HPA Encouraged By Results Of Training Consultation

The results have been revealed from a consultation on qualification criteria for low carbon heating system training courses. The consultation was carried by a Coalition of Heating Industry bodies with particular interests in Low Carbon Heating Systems. A Training Strategy published by the Heat Pump Association (HPA) alongside the consultation lays out how the heating industry needs to transform to enable the wider adoption of heat pumps throughout the UK building stock. The Strategy contains five clear steps for how a plumbing and heating engineer can be trained to meet the new challenges we face in trying to achieve the UK goal of a zero carbon future, reducing administration cost, and recommending to government that they support a training voucher scheme for the first 5,000 installers to go through the new course. The consultation survey ran throughout June and asked 21 questions centred around the proposed content for heat pump training courses. A total of 123 participants completed the survey. The majority of respondents were largely gas boiler or heat pump installers, with generally strong support given around the proposed new training route and course content outlines. The key results from the consultation were: 98% of respondents were positive about the content proposed for the Heat Pump Foundations course. Over 66% of respondents indicated that they would be likely or very likely to attend the course. The course content for the Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) specific course was well-rated by 96% of respondents. Many respondents cited that cost was a key consideration, with suggestions of a voucher scheme/incentive for installers to carry out this training. Regulatory requirement to do so was repeated as a key motivation if this course was mandatory to keep working, while others cited age as a reason that they would not attend. 86% of respondents were either in agreement or of no opinion regarding the proposed length of time for the course (two days for the heat pump foundation course with one day for each technology). Some suggested that an on-site follow-up assessment at a later date will be needed to ensure quality. Graham Wright, Chairman of the HPA, says, “The results of this consultation are an encouraging indication that the installer base is in agreement that skills need to be at the required level in order to ensure traditional methods of heating are phased out and low carbon heating systems are embraced. We would like to thank everybody who took part in the consultation, it has been very useful to see the feedback on our proposed Training Strategy.” He continues, “While we have seen a commitment from government towards low carbon heat in order to meet our net-zero targets, it is up to us as an industry to communicate regularly and put the right training in place that will move our industry forward.” Notes: The Committee on Climate Change has recommended that a widespread transformation from boilers to heat pumps and other low carbon heating systems will need to take place in the next 10-15 years; the industry bodies backing these criteria consider them essential to ensuring sufficient heating engineers are equipped with the necessary training and skills to bring about a challenging, but achievable acceleration of low carbon heating. The criteria for the generic Low Temperature Heating course have been developed by the Chartered Institute of Heating and Plumbing Engineers, and for the Heat Pump course, by the Heat Pump Association, both in wide consultation with manufacturers, and other industry bodies. The CIPHE and HPA will collate the responses for each set of criteria respectively, and finalise the criteria before submitting to Ofqual for approval and inclusion in the relevant Competent Persons Schemes. It is expected the first training courses being run to these criteria will be available by the end of 2020.

Abtec BT Encourages Fresh Focus On Emergency Lighting

Twelve months on from the launch of its new emergency lighting software technology, Abtec Building Technologies (Abtec BT) says it is now as important as ever for building managers and operators to focus on building safety. ARGOHub, a software as a service (SaaS) offering, was launched by Abtec BT last autumn after five years in development in response to an urgent market need for secure, robust emergency lighting reporting solutions. With post-Grenfell legislative changes continuing to hit the headlines, the subject of building safety – and buildings which fail to keep occupants safe – remains headline news. Most recently, residents raised concerns about the safety of homes in Brooke House, Basildon, where emergency lighting did not work; the leader of Basildon Council said he would “do what he could” to help residents find new homes if they wanted to move. In the commercial sector, with more people returning to their place of work, Abtec BT believes even greater work is needed to shine a spotlight on the ways in which building users can be assured of safety at all times. Dave Watkins, Director of Abtec Building Technologies, comments, “Building safety continues to need the full attention of our industry – and there must be a ‘no compromises’ approach from building owners and managers. Emergency lighting is about more than the luminaires, and building managers and operators must be sure they can control, monitor and test their emergency lighting systems with ease and confidence. Yet too many buildings reman ill-equipped with outdated systems and testing practices. This means they cannot be relied upon in the event of an incident. “With the recently launched Draft Building Safety Bill, those with responsibility must take a good look at their existing system and ask themselves whether they it is truly fit for purpose. We know from experience that integrating technology such as ARGOHub into building management systems will enhance overall building safety and bring peace of mind to building owners, operators and users everywhere.” Launched in September 2019, lARGOHub allows building managers to maintain a close watch on system performance and respond quickly to actual or potential faults. For clients with multiple sites, ARGOHub can be integrated with Google Maps to provide location-based monitoring worldwide. Fully supportive of the current industry standards, ARGOHub can be tested in accordance with BS EN 50172:2004/BS 5266-1:2016, which specify the minimum provision and testing of emergency lighting for different premises.

