Energy specialist launches heat pump guide for installers

With 47% of people citing ‘installation disruption’ as the main barrier to switching to a heat pump during the current Electrification of Heat trial, a new guide supporting heating engineers to help customers make an informed decision, has been developed by the net zero innovation centre, Energy Systems Catapult. While heat pumps installations in the UK almost tripled to an estimated 42,779 in the UK in 2021 (up almost 16,000 from 2020), surveys show only 4% of the public feel they know a lot about heat pumps, and 77% of consumers had little or no awareness at all. The Catapult is aiming to support heating engineers in helping consumers navigate the net zero transition, dispel common misconceptions, and ensure they are fully informed about the heat pump installation journey. The guide ‘Heat pump talk - effective conversations between customers and installers throughout the heat pump installation journey’ follows the customer journey from the initial ‘enquiry stage’ through to the post installation stage’ and sheds light on the most frequently asked customer questions. ‘Heat pump talk’ also provides example responses and follow up questions for heating professionals to discuss with their customers. For example, at the ‘enquiry stage’, installers are provided with example responses to customer questions about the cost, insulation, available grant funding, and the efficiency of heat pumps. The guide helps installers to simplify the language used when engaging with customers, helping them to make an informed decision. In the ‘survey and design stage’ of the process, the guide helps installers navigate the initial assessment of a customer’s house and provides questions for the installer to help determine the suitability of a heat pump for the home and the type of heat pump to install. This includes, discussing the homeowner’s heat and hot water requirements, understanding the external and internal space constraints - depending on the type of heat pump to be installed - and how to inform the customer of the options available to them based on the installer’s home assessment. The guide was produced as part of the ‘Electrification of Heat’ Demonstration Project. The Project, which is funded by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), seeks to better understand the feasibility of a large-scale rollout of heat pumps in homes across the UK. During the ‘Electrification of Heat’ Demonstration Project, ESC spoke to many participants and installers about their experience of installing heat pumps. From this, ESC learned how customers and installers can interact most effectively at different stages of the customer journey. Interview case studies were conducted with several of the participants, and three participants were asked specifically about communicating effectively with installers based on their experience in the Project. Three heating engineers installing heat pumps on behalf of the project were interviewed about how to have effective conversations with consumers. The findings of which helped to produce the ‘Heat pump talk’ guide. Richard Halsey, Innovation Director at Energy Systems Catapult, says, “Heat pumps will undoubtedly play an important role in the decarbonisation of heating British homes, but there is still work to be done to overcome barriers to installation for consumers. We can change this. We can start by helping consumers navigate the transition to a heat pump by ensuring we provide them with clear and easy to understand information and guidance on installing a heat pump. “The latest guide, ‘Heat pump talk’ aims to help installers put the minds of customers at ease and do-away with common misperceptions by demonstrating what a real-world heat pump installation journey looks like. The guide is not exhaustive, after all, every home is different and will require heating solutions tailored to a customer’s home, but it does provide a starting point for conversations for those installers on the front lines of the UK’s decarbonisation journey. “While heat pump installations in homes are growing in popularity, the UK is still lagging behind Europe in terms of the number of heat pumps installed in homes. This coupled with a huge consumer awareness gap - 77% of people say they know nothing about heat pumps - makes for a challenging market. It is the heating industry’s responsibility to actively and effectively engage with consumers to improve awareness of the benefits of heat pumps and how the installation journey will impact them.”

