NAPIT opens redeveloped MCS Installer Scheme

Certification body and training provider NAPIT has launched the MCS Redeveloped Installer Scheme and confirmed it is now open to new applicants. The updated scheme is intended to strengthen certification standards, consumer protection, and quality across the small-scale renewables sector. It also introduces changes aimed at simplifying processes for installers while maintaining compliance requirements. The scheme includes a revised structure for assessing installer operations. Appendix A of the MCS Installer Operating Requirements sets out different operating scenarios, reflecting varying levels of business processes and controls. NAPIT has also introduced an online calculator to help installers identify which scenario may apply to their organisation. Phased transition for existing installers NAPIT states that existing members will transition to the redeveloped scheme in stages, with most expected to move across during 2026. The process will begin from mid-April, aligned with annual renewals and surveillance activities. Stephen Melton, Commercial and Compliance Director at NAPIT, says, “The MCS Redeveloped Installer Scheme is a key step in enhancing quality and standards in the small-scale renewable sector. "NAPIT will continue to support members throughout the transition to the redeveloped MCS Installer Scheme.” Ian Rippin, CEO of MCS, adds, “The rollout of the redeveloped installer scheme is a significant milestone for the small-scale renewable industry and its continued growth. "Our redeveloped scheme is simple, robust, and rewarding for installers, and will transform consumer protection in the UK, helping to build lasting confidence in home-grown energy. "Congratulations to NAPIT on this exciting achievement. We look forward to continuing our long-standing partnership under the redeveloped scheme and welcoming many installers over in the weeks and months to come.” For more from NAPIT, click here.

RAW opens EV charging hub in Leeds

RAW Charging, an electric vehicle (EV) chargepoint operator for the leisure, retail, and hospitality sectors, has opened a new public electric vehicle charging hub at Cardigan Fields, described as the "largest high-powered site of its kind in Yorkshire." The hub includes 32 charging bays, made up of 14 AC fast chargers, six DC rapid chargers, and 12 ultra-rapid units. It is accessible 24 hours a day, serving a site that sees around 29,000 vehicles pass daily. The installation forms part of a £24.5 million programme led by RAW Charging and Landsec to expand EV charging infrastructure across 25 retail and leisure destinations. Expansion of EV infrastructure across retail sites The Cardigan Fields site builds on an existing partnership between RAW Charging and Landsec, aimed at deploying charging infrastructure across high-footfall locations. It follows a similar installation at Xscape Yorkshire, also operated by RAW Charging. Cardigan Fields is a leisure and retail destination in Leeds, with a mix of entertainment venues, restaurants, and fitness facilities. The new charging hub is intended to support visitors travelling by electric vehicle, as adoption continues to increase across the UK. According to industry figures, electric and hybrid vehicles accounted for around one in four new car sales in 2025, contributing to rising demand for accessible charging facilities. Locations such as retail parks and leisure centres are increasingly being used to provide this infrastructure. Landsec’s portfolio attracts more than 20 million visitors each year. Its collaboration with RAW Charging includes sites such as Bluewater, Gunwharf Quays, White Rose Shopping Park, and Cardigan Fields. The Cardigan Fields chargers support contactless payment and are available at all times. A promotional period offering free charging is scheduled from 13–19 April for users who register with RAW Rewards. Neil Broadbank, Chief Commercial Officer at RAW Charging, says, “We are delighted to bring Yorkshire its largest high-powered public EV charging hub at Cardigan Fields. "This installation is a significant milestone in our partnership with Landsec and our mission to connect amazing places across the UK.” Mark Welsby, Centre Manager at Cardigan Fields, adds, “We are delighted our customers can now use the new ultra-rapid charging hub at Cardigan Fields. "As demand for electric vehicles in the local area continues to grow, it’s vital that our retail destinations offer the infrastructure and convenience that drivers need. "We look forward to continuing our work with RAW Charging to deliver more EV hubs across our portfolio, driving meaningful progress towards net zero and creating long-term value for our communities.” For more from RAW Charging, click here.

