Certsure appoints new commercial director

Certsure has announced the appointment of Harvinder Sondh (Harvey) as its new Commercial Director. Having joined the organisation on 3 July 2023, Harvey heads up the company's certification, training and business development divisions.  "I want to congratulate Harvey on his new appointment and welcome him to the Certsure family,” says, Certsure Managing Director, Richard Orton. "With his extensive experience and drive, I have complete confidence that Harvey will produce great results for Certsure as we continue to accelerate our trajectory for growth.” With over two decades of experience in various sectors, including healthcare, retail and publishing, he has successfully held leadership positions in multiple commercial divisions within non-profit organisations. In his most recent role as Chief Growth Officer at CILEX, he successfully introduced a new professional qualification by implementing a customer-centric approach to drive growth. In addition, he successfully oversaw the delivery of a multichannel offer that included membership qualifications and training. Harvey Sondh comments, "I am thrilled to have the opportunity to join Certsure, a forward-thinking company that is committed to providing products and services that make a positive impact on the industry and the environment. "As the market leader in the sector, it is imperative that we continue to prioritise technical integrity, avoid complacency and foster a culture of innovation. "I am committed to delivering on these goals and helping our customers and growing community realise their commercial and professional ambitions.” 

Vent-Axia supports BEAMA’s indoor air quality guidance

Vent-Axia is delighted to support BEAMA’s ‘Guidance for Improving Indoor Air Quality in Existing Homes’. Launched on 27 June 2023, in the BEAMA Village at the InstallerSHOW, NEC, the guide explains the risks of poor indoor air quality in existing homes due to inadequate ventilation and then sets out general ventilation guidance in three parts: ventilation requirements when undertaking energy efficiency measures; selecting and installing suitable extract ventilation; and commissioning new or upgraded ventilation in dwellings. Earlier, we used to spend around 90% of our time indoors and around 16 hours a day on average at home. However, since the pandemic, we are spending even more time at home, with data on remote and hybrid working in September 2022 showing around one in five (22%) of the GB workforce had worked at least one day from home in the previous week and one in eight (13%) worked at home exclusively. This makes the potential risk of exposure to indoor air pollutants significantly greater than outdoor air, especially considering indoor air is many times more polluted. When adding energy efficiency measures to an existing home, it is therefore, vital to consider whether these changes affect ventilation and if it still complies with building regulations. The guide, therefore, explains how Part F of the building regulations requires contractors carrying out energy efficiency measures to an existing dwelling to undertake an assessment to determine what, if any, additional ventilation is needed based on the estimated impact of work. This involves installers considering all energy efficiency measures undertaken since a home was first built. The guide sets out how to calculate which category a home falls into and how this determines what ventilation is required. With category C, natural ventilation does not comply with Part F without a full design by a competent person. BEAMA also offers guidance on how to select and install suitable ventilation. This provides useful details on minimum extract rates for fans to ensure that a correctly sized fan is specified, so it ventilates effectively and does not under or over ventilate. Commissioning is also critical to ensure effective ventilation, the guide, therefore, also explains how it is now a legal requirement under the updated building regulations to complete and submit a commissioning sheet. This is enforceable by a local authority building control service or an approved private building inspector. If an installer is registered with a recognised competent person scheme, such as the NICEIC, they may be able to self-certify some or all of the work carried out. There is a wide range of continuous ventilation for installers to choose from to ensure exactly the right solution. For example, Lo-Carbon Svara, Vent-Axia PureAir Sense, Lo-Carbon NBR dMEV C, Lo-Carbon Revive, Lo-Carbon Response 7 and more.