£1,000 bill for those who choose EV chargers that are not solar-compatible

With the transition to electrification continuing at pace and solar PV installations soaring, myenergi is warning motorists that failing to fit solar-compatible EV chargers on homes that have or could have solar panels in the future is a false economy - and it could cost them around £1,000 to replace with a compatible charger in the future. In 2022, domestic solar installations tripled the rates recorded in 2021. As UK consumers continue to consider alternative energy sources, particularly given the global crisis, myenergi is calling for householders to install home chargers that integrate with solar generation to maximise the opportunity for free, clean, self-generated green energy. Tom Callow, Head of Corporate Communications at myenergi, comments, “As EV registrations continue to grow, demand for domestic chargers is rocketing. However, with so many options out there, which should you choose? “While there are a number of excellent products available to specify, we believe that consumers should be thinking about the future. Charging your EV with mains electricity is typical today, but with decentralised domestic energy generation becoming ever-more commonplace across the UK, drivers should specify a device compatible with renewables to prevent buying twice. “At myenergi, we believe that any EV driver who either has solar panels - or has the opportunity to install them in the future - should invest in a solar-compatible charger. With ongoing concerns around the rising cost of energy, taking advantage of solar power to keep costs down has become a hugely desirable option. “Any EV driver installing a non-compatible device may come to regret their choice, as they will need to replace it if they choose to invest in renewables. Car manufacturers and leasing companies that are recommending non-solar chargers should therefore be making it clear that these chargers will not necessarily be future-proof for many. “What’s more, this short-term thinking will undoubtedly create unnecessary e-waste in the longer term.” As the myenergi zappi can operate as a mains-connected home charger that optimises with time of use tariffs to enable cheaper and greener charging from the grid, while also seamlessly integrating with solar generation to direct any available renewable energy to your car. It does this without taking any energy from the grid in its most eco-smart mode. Tom concludes, “Rather than seeing renewable energy exported back to the grid, zappi users can instead plug in their EV and effectively charge for free - quick, simple, zero emissions motoring. Alongside saving money and saving carbon, our eco-smart tech helps you to take EV charging completely off grid.”

Businesses must go further to ensure EV charging safety

There are currently more than 940,000 plug-in cars registered in the UK, and the sale of new cars and vans with petrol and diesel engines will be banned from 2030. In addition, the government has set a target to increase the number of public charging points to at least 300,000 by the same date in a bid to boost the take-up of EVs. It also announced recently plans for a £20 million pilot scheme to give drivers greater access to EV chargepoints across the country. This is set to cause a sharp rise in the number of businesses putting EV charging points on their continuity plans for 2023. Having a robust strategy in place to manage the installation, functionality and regular maintenance of charging points will form a vital part of this. Bureau Veritas supports asset owners to take steps to ensure that their Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (EVCS) are compliant, always available and fully functional for end customers. Whilst the industry average for inspecting an EVCS is every three years, Bureau Veritas recommends to all clients that to reduce potential risk and harm to the user, EVCS should be tested every year - particularly as they are still a fairly new piece of equipment and the rate at which they are installed continues at rapid pace. Further regulations, which came into force in 2020 as part of the IET Wiring Regulations (18th Edition) state that residual current device (RCDs) must be fitted within an EV charging point, which is tested every six months. An RCD connects to the live wires within the device and will cut off the power if an electrical fault is detected. This works to prevent fatal electric shocks for charge point users and potentially protect against electrical fires. George White, Senior Consultant for Electric Vehicles at Bureau Veritas, says, “An EV charging point is an extremely large and high-powered piece of kit and should be treated as such when it comes to safety. Like any fixed electrical installation, duty holders are required under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 to ensure the safety of EV chargepoints, including maintaining electric vehicle systems to limit danger to employees, visitors or other persons. “What’s crucial with EVCS is that not only do they supply a significant amount of power (rapid chargers supply a minimum of 25kW), they also aren’t being handled by specialist electricians, but by any member of the public who drives an electric vehicle. This can pose a serious threat if it hasn’t been properly maintained and inspected. “A lot can change in rules and regulations around EV charging and with rapidly developing associated infrastructure we would always recommend that chargepoints are checked on an annual basis to ensure utmost safety for the user. This differs for standard electrical items in buildings due to the potential risks. “As well as offering routine annual inspection and testing for EV chargepoints, Bureau Veritas is able to support businesses to comply with the 18th Edition on RCD testing.” Bureau Veritas was recently announced as a specialist partner for Aviva’s EV chargepoint inspections, as the insurer launched its EV Charging Point insurance product. As part of its new product, Aviva is offering Erection All Risks (EAR) and Operational All Risks (OAR) cover for EV chargers on a standalone basis. The product is aimed at customers including contractors, car park operators, local authorities, asset managers and forecourt operators, with cover applicable for everything from a single charger to an entire network. It will cover risks including fire, flooding, malicious damage, accidental or impact damage and breakdown. George continues, “We’re delighted to be working as the specialist partner for Aviva, enabling businesses using their new EV chargepoint insurance to take up our renowned EV charging inspection and testing services as an added benefit. This includes inspections covering electrical integrity and safety of the chargepoints.”