'Low-carbon heating to become significant revenue source'

New polling from research foundation Nesta finds that heat pump installers and heating engineers across the UK are expecting low-carbon heating to quickly become a significant source of revenue, with one in four (25%) anticipating that between a quarter and a half of their income will come from low-carbon heating sources by winter. The survey of 200 gas heating engineers and heat pump installers, conducted by Censuswide in March, found that the majority (70%) of respondents expect heat pumps will deliver between 10% and 50% of their revenue by the winter. UK heat pump sales reached another record high in 2025 and interest in low-carbon technology has increased as fears of an energy crisis grow, with reports that sales for heat pumps have gone up by 30% since the start of the conflict in Iran and the Middle East. Nesta’s survey suggests heating engineers who seek hands-on training are best placed to diversify and grow their businesses as the transition to low-carbon heating sources, such as heat pumps, gathers pace. Six in 10 (60%) respondents say hands-on experience with new kit such as heat pumps - whether testing kit at a wholesaler (26%), seeing it in action in a customer’s home (20%), or trying it themselves (14%) - is the most effective way to learn before installation. A previous survey by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero revealed that only 27% of newly trained heat pump installers completed a heat pump installation within a year of training, due partly to a lack of confidence in the technology and the installation process. The skills gap continues Britain needs tens of thousands more trained engineers to hit 450,000 heat pump installations per year by 2030, part of the national drive to cut greenhouse gas emissions and reach emission targets by 2050. By building confidence and know-how during the spring and summer, when heating engineers typically have more availability to upskill, they can expand the services they offer and future‑proof their businesses through access to reliable, well‑paid work in the long term. Madeleine Gabriel, Nesta’s Director of Sustainable Future, says, “Low-carbon heating is becoming central to how heating engineers make a living, so we need to make it easier for them to get hands-on with the technology, build skills that pay, and feel secure as demand grows. "Our existing heating workforce will help to drive a low-carbon future in homes across the UK, but we have to ensure they are well equipped in order for this to happen.” Matthew Kemp, installer at Leaping Hare Renewables in Norfolk, notes, “Heat pumps are a great example of where hands-on learning makes the difference. Once you’ve installed it and seen how it runs day to day, you understand the design and commissioning details in a way a course can’t replicate. "For experienced heating engineers like myself, as well as the next generation, including my daughter, Hope, it offers a great opportunity to upskill and get ready for the growing demand for low-carbon heating.”

Vent-Axia: 'Future Homes Standard puts ventilation in focus'

Ventilation manufacturer Vent-Axia has welcomed the Future Homes Standard - alongside the publication of updated Approved Document Part F (Means of Ventilation) and Part L (Conservation of Fuel and Power) of the Building Regulations - as a step forward in reducing residential carbon emissions. The Future Homes Standard is expected to deliver homes that produce 75–80% less carbon emissions compared to 2013 standards. However, as buildings become increasingly airtight, Vent-Axia believes indoor air quality (IAQ) must also be considered to protect occupants' well-being. The company has highlighted the updated guidance's strengthened focus on competency, noting that well-designed, correctly installed, and effectively commissioned ventilation systems will be more important than ever as compliance becomes more complex for housebuilders. What the updated Building Regulations mean for installers Part F now states that greater care should be taken when installing mechanical ventilation systems, particularly centralised ones, and that the installer must be suitably competent - for example, a registered competent person - and that the work must meet Building Regulations requirements. Compliance can be demonstrated via self-certification by a registered competent person, or certification by a building control body. Part F also introduces guidance that those commissioning and testing mechanical ventilation systems should be trained and hold membership of an organisation that independently verifies their competence. There is also increased emphasis on system design, including airflow performance and ductwork resistance. The addition of maximum design system pressure for Mechanical Ventilation (MEV) and Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) systems means designers must ensure pressure calculations are completed for each project. Part L introduces tighter specific fan power (SFP) targets across ventilation. Intermittent fans remain at 0.5W/l/s, while decentralised MEV (dMEV) is set at 0.3W/l/s and centralised MEV at 0.5W/l/s for new build. MVHR systems are reduced to 1.4W/l/s for new build. Part F also brings further changes to ducting, with a shift away from flexible ductwork. Rigid or smooth semi-rigid ducting is now required for continuous MEV or MVHR, while rigid ducting with duct lengths kept to a maximum of 2m is required for intermittent extract fans or dMEV where possible. Where duct runs exceed 2m, detailed design calculations and drawings must be provided to building control by a competent person. Joe Brawn, Product and Marketing Director at Vent-Axia, says, "We welcome the Future Homes Standard and the clarity it provides housebuilders. "As carbon targets rise and homes become more airtight, it will become even more important to ensure ventilation systems are correctly designed, installed, and commissioned to ensure good indoor air quality." In response to the changes, Vent-Axia is opening a new training facility at its Dudley manufacturing site in the coming months, adding to its existing NICEIC Domestic Ventilation Training Course at its Crawley training suite. The two-day course covers legal requirements, system design, installation, testing, commissioning, and fault-finding in line with the latest National Occupational Standards and Minimum Technical Competency documents. For more from Vent-Axia, click here.