Partnership improves energy efficiency and social housing

SHAL Housing has turned to technology to improve the efficiency of heating systems and comfort for residents across its portfolio as a part of its smart home scheme. Driven by a partnership with City Plumbing, together with technology providers, Vericon Systems and ADEY, the scheme has already identified improvements that could be made in 83% of properties. SHAL and its partner, Somerset Gas, who fitted the technology, have piloted it in a number of homes in order to assess the value for money and customer impact. Innovative technology, including telematics hardware from Vericon Systems and app-based onsite water testing, and remote monitoring MagnaClean magnetic filters from ADEY installed in individual homes, gives SHAL Housing complete visibility of the health of heating systems. In practice, the data gathered is being used to inform a proactive approach to property maintenance. Remote, real-time monitoring means faults and inefficiencies are quickly identified without the need for occupants to report problems. This insight allows maintenance teams to be equipped with specific fault information to quickly and accurately resolve issues before they cause greater disruption. Peter Boakes, Head of Business Development at City Plumbing, says, “We know lives are getting busier for tenants, and changes in boiler efficiency or other problems with heating systems can often go unnoticed. Meanwhile, those systems could be getting clogged or further damaged, shortening their service life and increasing bills for tenants. By leaning on technology, housing providers can see where boilers are working harder than necessary and accurately assess system health, enabling real-time data to inform their approach to maintenance.” Alongside monitoring the performance of gas boilers and the wider heating systems, technology from Vericon Systems is also being used to measure temperature and humidity in individual homes. By monitoring these factors, SHAL Housing can identify potential damp and mould problems and work with tenants to resolve any issues before they become dangerous.

Twickenham buses to go electric

A green power upgrade by UK Power Networks has enabled the electrification of up to 150 buses at Abellio London’s Twickenham bus depot. UK Power Networks has installed new underground cables and equipment at a local substation though its Green Recovery programme to fully convert the depot to electric buses in future, cutting carbon emissions and improving air quality. The first 30 new electric double-decker buses are now operating from the depot on route 111 between Heathrow Central and Kingston’s Cromwell Road bus station. The electricity distributor is also delivering £66m investment across 85 ‘shovel ready’ sites, to fast track low carbon energy projects that will help achieve the government’s Ten Point Plan towards net zero by 2050, with Twickenham among the sites to benefit. It has installed 2.5km of new underground cable and upgraded the local substation through an investment of approximately £1.8m to deliver 3.86MVA of additional power capacity. The equipment will connect 30 charge points that will charge buses overnight. Adam Lakey, leading the Green Recovery projects for UK Power Networks, says, “This investment in essential new power infrastructure will enable Twickenham bus depot’s entire bus fleet to go completely electric in the years ahead, improving air quality and reducing carbon emissions. “We worked with local communities, government and Ofgem to identify projects where investment in electricity infrastructure could kickstart a green recovery, promote economic recovery and make tangible progress to connect more electric vehicles.” The project supports the transition to net zero carbon emissions and London Mayor, Sadiq Khan’s plans for the capital’s entire bus fleet to be fully electric by 2034. Jon Eardley, Managing Director, Abellio London Bus, says, “This project will give us the capacity to fully convert our buses at Twickenham to electric, cleaning the air and helping to deliver the mayor’s zero emission ambition. “We’re delighted to work with UK Power Networks to accelerate these plans through their Green Recovery fund. Here at Abellio London, we are committed to ambitious and sustained investment in green infrastructure and a zero emission fleet. We see this as essential for attracting more people onto public transport, which in turn, promotes other forms of active travel.” The new electroliner buses, built by Wrightbus, have high back seats, better information screens inside and out, and roof lights on the top deck.