NVQ Level 3 Qualification in Power Supply and Distribution Cabling

Excellence Achievement and Learning (EAL) has announced the launch of a new NVQ Level 3 certificate for Cabling and Jointing following work by the JIB Cabling and Jointing Committee to develop recognised qualification routes in the sector. The EAL L3 Certificate in Power Supply and Distribution Cabling is an occupational qualification for learners who work in the electrotechnical industry carrying out either power supply distribution cabling or cable jointing and require a formal qualification to facilitate progression to becoming industry recognised in their role. The content was created from working with cabling and jointing contractors, the ECA, Unite the Union, the Joint Industry Board (JIB) and the Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) through the JIB Cabling and Jointing Committee. This new qualification is available from September 2020 and the JIB will continue this work to help training providers and colleges deliver this qualification route. John O’Sullivan, Managing Director of TA Ronan Cabling and Jointing and Chair of the JIB Cabling and Jointing Committee, explains, “This is really good news for companies and individuals alike who are carrying out cable installations or cable jointing. Gaining industry recognition in their occupation was a goal the Cabling and Jointing Committee set itself, and the achievement of that goal gives companies and individuals the chance to validate their competencies and recognise the skilled nature of their work. "It also gives newcomers to our sector of the industry a clear and defined career and learning pathway. The qualification provides a flexible approach for learners to gather evidence of their safe working from carrying out their occupational role. On behalf of the committee and our sector of the industry, I would like to thank Andy Reakes of the JIB and Richard Clarke of Unite for their hard work and commitment to the cause.” Since its formation in 1989, the Cabling and Jointing Committee has worked to strengthen this specialised sector of the industry. The launch of this qualification route for the sector is the culmination of a series of projects to create a recognised career progression route for Cabling and Jointing that has recently included a new industrial relations Cable Agreement, new ECS card occupations and grading, and the launch of the NET Assessment of Occupational Competence in LV Cable Jointing. Richard Clarke, National Apprenticeship Officer at Unite the Union, has been involved in this work for several years as a Committee member. He comments, “The JIB facilitated extensive discussions between cabling and jointing contractors, the union’s M&E Combine, shop stewards committees and officers on all of these aspects. Furthermore, the new Level 3 pathway for Cable Jointing, alongside the NET Assessment of Occupational Competence for LV Cable Jointing, are an excellent development to assist in the training of a new generation of jointers in this essential safety critical electrotechnical occupation. “Alongside the NET Assessment of Occupational Competence for LV Cable Jointing, this has been something much needed for some time, and is a very welcome development in this essential safety critical electrotechnical occupation. Importantly, the new pathways meet the Construction Leadership Council One Industry Logo and CSCS Partner Scheme requirements under ECS, for increased safety and skills competency in UK construction and the built environment.” Clarke concludes, “Unite looks forward to working further with the JIB Cabling and Jointing Committee on the development of specialist advanced apprenticeships in both cabling and jointing occupational disciplines, giving young people an opportunity to develop a career in this vitally important part of the wider UK electrical contracting, infrastructure and engineering construction.”

