MCS data reveals continued demand for small-scale renewables

The latest data from MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) shows that January-March 2023 has seen the most small-scale renewable installations of solar PV technologies, heat pumps and battery storage since Q4 2015. Installation information and analysis Latest figures from the MCS Data Dashboard show that 60,004 installations were completed in Q1 2023. In March 2023 alone, MCS recorded a total of 20,868 installations, which was the highest performing March since 2012, and the second consecutive month in which the number of installations had exceeded 20,000. Solar PV technologies accounted for 85% of installations (50,719) in Q1 2023, the highest deployment since Q4 2015. The figure represents a 114% increase on the number of solar PV installations for the same period in 2022 (23,747). It is also a 94% increase on installations during the first quarter of 2019, which marked the end of the government’s Feed-in Tariff (FiT) incentive (26,089 installations during this period). In particular, the number of solar PV installations in March 2023 (17,497) was 73% higher than March 2022 and represents the highest monthly deployment of the technology since December 2015, during the height of the FiT. The uptake in heat pump technologies has remained high since the launch of the government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) in spring 2022, which has now been extended to 2028. There were 8,790 installations of heat pumps in the first three months of 2023, which makes it the second highest quarter for heat pumps in the scheme’s history. A total of 3,176 heat pumps were installed in March 2023, a 10% increase on the previous month and the third-most successful month for heat pump deployment on record. During the scheme, battery storage enjoyed its best quarter for installations to date, with 351 systems installed in total - over 50% of the schemes total (621) installations to date. Battery storage is the newest installation standard that MCS has introduced for its certified contractors, reflecting consumers’ growing interest in self-consumption and electrical storage systems in combination with solar PV. Growing green talent Overall, 449 new MCS certified contractors joined the scheme in Q1 2023, representing 13% of the 3,337 contractors on the scheme in total. The number joining the scheme in Q1 2023 was the highest in a three-month period since Q4 2011. In Q1 2023, 359 contractors joined MCS to deliver solar PV, a 385% increase on the same period in 2022. Total heat pump contractors increased by 95 in the same period. A total of 2,286 contractors are now certified to install solar PV, compared with 1,366 in Q1 2022 - a 66% increase. Conversely, 1,494 contractors are now certified to design and install heat pump technologies, a 17% increase on Q1 2022. Ian Rippin, CEO of MCS, comments, “The year has got off to a remarkable start as our robust, near-real-time data demonstrates how we are playing a vital role in domestic decarbonisation. “As more people look to decarbonise their homes, the installation quality of small-scale renewables is vital, so it’s encouraging to see the record growth in MCS certified contractors. Solar PV deployment continues its exponential rise, as more talent enters the sector to service huge consumer interest in this cost-saving, proven, low carbon technology."

Melbourne Cricket Ground extends Siemens energy performance contract 

The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) has over a seven-year period achieved higher than expected energy, cost and emissions savings under an energy performance contract (EPC) between Siemens and the Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC). “In the seven-year period of the energy performance contract with Siemens, we’ve saved over A$5 million in energy costs and reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 50,089 tonnes of CO2. This is the equivalent energy consumption of over 6,000 homes in a year,” says Stuart Fox, CEO at MCC. The MCG stadium has also: Achieved a 120% return of guaranteed financial value Saved 119% on guaranteed electricity value and 157% on guaranteed water value Saved enough electricity to power the light towers for nearly six years The new seven-year EPC includes further savings using technology and digital services from the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio, with implementation of Siemens’ patented Demand Flow optimisation strategy for the entire chilled water system, and the replacement of chillers. It will also include monitoring and optimisation of car park ventilation systems, and digitalisation technology to manage peak electricity usage and other works. “As we approach this significant milestone it gives me great pride to say that the MCG is one of the most environmentally sustainable stadia in the world. Millions of people visit the stadium each year to enjoy Australian Football League, cricket, and other major sporting events and concerts. The MCG is a special place for the people of Melbourne - and visitors from all around the world - proudly leading by example when it comes to sustainability and continually investing in ways to further progress initiatives in this space,” adds Stuart. Peter Halliday, Chairman and CEO of Siemens Australia and New Zealand, says, “We have great technology at Siemens. However, it’s only by having bold and ambitious customers and working closely with them that we can bring our technology to life and give it purpose. This project is testament that technology investment and sustainability go hand in hand with successful business outcomes. Achieving net zero requires a multi-pronged approach and the work done by MCC is a great example of how buildings, one of the highest consumers of energy, can drive positive environmental outcomes and positive business outcomes.” The first EPC works implemented by Siemens at MCG include: Replacing existing lighting systems with low-energy lighting technologies Installing a new building management system Implementing changes to heating and ventilation systems Installing new chilled water systems and modernised room control systems