TrustMark welcomes first scheme provider in Wales

TrustMark has welcomed its newest scheme provider, NetRet, which is also its first to be based in Wales. It is focused on supporting the housing sector to achieve its net zero goals through the likes of the Optimised Retrofit Programme. Providing training, including NVQ level and vocational, guidance and certification, NetRet aims to upskill the workforce within the social housing sector to overcome some of the supply chain and skills gap issues. Businesses can register with NetRet to become TrustMark registered, enabling them to demonstrate their commitment to quality (PAS 2035), consumer protection and maintaining high standards. The registered businesses will also receive its licence plus registration. The scheme provider will support the supply chain of products and services, working in partnership with the Welsh Government and Wales’ academic community in the development of a net zero workforce. Simon Ayers, CEO, TrustMark, says, “We’re delighted to welcome NetRet as a scheme provider, offering the opportunity for more businesses to upskill their people and help meet the challenges of decarbonising homes in Wales. Helping to grow the availability of trained, skilled workers able to carry out energy efficiency improvements in homes in Wales is to be welcomed and we look forward to working with NetRet.” Economy Minister, Vaughan Gething, says, “The Welsh government is committed to growing the skilled and diverse workforce Wales needs to work in the green jobs of the future, which will be crucial in helping us meet our net zero commitments and transition to a greener economy. “So I very much welcome the launch of NetRet as TrustMark’s first scheme provider based in Wales. Having a TrustMark provider in Wales is a great step forward in helping us deliver our future skills needs in the construction sector. “The skills system in Wales is already supporting a broad range of construction specialisms, including new and emerging energy efficiency training. Through our Personal Learning Account programme, we’re investing £2m in a new green PLA pilot to strengthen the offer even further.”

Baxi’s Paul Marsden appointed as chair of SoPHE IWG

Paul Marsden, Technical Specification Manager at Baxi, has been appointed as the new chair of the Society of Public Health Engineers’ Industry Working Group (SoPHE IWG). The group aims to provide a higher profile and focus for public health engineers within the Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) as well as within the building services industry. An affiliate member of CIBSE and SoPHE and a member of the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE), Paul’s whole career has been centred around commercial hot water generation and public health engineering. He uses his wealth of experience and expertise of hot water systems and renewable / LZC technologies to help public health and mechanical engineers understand the relationship between the products, the applications and the systems they are designing. Paul has an ONC in gas utilisation and City & Guilds in gas services. He also regularly represents both Baxi and the wider industry, delivering a variety of training, CPD presentations and seminars. More recently, he has developed training events and courses targeted at young and graduate engineers. As Chair of the Industry Working Group, he will work with SoPHE members to offer the support and assistance required to help further the profile of this important building services sector. Paul says, “I am delighted to be appointed as the SoPHE IWG Chair and look forward to building upon the work of my predecessors. The increasing focus upon decarbonisation will not only impact upon how buildings are designed, but also how products are designed and manufactured. This represents both challenges and opportunities, and makes for an exciting time in which to be involved as we transition to a low/zero carbon future.”

New Elucian accessories simplify installation process

Scolmore is continuing to expand its Elucian accessories by Click metal consumer unit range to provide electricians with products that offer them convenience and easy installation solutions. The latest additions to the consumer unit accessories range include three recessed frames and two cable entry plates. The recessed frames are designed to fit around 16, 18 and 22 way consumer units, allowing the consumer units to be recess mounted. The installer simply needs to drill holes in the consumer unit and attach the frame using four screws, eight serrated washers and four nuts. The consumer unit cable entry plates will provide protection against sharp edges for cables and offer a greater rigidity when pulling cables through the rear of any Elucian consumer unit. The break away sections located in the centre of the cable entry plate can be removed as required for the preferred installation method. The nylon cable entry plates are designed to clip into the aperture left by the removal of the rear knockouts on the consumer unit. They are available in two size widths: small, 69mm and large, 109mm.

ECA welcomes new assessment for domestic electricians

ECA has welcomed the launch of a dedicated Experienced Worker Assessment (EWA) route for domestic electricians by The Electrotechnical Skills Partnership (TESP). It has praised the move, calling it a step in the right direction to address the shortage of skilled and experienced workers across the electrotechnical and engineering services industry. The Domestic Electrician EWA is based on the same content as the Domestic Electrician apprenticeship standard, so both new entrants and existing workers are assessed and accredited to the same industry standard. ECA Director of Workforce and Public Affairs, Andrew Eldred, says, “Domestic electrical employers have already created a dedicated domestic apprenticeship, which launched last September and aims to achieve a substantial improvement to minimum entry level competence requirements in the domestic market. “The new domestic EWA, developed in collaboration with a wide range of industry organisations, offers the opportunity for existing workers to demonstrate that they too can meet the same higher standard. Given the large numbers of domestic installers who have been operating until now without industry-recognised qualifications, this potentially represents an important opportunity to ‘raise the bar’ in the domestic electrical market.” Once enrolled on the EWA, learners will have to achieve the Domestic Electrician Experienced Worker Qualification, which comprises five practical performance units, plus the BS 7671:2018 and full Inspection & Testing qualification. A key benefit is that existing qualifications can count towards the assessment and do not need to be repeated. The EWA is available in England, Wales and Northern Ireland from accredited EAL training centres this July and later in the year from City & Guilds centres.