Last Mile secures multi-utility contract for 6,500 homes

Last Mile, a GB-based independent multi-utility infrastructure provider, is set to help bring 6,500 new homes, five schools, and a range of commercial premises to the Waterbeach redevelopment in Cambridgeshire. UKPS (now Last Mile) was appointed by Urban & Civic to design, build, and manage utility services at Waterbeach. This includes one of the UK’s single largest water network adoptions under the New Appointment and Variations (NAV) programme. The company will replace the incumbent, Staffordshire Water, taking ownership and responsibility for the clean water infrastructure at the development. In total, the contract encompasses the delivery of: • Over 5,400 electricity connections • Over 5,400 clean water connections • Over 5,400 fibre connections, with an ultrafast fibre network • 26 substations, with a total capacity of 22 megavolt amperes (MVA) Paul Betts, Senior Project Manager for Urban & Civic, comments, “Working with flexible, forward‑thinking partners is key to bringing large-scale strategic sites like Waterbeach to life. "Last Mile’s joined‑up approach will help us keep things moving, making sure the essential services and infrastructure are ready to support our growing community from day one.” Project details The new project is a redevelopment of the former Waterbeach Barracks, a WW2 RAF Bomber Command airfield. It is partially funded by a £61 million investment from Homes England, the Government’s housing accelerator and regeneration agency. The site, Last Mile says, aligns with national sustainability goals, aimed at supporting biodiversity and tackling climate change. The company claims it will feature low-energy homes equipped with EV chargers and air-source heat pumps, incorporate recycled materials during construction, deliver biodiversity net-gain, and reduce car dependency through over 20km of active travel infrastructure. Craig Boath, Managing Director at Last Mile, Design and Build, comments, “We're delighted to support this visionary development which will create a sustainable, well-connected community for thousands of families. “It’s a prime example of how electricity, water, and fibre services from a single provider bring significant efficiency and cost benefits to developers, and how independent providers, such as NAVs and independent distribution network operators (IDNOs), can speed up house building to meet our important national and regional targets.” Following the Government’s reform to planning permissions and its 'Plan for Change' target of building 1.5 million new homes over five years, the joint housing target for South Cambridgeshire and Cambridge City was increased by one-third to 2,309 homes annually. Last Mile’s project comprises the western portion of the total Waterbeach site, which was identified in the South Cambridgeshire Local Plan as a new town capable of bringing 11,000 homes to the area. Planning permission for the further 4,500 homes was granted in December 2024. Last Mile Asset Management will manage the infrastructure adoption process for the multi-utility network as it progresses.