Electric cars top market in December and entire 2022

Latest UK electric car sales data shows that one in three new cars sold in December 2022 were electric - and for the first time since at least 2010 (when diesel was on the rise) petrol’s share of the market fell below 40%. It also shows that there was a 38% increase in the number of battery electric vehicles (BEV) sold in 2022 compared with 2021. This data is from New AutoMotive’s Electric Car Count (ECC). Its 2022 review also shows that even though the UK car market shrank overall, the demand for BEVs remained strong. Diesel and petrol’s share of the market continues to shrink, and the share of hybrids stagnated - a sign that demand for transitory hybrid technology has potentially peaked as drivers increasingly recognise the superiority of fully electric vehicles. Ben Nelmes, New AutoMotive’s Chief Executive Officer, says, “December’s figures are seriously impressive. This is the result of years of government support through consumer and fiscal incentives, as well as a clear long-term ambition to end the sale of fossil-fuelled cars by 2035. “As the government winds up grants and incentives for electric cars, it needs to be careful that these impressive numbers are not just a flash in the pan. Electric car registrations can go down as well as up. Ministers should enshrine their 2035 ambition in law by introducing a California-style Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) mandate, which provides the market with clarity about the UK’s journey to cleaner road transport. “Delays to the UK’s plans to introduce a zero emissions vehicle mandate risk undermining the case for investment in gigafactories and charging infrastructure. A strong ZEV mandate will bring forward running cost savings for consumers that dwarf debates about fuel duty rates. Consumers have shown that they are ready to pass on petrol and embrace electric; now is the time for the government to show that it is on their side by setting ambitious targets that enable more people to access the benefits of going electric.”

Lighting control visionary awarded MBE in 2023 New Year Honours list

John Woodnutt, entrepreneur and inventor of electronic lighting control technology, has been awarded an MBE for services to business and entrepreneurship in the 2023 New Year Honours list. John Woodnutt is a serial inventor and a pioneer, dedicating his technological foresight, expertise and ingenuity to the creation of innovative control technologies. The recognition is the culmination of more than six decades of commitment to creating smart, energy-efficient building technologies. In the late 1950s, John pioneered innovative electronic techniques which revolutionised the control of lighting and, in 1959, founded Delmatic Lighting Control to develop and commercialise these innovations. The products and concepts developed in those early years paved the way for rapid implementation of energy efficient controls during the energy crises of the 1970s and sowed the seed for the global sustainable and smart buildings sector we see today. John’s continued innovations over subsequent decades, the relentless application of electronic features and technologies, and the constant development of novel and innovative techniques, generated many pioneering features we take for granted including daylight-linking and corridor-hold, plug-in LCMs (lighting control modules), presence detectors, and adaptive loadshedding. Under the leadership of John, Delmatic continues to innovate solutions for the latest smart buildings, merging wired and wireless DALI-2 devices across integrated IoT and converged IP networks and optimising efficiency through sharing of granular data via MQTT. The first commercial application of lighting controls in the early 1960s provided individual programmable control of every light within a 40-storey London headquarters building - fully flexible control more than 60 years ago! Since then, Delmatic has equipped some of London’s most iconic buildings and projects including the NatWest Tower (Tower 42), the Gherkin, the Shard, Battersea Power Station and Crossrail Elizabeth Line. Internationally, the company represents the best of British engineering and expertise, supplying leading-edge solutions to many of the most advanced global projects including the world’s largest smart lighting control system for the new terminal at Abu Dhabi International Airport. At a time when society is re-evaluating and challenging the traditional concept of retirement, John is an inspiration to many who know him and meet him in business, for his energy and creativity, his dedication to innovation and his commitment to sustainable technologies. In 2023, at the age of 96, John Woodnutt is still actively involved in his company’s work and in the continued advancement, development and application of cutting-edge technologies to enhance sustainability, save energy, and meet the pressing demands for reductions in greenhouse gases and carbon footprints. John says, “I am delighted and honoured to receive this MBE. I share this recognition with my many colleagues - both within Delmatic and the wider industry sector - with whom I have worked over more than 60 years and, without whom, we could have not achieved all that we have achieved.”