Demand for engineering skills remains strong

Despite an ongoing skills shortage impacting growth prospects for many firms, the demand for engineering skills remains strong, according to new research from the Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo), the trade association for the professional recruitment sector. The data, provided by Broadbean Technology, showed that engineering job vacancies neared the 15,000 mark by the end of March 2023, an increase of 6% year-on-year, with figures higher than at any point during 2022. Although the research paints an optimistic picture and highlights confidence among engineering firms, an ageing workforce along with a wider lack of available STEM talent, particularly women, could be preventing the industry from further growth. This is highlighted by the fact that, despite the growth in the number of roles, the number of people applying for engineering jobs fell, which will be a major cause for concern for employers that are already struggling to source specialist engineering talent. In other findings from the data, salaries also showed minimal growth, although firms may consider boosting pay in the coming months if they continue to struggle to source the skills they need to maintain expansion plans. Ann Swain, CEO of APSCo comments, “The shortage of engineering staff is continuing to impact businesses across the sector and the rise in vacancies noted for the first quarter of this year alongside a sustained fall in applications is cause for concern. The skills shortages in engineering won’t be solvable overnight and while a longer-term talent solution is necessary, there is a more pressing need for immediate solutions. This includes improving the UK’s access to the international flexible labour market to fill resourcing gaps in a manageable and financially viable way.”

Protect your eyes on-site: Carhartt’s range of safety glasses

Eyes are incredibly sensitive and good protection is critical for many construction jobs. Protective eyewear is required whenever there is a risk to the eyes, and they should shield you from splatter, dust, impact and light filtration. With this in mind, Carhartt has developed a range of lightweight but tough and highly protective safety glasses, including a new half-frame ratcheting temple design. The Carhartt range of safety glasses all meet EN 166, the European Standard covering the requirements for protective eyewear. With a polycarbonate lens and frame, these glasses are almost unbreakable - polycarbonate is 250 times more resistant to impact than glass, and 10 times more resistant than standard plastic. Polycarbonate lenses are also thinner and lighter than other materials and naturally block out 100% of the sun’s UV rays - one of the biggest risks to eye health. Each pair of Carhartt safety glasses offer something different. The Easely Safety Glasses (EGB8ST) have a built in brow guard, an adjustable nose piece and ventilated temples. The Cayce Safety Glasses (EGB9ST) also have an adjustable nose piece combined with wrap around coverage for great protection. The Ironside Plus Safety Glasses (EGB6DT) are anti fog with vented, flexible rubber temple tips and meet ANSI Z87.1 high impact requirements, while the new Half-Frame Ratcheting Temple Safety Glasses (EGB11DT) have a lightweight half-frame design. All are available in three colours, bronze, grey or clear, to suit different lighting requirements and each pair comes with a Carhartt polybag or, in the case of Ironside Plus Safety Glasses (EGB6DT), a Carhartt clamshell.

Soaring energy bills prevent Brits from buying low carbon heating technology

New data from The Eco Experts' National Home Energy Survey has revealed that soaring energy bills and the rise in cost of living has made 43% of Brits less likely to purchase low carbon technology in the past 12 months. Low carbon heating products such as air source heat pumps could help UK households to reduce their energy bills and shrink their carbon footprint by 44%. A heat pump typically saves £6,700 overall compared to a gas boiler, but rising energy costs have denied nearly half of survey respondents the chance to buy green. The survey of over 2,000 adults found that a quarter of respondents would buy a heat pump (24%) if money were no concern, compared to only 2% of surveyed Brits who did purchase a heat pump in the past 12 months. Rising energy bills and the general cost of living has had the biggest effect on middle-earning households, which have a total income between 40,000 and £149,999. In fact, 51% of people from these households said they were less likely to consider buying green products as a result. Green energy options were found to be more viable once people reached a higher earnings threshold and were therefore not as impacted by the cost-of-living crisis. 38% of people earning over 200k purchased solar panels in the last 12 months (vs just 7% of people on £40-70k) and 50% of people earning over £200k buying an electric vehicle (vs just 8% of those earning £40-70k). Whilst 49% of respondents admitted making energy efficient measures in their home due to climate change concerns, the majority of eco-friendly behaviour was driven by the cost-of-living crisis; with 81% of respondents admitting to reducing their heating usage, turning off lights or using energy saving bulbs and to cope with rising energy bills. Josh Jackman, Lead Writer at The Eco Experts comments, “Our survey shows the appetite for green energy is there, but the cost-of-living crisis is making it impossible for people to make the changes they want to. It’s upsetting that household changes have overwhelmingly been minor alterations made spurred by a desperate need to cut costs, as people are unable to make larger green purchases that would make a real difference to their wallet and the climate.”