LIA statement on UV-C germicidal irradiation

UVC light has long been used as a measure for sanitisation of air, surfaces and water and is known to kill bacteria and viruses when used correctly. During the coronavirus pandemic there has been an understandable increasing interest in this subject. The LIA has become aware over recent months of a significant number of devices appearing on the market, many targeted at consumers and small businesses, which are potentially dangerous. UVC light can pose a hazard to human health if not used correctly and members of the public are advised not to purchase any UV-C products without seeking third party assurances that they are safe for use. It should be noted that there are professional devices available from reputable manufacturers which are designed to be operated safely and effectively but these are generally for specialist applications by trained operators. The LIA has, over the last few months, been working to understand the value as well as dangers of UV-C light in the fight against bacteria and viruses, including membership of the International UV Association (IUVA). Dr Gareth John has been heading up the LIA work on UV-C. The LIA has tested a number of devices claiming to kill viruses and has reported the outcomes to the relevant market surveillance authorities where safety concerns have been identified. Public Health England has also tested a number of similar devices and has raised concerns over their safety and effectiveness. Through membership of LightingEurope, the LIA has joined a Global Lighting Association task force to publish guidance on UV-C, its effectiveness, hazards and information on devices and applications. LIA understands that this guidance is to be adopted as a PAS by IEC. Additional work is being carried out by the LIA in the IEC, national committees of BSI and LightingEurope and we continue to monitor work from other international standardisation bodies and trade associations. LIA also maintains a dialogue with Public Health England on the topic. The LIA recommends that anyone wishing to understand better the safe and effective utilisation and application of UV-C should consider the content of the resources listed below. GLA GLA Position Statement on Germicidal UV-C Irradiation CIE CIE Position Statement on the Use of Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation to Manage the Risk of COVID-19 Transmission CIE 187:2010 UV-C Photocarcinogenesis Risks from Germicidal Lamps CIE 155:2003 Ultraviolet Air Disinfection IEC IEC 62471 - Photobiological safety of lamps and lamp systems IEC/SC34D position statement for luminaire-based products using ultraviolet (UV) radiation to manage the risk of COVID-19 transmission - 34D/1568/INF IEC 60335-2-65 - Household and similar electrical appliances - Safety - Part 2-65:Particular requirements for air-cleaning appliances IEC 60335-2-109 - Household and similar electrical appliances - Safety - Part 2-109: Particular requirements for UV radiation water treatment appliances IES IES CR-2-20-V1, Germicidal Ultraviolet (GUV) – Frequently Asked Questions The LIA laboratory has invested in the equipment to test for electrical and optical safety, wavelength and the exposure required to achieve published kill rates. Members are advised to contact the LIA laboratory should they wish to explore testing of UV-C equipment. The subject of UV-C light and its application as germicidal irradiation is moving quickly as interest in its use against coronaviruses grows. The LIA continues to monitor the situation and will update information as it becomes available.

Ten more manufacturers join EDATA

A further ten leading manufacturers have signed up to syndicate their product data to wholesalers through EDATA’s product data pool service. Added to the original Founder Member manufacturers, this brings the total number of manufacturers committed to using EDATA to provide a single source of ecommerce-friendly data to 25, with more in the pipeline. The latest electrotechnical manufacturers to join EDATA are: Carl Kammerling International Ltd Collingwood Lighting Kosnic Lighting Ltd Lewden Marshall-Tufflex Ltd Megaman (UK) Ltd Metpro Ltd LED Group - Robus Specialised Wiring Accessories Ltd WISKA UK Ltd EDATA is a strategic initiative of the Electrical Distributors’ Association (EDA) under its EDA Data Services Limited banner. Its mission is to facilitate digitalisation of the UK electrotechnical sector, bringing tangible benefits for all members of the supply chain. This will be achieved by the creation, management, and transfer of accurate, consistent, high quality product data with ETIM at its heart. Work began on EDATA in earnest in early 2020 and in the short term the focus will be on achieving a target of 250,000 products listed. The EDATA team is working with all member manufacturers to ensure high quality, complete and standardised data is loaded into the EDATA Pool so that electrical wholesalers can gain access to it for use in their catalogues and ecommerce platforms. Margaret Fitzsimons, CEO at the EDA, said, “Rich, structured and standardised product data is vital to successful digitalisation of our sector and these key manufacturers in our supply chain recognise that.  We are delighted to welcome them to this initiative and look forward to working with them to add their product data to EDATA to serve the wholesale channel.” Richard Appleton, Technical Director of EDA Data Services, added, “Each manufacturer that signs up for EDATA is in a different place on their data journey. As part of the EDATA service they have access to our data experts and a bespoke programme of onboarding and support. “The first downloads of product data are eagerly awaited and will soon be made available for viewing and testing by wholesaler members of EDATA.“