Future Homes Standard drives heat pump demand

Kensa, a British heat pump manufacturer, and GTC, an independent utility infrastructure provider, say the Future Homes Standard is accelerating demand for low-carbon heating, with thousands of ground source heat pump installations already secured. The two companies report that their networked ground source heat pump approach has reached more than 6,000 units, with contracts agreed across major housing developments and further discussions under way for more than 20,000 additional installations. The Future Homes Standard, due to take effect from March 2027, will require new homes to produce significantly lower carbon emissions compared with previous building regulations. Homes started after March 2028 will need to use heat pumps or low-carbon heat networks instead of fossil fuel-based heating systems. Housebuilders will be able to choose between air source and ground source heat pumps, with grid capacity emerging as a key factor in technology selection. Kensa and GTC state that their shared approach uses networked ground source heat pumps, which draw heat from the ground to provide heating, hot water, and cooling. The companies say this reduces electricity demand during peak periods compared with air source systems while supporting more stable energy use. The model is also intended to support developments where grid constraints may otherwise limit construction. Networked systems gain traction with housebuilders The companies report that their approach has been adopted by several major housebuilders, including projects such as the Cosmeston Farm development in Penarth. They state that networked ground source systems can operate with similar power requirements to gas-based heating, while supporting lower carbon emissions and reduced reliance on peak electricity demand. James Priestley, CEO of Kensa, suggests, “The Future Homes Standard is triggering a clean industrial revolution. It gives the UK a clear route away from gas and sends a strong signal that clean, efficient heating is the default for new homes. "We firmly believe networked ground source heat pumps are the best solution. With thousands of unit orders, including with the largest housebuilders, this allows us to invest and build our supply chain with confidence, scale UK manufacturing, and deliver for our customers.” Neal Herbert, Managing Director at GTC, says, “The sector needed clarity from the Government that new homes will no longer use fossil fuel for heating. Housebuilders can now plan the transition to electric-based heat solutions." Perran Moon, Camborne and Redruth MP, adds, "The Future Homes Standard demonstrates the Government's continued commitment to the UK's green energy transition and the 2030 clean energy goals. "Kensa, at United Downs, yet again emphasises that Cornwall is at the cutting edge of that movement. Ground source heat pumps will allow homes in Cornwall and across the UK to access consistent, natural warmth whilst also creating new skilled jobs to boost the Cornish economy.’’ For more from Kensa, click here.