Assistance alarm kits from ESP

ESP’s assistance alarm range is part of the company’s Beacon product range, which includes disabled refuge and assistance alarm products. The assistance alarm kit is designed to meet the criteria of care standards that are set out in Part M building regulations BS 8300. The Beacon assistance alarm range includes two kits, as well as a number of individual products that can be bought separately. The simple to install three-part kit comprises an Indication Module, Pull Cord Module and Reset Module and features a battery back-up function (battery included). The kits are available in a white or stainless steel finish. The Indication Module includes an 80db distinctive tone alert sounder with clear LED alert triangle indication for when the alarm has been triggered. The Pull Cord Module features an anti-ligature mechanism and has a distinctive red pull cord supplied with two handles, including an LED alert triangle. The Reset Module features a clear LED alert triangle indication with internal sounder to reassure the user the alarm has been raised and assistance is on the way. The Alert triangle acts as push button to reset the alarm and is clearly indicated in tactile lettering on the module. The modules that make up the standard white kit are manufactured to include antimicrobial properties - making it useful in hygiene sensitive applications. The modules are also available to purchase as separate items. The compact design makes the products suitable for many interiors and the system is expandable to include additional indication and pull cord modules if required. All three modules are designed to fit a standard 1-gang box.

Aspiring electricians make it through to the Screwfix Trade Apprentice final

10 ambitious apprentices, including two aspiring electricians - Harry Baines and DJ Earley - will go head-to-head to be crowned Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2023. The national award aims to highlight the hard work and dedication of trade apprentices across the UK and Ireland, with the champion receiving a career-boosting £10,000 trade bundle made up of tools, tech and training. Harry, 21, from Northampton and DJ, 23, from Monasterevin, Ireland, will be looking to impress a panel of industry experts at a national two-day final on 2-3 May. Harry comments, “I’ve worked extremely hard to get to where I am today, constantly adapting my skills to become the best version of myself. I wouldn’t have been able to get this far without my mum, dad, and colleagues, so to win Screwfix Trade Apprentice would be an incredible accolade and I know I will have done my parents and colleagues proud.” During shortlisting, the judges were impressed with Harry’s drive to constantly improve himself, and his future aspirations to build his own client base, start his own company and travel the world with his work. DJ is a young entrepreneur who would like to follow in his families’ footsteps and go self-employed. He also enjoys helping people and would like to become a tutor so he can pass on his knowledge to future generations. DJ says, “The award is almost in touching distance now and being one step closer to the final is exciting, but a bit nerve-wracking too!” During the final, the 10 apprentices will have the opportunity to share their apprentice journeys and career aspirations with a panel of industry experts. The panel includes representatives from Screwfix, the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering, Federation of Master Builders, National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting and the winner of Screwfix Top Tradesperson 2022, Toby Peacock. Jack Wallace, Marketing Director for Screwfix, says, “The annual Screwfix Trade Apprentice award is part of our commitment to recognise and reward the future champions of the trade, and in telling their stories, we hope to shine a light on the fantastic work completed by apprentices, day in, day out. Through this award, we also hope to inspire others to start a career in the trade given the countless opportunities the construction industry has to offer. “The calibre of applications this year has been outstanding. Our finalists have already shown a great deal of skill and ambition to get this far. The standard is incredibly high and I’m really looking forward to finding out more about them at the final. “Our previous finalists and winners have gone on to start their own companies, become mentors for other apprentices and give back to their community with their incredible skills and talent. I wish our top 10 finalists this year the best of luck and I’m confident that they will all go on to achieve brilliant careers too.”

ElectricalDirect is big on brands with its extended Knightsbridge range

As part of ElectricalDirect’s continued commitment to ensuring customers have access to trusted brands and quality products, it has added even more solutions to its Knightsbridge range. Whether working on a simple retrofit project or an entire property, installers can now choose from the comprehensive Knightsbridge portfolio that includes lighting, decorative sockets and switches, as well as grid wiring solutions. Exclusive knurled dimmer knobs Made in partnership with Knightsbridge, ElectricalDirect is excited to introduce a new selection of knurled dimmer knobs that it says are an ideal solution for retrofit projects. Available in brushed chrome, antique brass and matt black finishes - these textured dimmer knobs can be easily ‘mixed and matched’ with Knightsbridge dimmers, making it an easy job to customise and complement any interior. Sockets and switches Among the broad choice of decorative sockets and switches in stock is the popular screwless collection from Knightsbridge, offering an ultra slim profile design which is well suited for projects requiring a sleek, modern aesthetic. These are available in six finishes that include matt black, chrome and smoked bronze, so it’s easy to find a style that will add an elevating finishing touch to any room. Light place, right time With energy-saving a key consideration for any project, the Knightsbridge lighting range spans a whole host of products suitable for commercial and domestic applications. ElectricalDirect has added 500 new lines that include LED bulkhead lights, adjustable downlights, battens and more, ensuring customers have a wide choice to meet a variety of specification needs. “Since January we have introduced hundreds of new product lines from Knightsbridge for domestic, industrial and commercial use,” says Sophie Anthony, Category Manager at ElectricalDirect. “This includes a wide range of metal clad and decorative flat plate grids, as well as a mix of lighting solutions. We have also extended our sockets, switches and dimmers offering, so installers have everything they need all under one roof. It is all part of our ‘Trusted to Deliver’ promise to provide the trade with quality products when they need them.”