Tradespeople are protecting their vans, but not the tools inside

While tradespeople seem reluctant to insure their tools, they’re not against insuring the value of their vehicles. GAP insurance was taken on by just 55% of van drivers. Tom Roberts, LCV specialist at Vanarama, says, “These low figures of tool insurance uptake paints a concerning picture for tradespeople. Our internal data suggests that van drivers are happy to protect the overall cost of a van, but few worry about investing in protecting their tools - the very items they need to keep working.” To help tradespeople stay safe this season, Vanarama have shared five tips that you can take on to decrease the chance of a break-in. Where you go, your tools go - it's simple, if you've got expensive tools in your van, don't leave them unattended overnight, take them with you. It may be easier said than done, but removing tools overnight is a major deterrent to potential tool thieves. Park your van in safe locations - parking can be a pain, but having your tools stolen is a nightmare, so make sure you give where you park a second thought. Don’t park in an unlit area that doesn't have any CCTV cameras in sight. If you can, park the rear doors of your van close to a wall to make it difficult for thieves to get at large objects, such as ladders. Keep an inventory so you know if anything is missing - for your own peace of mind, as much for insurance purposes, keep a list of everything in your van along with photos. It’s easier to spot a theft or missing item quickly when you know what should be there. You can even make tools easier to identify if lost by marking your initials on them with a UV pen. Darken your windows - if your van has rear windows, it's easy for thieves to see the contents of your van. Darkening your rear windows will reduce the risk of your van being broken into, meaning anything that is left in your van won't be on view to thieves. Hide valuables - Like you would in a car, ensure any sat navs or gadgets are hidden before leaving the vehicle. Thieves will break in for much less value than a box of tools and removing any valuables in plain sight can reduce the chance of break-in.