From energy-saving lamps to smart, circular LED systems

In this exclusive article for ECN, Paul Stearman of Greenlight Connexions explores the development of LED technology and how attention is now turning towards new areas which have direct implications for electrical contractors: LED lighting has been around for quite a while. At the end of the last century, LEDs were mainly used as indicator lamps – simply a small light to tell you when something was on or off. Back in 1993, Shuji Nakamura, working with Nichia in Japan, made the breakthrough by producing the first Bright Blue LED chip. Nichia was a major producer of phosphor coatings and found that coating a bright blue LED with a phosphor produced white light. Further research and development ensued and, in the early 2000s, we began to see the introduction of LED lamps and luminaires, unlocking the path away from inefficient incandescent and fluorescent lamps. What followed was a fundamental shift in lighting design, installation, and lifecycle management. LED lighting has moved from niche technology to the dominant light source across the UK built environment. For electrical contractors, this evolution has reshaped not only the products being installed but also the skills, services, and value that the industry delivers. Today, the industry is entering a new phase. While early LED adoption focused on energy savings and long life, attention is now turning to smart controls, circadian lighting, and circular economy principles, all of which have direct implications for UK electrical contractors. The first LED revolution The initial adoption of LED lighting in the UK was driven by two clear benefits: lower energy use and longer lifespan. Compared with tungsten or halogen lamps, LEDs use 90% less power and last many times longer. With fluorescent lighting, energy savings begin at 65%. This made them a clear choice as Part L requirements became stricter and clients aimed to cut energy and maintenance costs. Government policy and regulation have sped up the adoption of LED lighting. The gradual phase-out of inefficient lamps, combined with rising electricity prices, has pushed LEDs into mainstream commercial, industrial, and residential use. For contractors, this has meant a shift from routine lamp replacement to large-scale retrofit projects and lighting upgrades. Smart and connected lighting takes centre stage The current focus of LED development is on intelligence rather than just light output. Modern LED installations increasingly include smart controls, sensors, and connectivity, integrating lighting systems into broader building management strategies. For commercial and industrial clients, networked LED lighting delivers benefits such as automatic dimming, occupancy based control, and centralised monitoring. For contractors, this means lighting projects increasingly involve commissioning, software configuration, and integration with other building systems. Human centric and circadian lighting Human centric lighting now plays a vital role in LED specifications. Tunable white LED systems can adjust colour temperature and brightness throughout the day, enhancing alertness, productivity, and wellbeing. These solutions are becoming more common in offices, healthcare, and education projects. From an installation perspective, circadian lighting typically involves advanced control protocols, closer collaboration with designers, and more detailed commissioning. Sustainability and the circular economy Sustainability discussions have shifted beyond just energy efficiency. Clients now prioritise product longevity, waste minimisation, and end-of-life strategies. Consequently, manufacturers are designing modular LED luminaires where drivers and control gear can be replaced without removing the entire fitting. This approach promotes circular economy principles and creates new opportunities for maintenance, refurbishment, and upgrades within existing installations. Retrofit remains a major opportunity Despite the widespread adoption of LED lighting, much of the UK’s building stock still relies on older fluorescent and other discharge lighting. For electrical contractors, retrofit projects remain a significant opportunity, especially when lighting upgrades are combined with controls, emergency lighting, and compliance enhancements. Looking ahead The future of LED lighting will be shaped by closer integration with smart building systems, greater use of data, and more demanding sustainability standards. Electrical contractors who develop skills, control expertise, commissioning, and long‑term service offerings will be best positioned to succeed. From Shuji Nakamura’s 1993 breakthrough to today’s smart, human-centric circular lighting systems, LED technology has fundamentally transformed the lighting industry. For UK electrical contractors, the opportunity now lies not only in installing luminaires, but also in delivering intelligent, sustainable lighting solutions that provide long‑term value.

TRILUX opens Light Studio in London

TRILUX, a manufacturer of professional lighting systems, has opened a Light Studio in Charterhouse Square, London, creating a space for customers to explore lighting applications and collaborate on projects. Located within London’s design district, the facility is intended to support engagement with customers across the UK and international markets. The studio brings together demonstration areas, project workspaces, and meeting facilities in a single environment. The layout is centred around a ‘sphere of light’ feature, with the space divided into three areas: a welcome zone, an inspiration stage, and a collaboration area. Each section is designed to support different stages of project development. Visitors can view lighting systems in practical settings - including office-style environments - and work with TRILUX teams on live projects. The studio also includes areas for workshops, events, and training sessions through the TRILUX Akademie. A studio designed for project collaboration The London site is intended to provide a central meeting point for customers, enabling project discussions and technical development in a dedicated setting. TRILUX states that the studio supports closer interaction throughout the design process, allowing customers to test concepts, review lighting schemes, and refine project requirements. Phil Cross, Managing Director at TRILUX UK, explains, “The London Light Studio reflects both our commitment to the UK market and London’s role as an international design hub. "With excellent connectivity, including easy access from Heathrow [Airport], it provides a natural meeting point for customers and partners working across multiple markets.” Leighton James, Product & Marketing Director at TRILUX, adds, “The Light Studio is about bringing our customers closer to TRILUX in a very practical way. "We wanted to create a space where people can experience light, explore applications, and have meaningful conversations around their projects. "Being in central London allows us to be more accessible and responsive, while giving our customers a place to meet, collaborate, and develop ideas together.” The studio was formally opened at an event attended by customers and representatives from TRILUX’s headquarters. For more from TRILUX, click here.

