Leicester College unveils Green Technology Hub

Leicester College has opened a new Green Technology Hub at its Freemen’s Park Campus. The Hub will enable construction students, staff and employers to gain hands-on, practical experience with the latest green technologies. The new state-of-the-art green tech equipment in the Green Tech Hub includes air source heat pumps, solar panels, battery storage systems and EV charging stations. The Green Technology Hub will support a range of Leicester College courses from Level 2 to Level 4, focused on renewables and green technology including: Climate Change and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Sustainability, Pollution and Waste Management Understanding Impacts of Industry and Organisations on the Natural Environment Energy Conservation and Efficient Buildings and Structures Renewable Energy Sustainable Energy Technologies Sustainable Energy and Renewables Nick Allen, Construction Area Manager at Leicester College says, “Green technology is already having and will continue to have an increasing impact on the UK construction sector. It’s vital that our students have access to this equipment, to learn how to use the technology and understand the impact it will have when they get into the workplace.  “The new Green Tech Hub will provide students with a strong foundation to learn more about these technologies and incorporate that knowledge into their future work with employers.” Derek Watters, Programme Lead for T Level Year 1 in Construction at Leicester College adds, “The introduction of green technology is very exciting – it brings about plenty of opportunities. Students can bring their own technological understanding to learning about the new green equipment and it can really give them a head start to extend their broad range of construction skills. “People want more control from their building management systems and this is tried and tested technology, now affordable and easily maintained. The technology will continue to evolve so it’s an ideal time for students to progress their learning at this early stage of their career in construction.” The Hub is funded by the Government’s Local Skills Improvement Fund and has been fitted out by Quantum Training, a UK renewable training provider, which also trains Leicester College staff on the equipment. Leicester College, along with its partners Loughborough College, North Warwickshire & South Leicestershire College and SMB College Group, was successful in bidding for funding through the Government’s Local Skills Improvement Fund.  The College has successfully been awarded funds to develop training programmes to meet local employers’ skills needs in key industries including the green sector. These programmes support four key aims: decarbonising transportation; green leadership skills; digital upskilling; and employer skills training.

New funding boosts low carbon social housing opportunities

Baxi is encouraging social housing providers to ensure they have robust clean heat strategies in place for both new build and refurbishment projects following funding announcements in the Spring Statement. The call follows the government’s allocation of £2 billion to support the development of 18,000 new affordable homes, half of which is allocated for social housing. This funding for new build homes sits alongside the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund in place to retrofit existing social housing and improve energy efficiency. Rob Pearse, Residential Business Director at Baxi, says, “The £2 billion set aside for social housing in the Spring Statement must be used with sustainability in mind, which includes the long-term comfort and financial security of tenants as well as electrified heating. This can be achieved by working closely with manufacturers who have expertise in the sustainable heating of social housing and a raft of solutions able to match almost any requirements. “Delivering clean heat in social housing sector can be challenging, and we intend to support providers from the earliest steps of their net zero journey. It is important to identify the system that delivers the best efficiency, cost and environmental results for the building and occupants. Working closely with experts and the wider supply chain can provide the expertise and solutions to do this successfully for both new build and retrofit.” Air source heat pumps (ASHPs) are a key route to clean heat for both new build and retrofit social housing projects, though design challenges for retrofit and skills shortages for installers can be a barrier to social housing providers. To assist the sector with implementation, Baxi has developed a broad portfolio of heat pump solutions suitable for new build and retrofit, along with extensive training, commissioning services and customer support. This includes new prefabricated pod options for new build and retrofit that bring the ASHP system into a pre-assembled unit, manufactured offsite by Baxi Packaged Solutions (BPS). Using Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) to deliver a more sustainable solution makes the installation significantly faster and simpler and removes the need for major modifications inside the home. This, in turn, makes low carbon heating and hot water more accessible in social housing. For larger developments and multiple occupancy buildings, Baxi‘s expert full-service heat network team offer support with design and implementation of end-to-end solutions, including social housing developments. Where zoning policy mandates that heat networks must connect to a larger scheme, consultation with experts, such as those at Baxi, can support a smoother integration with the wider network. Fore more from Baxi, click here.

Research reveals significant solar carport opportunity

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

Aico announces winner of Smart Social Spaces competition

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

ECA President opens Half-house full of sustainable potential

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

Markel Direct reveals most common construction injuries

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

NAPIT supports plans for tougher sentencing of tool thieves

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

Trilux launches Osido outdoor wall light range

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

Electrical phase identification device to enhance efficiency

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

UK Power Networks developing platform to safeguard networks

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