Hanwha Techwin’s top five surveillance trends for 2023

Hanwha Techwin previews the top five video surveillance trends for 2023, focusing on cutting-edge technologies including AI, computing at the edge, and the convergence of IoT. It also explains why cyber security and the responsible use of technology will become increasingly important. The use of AI is evolving To date, traditional video applications have called on AI to reduce false alarms and allow the forensic search of video based on object attributes. However, AI centred on metadata has become commonplace. End users are now looking for reprocessed information such as vehicle type statistics in a given time period or customers’ gender and age by different hours - rather than metadata that merely aggregate vehicle, gender or age data. This is because users can gain greater insight and make better business decisions by accessing and managing their information directly. In other words, information becomes most valuable when the user has the opportunity to use this data in the most efficient and relevant way to them. This explains industry efforts to allow the efficient management of tremendous amounts of metadata collected by AI. Dashboards and reports which collect AI metadata and present this data as insights that invite the end user’s decision will grow in popularity. Hanwha Techwin is working to deliver valuable information to the end user through Wise BI (Business Intelligence) and present solutions customised to meet the needs of different sectors. Unified solutions with on-premise and cloud As cloud-based services have become more common, the number of providers has grown. Users can now easily integrate devices and systems using a cloud service, and don’t often need to purchase additional servers and network infrastructure. However, whether because of group security policy, network status or budget, many organisations prefer to stick with conventional on-premise solutions with dedicated servers and software. In 2023, we can expect growth in so-called ‘hybrid’ systems that combine on-premise technology and the cloud. Users may opt for a combination of on-premise and cloud solutions - the former delivering on-site control, with the cloud ensuring a reliable means of backing up critical data. To this end, Hanwha Techwin provides two solutions: Wisenet Wave VMS (on-premise) and Wave Sync (a cloud-based service). The latter allows thousands of on-premise systems to be remotely accessed, managed, and maintained. New possibilities with edge AI Edge-based AI technology has become popular among users for its ability to help detect and classify objects. It is now being enhanced with NPU (Neural Processing Unit) technology. This involves using an AI semiconductor which can learn independently and processes video, audio, text or images at the same time by imitating the way the human brain operates. In a video application, NPU enhances edge AI functions to include features such as behaviour analytics and abnormal behaviour detection. In addition, with NPU, it’s also possible for users to train AI algorithms directly, according to their own criteria. Hanwha Techwin will soon be releasing Wise Detector, which can be taught to classify those object types of most interest to the user, whether these are shopping carts or a certain type of vehicle, or an event, for example. Converging technologies Conventional physical security solutions such as video surveillance, access control or intrusion detection are being expanded through integration with IoT devices, AI, and the cloud. For example, an IoT-enabled sensor that detects smoke, temperature, humidity or motion can be integrated with an AI security system to deliver new insights following analysis in the cloud. Hanwha Techwin is also preparing to gradually expand its solutions by combining AI, IoT, and the cloud with vision technology. Once, security solutions were focused on video monitoring by collecting video data and event alarm information and permitting the saving and searching of video. In future, various data will be collected by IoT sensors and cameras and analysed by AI at the edge, using past pattern analysis and comparison of a present situation to help predict future events as well as prevent incidents. ‘Zero trust’ in cyber security Awareness of cyber security needs to be raised as new business models and solutions are extended through technological integration with AI, the cloud, and IoT. Hanwha Techwin has focused on video surveillance for over 30 years and, as IP Video has started presenting prominent threats, has continually emphasised the significance of cyber security. For example, its specialised Security Computer Emergency Response Team (S-CERT), constantly undertakes security tests to ensure its solutions remain fully protected from new and emerging threats. In addition, Hanwha Techwin has acquired official certifications such as UL CAP, FIPS and TTA to manage its products’ security to the highest standards. Recently, ‘zero trust’ has emerged as a new trend in cyber security. Zero trust indicates that every single device and application that is linked on a network has gone through a qualification process under the assumption that there is no automatic right for ‘trust’ between those devices and applications. Hanwha Techwin plans to continue reviewing and upgrading solutions from the perspective of 'zero trust', ensuring compliance with the Secure by Default scheme, for example. The importance of cyber security cannot be overstated, especially since work conducted by Hanwha Techwin across Europe shows that the responsible and ethical use of technology is a massive concern for end users. Research commissioned by Hanwha Techwin, due to be unveiled in early 2023, reveals just how important the responsible use of video technology is for end users and why they are looking for manufacturers who put cyber security and ethical considerations at the heart of what they do. On this basis, 2023 looks like being an exciting year!

NG Bailey’s climate change plan approved by leading environmental body

NG Bailey has become one of just 10 UK construction and engineering companies to have a science-based target to tackle greenhouse gas emissions approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). The UK’s largest independent engineering and services business has had a 1.5°C near term and net zero commitment target approved. NG Bailey has committed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from sources it owns and controls directly, as well as those it causes indirectly, by 50% by 2031. It has also pledged to ensure 75% of its suppliers have science-based targets in place themselves by 2027. The SBTi is driving ambitious climate action in the private sector by enabling companies to set science-based emission reduction targets. Natalie Wilkinson, Head of Responsibility at NG Bailey says, “NG Bailey already has a long history of being a responsible business when it comes to sustainability, reducing our absolute emissions by 27% to date while setting out our longer-term ambitions in our net positive strategy. “However, as one of the UK’s leading M&E suppliers, we know we are at the forefront of being able to directly influence the transition to a lower carbon future. By taking the steps to have our science-based targets approved, we now not only have a clear roadmap for reducing our own emissions but can offer better lower emissions solutions for our clients, many of whom are on their own journeys. “We know that the road ahead will be a long one, but by working together as an industry and committing to setting science-based targets, we are one step closer to making a net zero future possible.”