Schneider Electric enhances employee benefits

Schneider Electric has announced the implementation of new employee benefits which solidify its position as a progressive and people-first employer in the UK and Ireland. Recognising the evolving needs of its employees and the importance of work-life balance, the company has enhanced its family leave policy to provide comprehensive benefits that empower employees to prioritise their family and personal wellbeing without compromising their professional development. Key highlights of the new policy include: 26 weeks maternity, adoption and shared parental leave at full pay. Four weeks for paternity leave and adoption (for secondary carer) at full pay. Two weeks for carer leave (force majeure & urgent short term care leave in Ireland) at full pay. Two weeks for bereavement leave at full pay. The changes came into effect for all employees, including people already taking leave covered by the policy, from the first of July. Kelly Becker, Zone President UK&I for Schneider Electric, says, “Our ambition is to be the most caring and inclusive company in the world. Our employees need this support most when they’re experiencing some of life’s most challenging moments, from welcoming a new member of the family to caring for loved ones. “Providing these industry leading benefits differentiates us as an employer of choice at a time when we know employees are appreciating the benefits of flexible work like never before. The introduction of our new family leave approach is another milestone on our journey towards building a culture founded on inclusivity that puts people first. “We know that there is a skills gap in our industry. We’re committed to investing in STEM careers through apprenticeships and initiatives like this one, which enable us to create a work place where people can grow and thrive, whatever their personal circumstances or stage in life.” The enhancement comes as the company prepares to hold its first Volunteering Day in the UK and Ireland, as part of its role as an impact company and its commitment to give back 5000 volunteering hours in 2023. All its employees have been given the opportunity to participate in the Volunteering Day, which will take place on 14 July and will see employees supporting projects on biodiversity and environmental improvements in their communities nationwide.

Siemens leads security software for smart buildings

Verdantix has ranked Siemens Smart Infrastructure as one of the leading providers for security software in smart buildings. It recently published “Green Quadrant: Integrated Smart Building Security Software 2023” report that analyses and evaluates 10 companies that are shaping the market. The analysis has noted that Siemens solutions offer highly advanced unified security management capabilities. The assessed software is part of Siemens Xcelerator, an open digital platform that enables customers to accelerate their digital transformation.   “Being recognised by Verdantix as a leader in security software in smart buildings highlights our strategy of being the partner of choice for our customers on their digitalisation journey and of strengthening our digital portfolio. It confirms the target we’ve set for ourselves - to make buildings safer and more resilient with software,” says Henning Sandfort, CEO of Building Products at Siemens Smart Infrastructure.   According to Verdantix, corporate real estate and facility managers seek more integrated solutions to provide trusted building and security operations and to better protect the safety and wellbeing of their tenants. Digital advancements are paving the way for more flexible systems to provide both integrated and targeted operational views, automated workflows, deeper analytics, and broader value propositions.   For the evaluation, it analysed Siemens’ comprehensive building security portfolio, including the on-premise offering Siveillance Suite with access control, video surveillance, intrusion detection and security management solutions, Building X Security Manager, as well as the Siveillance add-ons that are hybrid solutions. Building X is a scalable digital building platform to digitalise, manage and optimise building operations, allowing for an enhanced user experience, increased performance and improved sustainability. It is built on the Siemens Xcelerator design principles and supports users in their digital journey to make intelligent decisions about their buildings.