Segen launches solar panel recycling scheme

Segen, a renewable energy equipment distributor, has introduced a solar panel recycling scheme aimed at commercial installers and organisations managing end-of-life solar assets. The initiative responds to growing volumes of decommissioned panels as the UK’s installed solar capacity increases, particularly across large-scale commercial systems and repowering projects. Delivered in partnership with Pravas Sustainable Technologies, the scheme is designed to provide collection and recycling of panels, with recovered materials reintroduced into manufacturing supply chains. The service will initially focus on commercial projects, allowing installers and system owners to arrange compliant removal of panels from operational sites. A second phase, expected later this year, is planned to extend access to residential installers and customer drop-off points. Customers will pay a fixed fee per panel, with a minimum collection volume of one pallet, equivalent to 35 panels. Collections will be available across England, Wales, and Scotland (excluding the Highlands and Islands), with collection typically arranged within 48 hours of booking. Transport costs will be quoted separately. Recycling scheme targeting end-of-life solar panels Panels processed through the scheme will be broken down to recover materials including aluminium, glass, silicon, and small quantities of metals such as silver. These materials can then be reused in manufacturing, reducing reliance on raw material extraction. The scheme is intended to support compliance with waste regulations while contributing to wider efforts to reduce landfill use and improve resource efficiency within the solar sector. Darren Sykes, Head of Warehouse & Logistics UKI at Segen, says, “With the UK’s commercial solar capacity continuing to expand rapidly, more installations are reaching the end of their operational life or being repowered as technology advances. This creates a significant challenge for installers and system owners who need a reliable, responsible way to manage old panels. "Our recycling scheme will not only ensure panels are handled safely, but will also recover valuable materials for reuse, reduce landfill impact, and strengthen our customers’ ESG credentials, helping the industry move towards a truly circular model of solar deployment.” For more from Segen, click here.

GTC to deliver smart home infrastructure

GTC, an independent utility infrastructure provider, has been appointed by residential property development company Barratt Redrow to provide smart home energy and utility infrastructure at Cosmeston Farm in Penarth, Wales. The 576-home development is described as "the UK’s largest net zero carbon housing site", designed to exceed the Future Homes Standard. The project forms part of wider efforts to reduce carbon emissions in residential construction. GTC’s system will integrate ground source heat pumps, smart controls, battery storage, and on-site electricity and water networks. The infrastructure is intended to support lower energy demand while enabling residents to manage and monitor their energy use. The company will also oversee monitoring of energy performance across the site, collecting data from heating systems, solar PV, batteries, and network infrastructure. This data will be used to assess whether the development meets its net zero carbon in operation target. Cardiff University will independently review performance data from the site. Integrated systems support net zero housing The development includes shared ground source heat pump infrastructure, using boreholes to provide heating and hot water to each property. Homes will also be equipped with battery storage to support the use of renewable electricity and respond to time-of-use tariffs. The electricity network is designed to support low-carbon technologies while reducing overall grid demand. Water services will also be delivered through an integrated network. Energy monitoring and control systems will allow residents to track and adjust their usage, supporting efficient operation and grid stability. GTC worked with Barratt Redrow during the early stages of the project to develop the technical and commercial approach. John Marsh, Chief Innovation Officer at GTC, comments, “Cosmeston showcases the power of bringing together proven technologies and investment to create affordable, zero-carbon smart homes. "By combining heat pumps, smart controls, solar, batteries, and flexibility into one solution, we are delivering a blueprint for future-proofed, net-zero-carbon homes at scale.” Oliver Novakovic, Technical & Innovation Director at Barratt Redrow, says, “Cosmeston represents a transformational step in how we design and build the next generation of zero-carbon communities. "By working closely with GTC from the outset, we’ll be able to integrate advanced smart home technologies into the fabric of the development, ensuring our customers benefit from lower energy bills, greater comfort, and long-term resilience.” Jayne Bryant, Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, adds, “This landmark development sets a new standard for sustainable housing not only in Wales but across the UK and beyond.” GTC states it will own and operate the infrastructure, providing billing and network services to residents under existing regulatory frameworks, including oversight from Ofgem.