AGI supports government report on accelerating EV chargepoint rollout

The Association for Geographic Information (AGI), has supported a government report on how location data can drive the rollout of electric vehicle infrastructure. The AGI hosted a roundtable to discuss opportunities for geospatial to build a chargepoint network that works for everyone, everywhere. The findings of this have now been used to support the Geospatial Commission’s policy development, which has culminated with the publication of ‘Getting to the point: accelerating EV chargepoint rollout through geospatial data’. The report proposes that to build a chargepoint network that can work for everyone, chargepoints must be rolled out where they are needed for today and tomorrow. Location data is key to building the right infrastructure in the right places, giving confidence to current and future EV owners that they can efficiently reach their destination. The report identifies how location data can help model future demand, select suitable sites, create a seamless consumer experience and track rollout. Joe Cuddeford, Deputy Director at the Geospatial Commission, says, “I am grateful to the AGI for convening a diverse mix of stakeholders to help us understand the role of location data in the EV chargepoint rollout. The geospatial sector has a crucial role in delivering the UK’s vision of an EV chargepoint network that works for everyone, wherever they live, work and travel.” Adam Burke, Chair of the Association for Geographic information says, “As an independent industry body, we are uniquely placed to bring together organisations that are charged with delivering EV charging infrastructure with organisations who have access to the data, technology and know-how to model demand and identify suitable locations. “The geospatial sector also has an integral role to play in making chargepoint data more findable, accessible, interoperable and reusable, improving the customer experience, and providing metrics for tracking its rollout and use.” The roundtable event, held as part of the AGI’s Annual Conference GeoCom, was chaired by Geospatial Commission commissioner, Dr Steve Unger, and convened 13 organisations from across the government and the industry, including ConnectedKerb, GeoPlace, Google, NHS, Ordnance Survey, TfL and ZapMap. Ian Maxfield, Associate Director of Geospatial Services at NHS South, Central and West, who took part in the discussions, says, “A staggering 3.5% of all road travel in England relates to patients, visitors, staff and suppliers to the NHS. We know effective take up of zero-emission vehicles will require a comprehensive electric charging infrastructure across the NHS estate, but this must happen in parallel with a wider rollout in the community.”

Financial expert shares top tips for tradespeople

The financial side of running a trade business can be challenging and complicated, but it’s important to get it right, otherwise you could end up losing money. Research by ElectricalDirect found that almost three-quarters (74%) of UK tradespeople don’t feel confident handling their company finances, and many have ended up making a loss on jobs because of pricing errors (25%). With this in mind, the electrical retailer has partnered with Rick Smith, Managing Director at Forbes Burton, to share five pieces of expert financial advice for tradespeople as we head into 2023. Be stricter with invoices Rick says, “As a small business owner, your income depends on the payment you get from your customers. However, getting funds from your clients on time can be difficult, and this can cause a strain on your mental health and wellbeing. “To avoid this problem, it’s best to try and implement a ‘50% up front’ policy. Doing this will help maintain a steady cash flow. It will also help you identify genuine customers interested in your product or services. Thus, you save time, resources and money.” Look after your cash reserves Rick continues, “Your most important asset as a business owner, is your savings. You can rely on your savings in difficult times or when you need to handle unexpected expenses. Besides that, you can also take a break when you need or want one. It is crucial that you have cash reserves as they allow you to handle these expenses. “If you want to be comfortable, it is advisable to save 30% of your earnings each month.” Pay your taxes on time Rick comments, “Tax returns are usually put off for a long time, and you will find this last on the to-do list for most people. Voilà, it’s another year, and you are rushing to submit your tax returns with just a few days to go, which may turn out to be larger than your expectations. “The easiest solution is to prepare your tax returns as early as possible after 6 April. Doing this will help you handle this critical task on your to-do list efficiently and quickly. Also, it informs you of the amount to pay the following January. Therefore, you get to avoid any horrible surprises, and you have a lot of time to save if the need arises.” Try to think ahead Rick concludes, “We’ve learned from the previous few years that the financial landscape is anything but predictable. Thus, you need to have plans for different scenarios that may happen in 2023 as a business owner. “How much money have you saved for possible eventualities? What kind of help or options are available? There is no such thing as being over-prepared.”