Shortlist revealed for 2023 ECA Industry Awards

A shortlist of 25 leading businesses from across the electrotechnical and engineering services sector has been chosen for this year’s ECA Industry Awards. Drawn from a competitive pool of entries, successful organisations were selected for their performance and achievements in the last two years, for awards including ‘Best Health and Safety Initiative’ and ‘Excellence in Training and Development’, as well as specialist and CSR categories. The independent panel of judges convened during April 2023 to consider the entries and then compiled the shortlist. Adjudicator and ECA Director of Member Services Helen Atkinson comments, “Whittling down this year’s shortlist was no easy task. I would like to congratulate those who were shortlisted and thank all the entrants for the significant time and effort they put into preparing their award entries. “I’m very much looking forward to meeting many of these organisations at our awards dinner in June, where the winners will be announced.” The ECA Industry Awards Dinner, which is headline sponsored by Electrium and Ledvance, is being held on 9 June 2023 at the Hilton Bankside hotel in London. On the night, guests will be treated to entertainment from presenter Jeremy Vine, as well as live music and more.

National Ventilation goes the extra mile for Young Lives vs Cancer

National Ventilation is celebrating its Operations Director, Alan Parkinson, completing the 2023 TCS London Marathon. On 23 April, 64-year-old Alan ran 26.2 miles for Young Lives vs Cancer in the 43rd edition of the world’s most popular marathon, which starts at Blackheath and ends at The Mall in front of Buckingham Palace. After months of regimented training Alan finished the gruelling marathon in four hours, 35 mins as one of over 50,000 entrants taking part in the iconic event. Alan has so far raised £1,476 for Young Lives vs Cancer, National Ventilation’s charity of the year for 2023. National Ventilation’s support of the charity is part of a group-wide initiative, which has raised £8,957 so far this year. Alan has been working at National Ventilation for almost a decade, coordinating the ventilation company’s logistics and distribution. Although Alan has always been active and is a keen footballer, he only started running four years ago when his daughter encouraged him to take part in a Parkrun. Once bitten by the Parkrun bug, this led to him joining Bridgewater District Road and Trail running club last year, where in November 2022 he was entered into the Marathon ballot. To Alan’s surprise he was successful in the ballot and so started the new year with a 16-week training programme to ensure he was marathon-ready. Deciding to run for Young Lives vs Cancer was an easy choice for Alan for two reasons, the first is Alan had seen first-hand the good work the charity does through its support of Alfie, the son of Andy Bills, Specification Manager at National Ventilation. Alfie was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia in 2019 at just three years of age and over the last three and a half years his family has gained support both emotionally and financially from Young Lives vs Cancer. Thankfully Alfie’s last chemotherapy treatment was in September 2022 and his life has begun turning around. During this difficult time Andy has also been supported by his colleagues. This camaraderie is the second reason for Alan choosing to support Young Lives vs Cancer, since it is National Ventilation’s charity of the year and Alan is keen to work together with his colleagues to raise funds for this valuable charity. “I am thrilled to have completed the 2023 TCS London Marathon and to have raised valuable funds for Young Lives vs Cancer. Never in a million years would I have envisaged being on the start line of a marathon, let alone the London one. Training for the event was a journey, but a good journey and I am ecstatic that I completed my goal by crossing the finish line. Witnessing the support that Young Lives vs Cancer gave Andy and his family was one of the catalysts for me choosing to run the 2023 TCS London Marathon. The other important reason was to support National Ventilation’s charity of the year, which brings our team together for a good cause,” says Alan. Speaking on behalf of Young Lives vs Cancer, Rose Bailey, Fundraising Engagement Manager, says, “We’re delighted that Alan chose to run the 2023 TCS London Marathon for Young Lives vs Cancer and would like to congratulate him on completing the 26.2 miles, which is a great achievement. We’re very grateful for all the fundraising by National Ventilation. Thanks to their excellent efforts, young people facing cancer, and their families, won’t have to face cancer alone. Thank you so much to Alan and to everyone at National Ventilation for your amazing support!” “A huge congratulations to Alan for completing the 2023 TCS London Marathon for Young Lives vs Cancer,” says Robin Francis, Managing Director at National Ventilation. “At National Ventilation we have seen first-hand how Young Lives vs Cancer helps young people and their families. The charity has supported Alfie and his family throughout their journey as well Matt Dyer who works at the company who also had cancer as a child, so we know just how important the work of this charity is.” To donate click here.