was lodged by Monica Lennon, Labour MSP for Central Scotland, who also singled out the ongoing contribution of SELECT and its members to renewable technology and apprenticeships and training. SELECT Managing Director, Alan Wilson, comments, “As we celebrate our 125th anniversary as the world’s oldest electrical trade body, it is gratifying to see our ongoing work being supported by such a large cross-section of politicians. “We very much welcome Ms Slater’s expression of solidarity for our campaign for regulation of the electrical industry. It has been a long, hard road but we will continue to focus all our efforts in bringing it to a successful conclusion. “We are also very grateful to the MSPs who have backed Ms Lennon’s special motion highlighting just how much SELECT has done to promote the cause of public safety and the contribution the electrical sector makes to it.” As well as a number of MSPs, other bodies that have contributed a brick to the Wall of Support include the Scottish Joint Industry Board, Unite the Union, Electrical Safety First, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, the Scottish Association of Landlords, the Specialist Engineering Contractors’ Group and the Energy Saving Trust. SELECT has been campaigning for years with other leading industry bodies, such as the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust and the SJIB, to make sure that those who work in the industry do so in a safe and competent manner. For more from SELECT, click here.