Buyer demand for new homes plummets to lowest levels in six years, says FMB

Demand for new homes has reached its lowest level since 2014, according to small to medium-sized (SME) house builders. The new figures, published in the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) House Builders’ Survey 2020, track the experience of SME house builders in England. The survey found that the planning system was the biggest constraint on SMEs building more homes, with almost half (48%) of respondents citing this issue. Key findings of the House Builders’ Survey include: Buyer demand fell to its lowest levels in six years 48% of respondents said that ‘the planning system’ was restricting their ability to build new homes. Anecdotal evidence suggests builders are typically waiting one year for a decision on a non-controversial planning applications 46% said they had concerns over a ‘lack of available and viable land’ to build on In a worrying development, access to finance has emerged as a growing concern for SMEs, with 41% saying that this is an issue for their company. Recent improvements in lending conditions over the past two years have been reversed, and the issue of loan refusal has seen the biggest jump in respondents citing this as a cause for concern. When asked to look ahead over the next three years, 37% of SMEs are concerned about the impact of restricted mortgage availability and what this will mean for prospective house hunters. Against this background, the FMB’s House Builders’ Survey sets out three key priorities for SME house builders over the year ahead: Boost resources for local authority planning departments – to help builders bring forward new sites, and lay the foundations for the government’s ambitious reforms to the planning system currently under consultation Improve flexibility in the government’s Home Building Fund – the survey found no SME house builders currently use this dedicated funding pot for small site development. This will help unlock additional new homes and deliver on the government’s target of building 300,000 new homes a year Extend the Stamp Duty Land Tax Holiday when it ends in March 2021 – to help sustain increased levels of buyer demand over the longer-term. This will maintain activity levels in the sector and help with job retention Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “SME house builders are facing the dual challenge of weakening demand, and increasing constraints on their output. Taken in the context of Brexit uncertainty and the ongoing economic impact of the coronavirus, these conditions are hampering recovery in the housing market.” Berry concluded: “The government needs to prioritise supporting recovery in the SME house building sector. SME builders operate in every community in England and support the government’s levelling-up agenda. They build high-quality, sustainable and beautiful homes in places where people want to live. Local builders also create local employment and training opportunities, as SMEs train almost three-quarters (71%) of the industry’s apprentices. The FMB is keen to work with the government and the industry to reverse the decline in the SME house building sector and create a more diversified and resilient industry.”

Seven in 10 businesses lack low carbon skilled workers

Seven in 10 engineering services businesses (70%) say they currently do not have enough competent employees to undertake ‘low to no carbon’ work, according to the findings of a new industry-wide ‘skills for climate’ consultation. Some 39% of businesses say they believe they can hire more competent employees to meet the current demand, while 19% do not believe such a step is possible. 11% do not know whether they have enough competent employees at present. In terms of particular technologies facing a shortfall of workers, solar PV, heat pumps, energy storage systems and smart buildings were cited by many businesses as being the most problematic. If demand was to increase ‘substantially’ over the next two years, just 10% of businesses say they would have enough competent employees. One in four respondents (25%) said they would ‘struggle’ to meet this increase in demand. ECA Director of Skills and Employment, Andrew Eldred, commented: “Our industry consultation highlights the growing scale of the skills challenge in the low carbon arena, which comes on top of broader skills shortages in many engineering and skilled trades. “Engineering services businesses, most of which are SMEs, are key to the delivery of low carbon technologies. There is an urgent need for government and industry to work more effectively together to build the skills-base that will be required.” Almost half of the respondents (48%) said that there was a lack of ‘sufficient industry training’ for those involved in low carbon work. Positively, many businesses said that they would be willing to consider hiring individuals who have previously worked in traditional energy sectors, such as oil and gas. Almost two-thirds (65%) say they would hire from the fossil fuels industry, and just 9% said no, while 26% were unsure. The REA Chief Executive, Dr Nina Skorupska CBE, said: “This important survey should send a clear signal to those, particularly young people, affected by lockdown that now is a great time to become an installer and help deliver on our country’s low-carbon ambitions. “Installation companies clearly see renewable energy and clean technologies as an area for future growth and government can kick-start this sector by ensuring solar and energy storage are firmly part of the Green Homes Grant scheme.” STA Chief Executive, Chris Hewett, added: “Electrical and heat contractors are clearly seeing growing demand for solar and energy storage technologies. To deliver our net-zero targets these companies will need support to develop their existing staff and recruit a new generation of skilled workers capable of scaling up the deployment of renewables. “We will be working with other industry bodies to ensure that skills are enhanced and hope that the government will allocate additional resources towards this goal.” The consultation asked a range of questions, including international examples, barriers to entry, and solutions. More findings will be released in due course. The consultation was run by ECA, in association with the REA, STA, BESA and The Electrotechnical Skills Partnership (TESP) during July and August this year.

Bureau Veritas Launches EV Charging Point Inspection Service

Electrical safety expert Bureau Veritas has unveiled a new testing and inspection service for electric vehicle (EV) charging points, as latest figures show almost 10,000 new connections have been installed across the UK in the past year alone. Recent statistics from Zap-Map show there are now 33,779 charging points for electrical vehicles in the UK, a figure which has risen by 8,841 – or a sizable 39% - in the last 12 months. This number is expected to soar in the coming years, with the UK government pledging earlier this year to invest a further £500m in the rollout of new rapid electric charging hubs to ensure drivers are never more than 30 miles from being able to charge their car. With this in mind, Bureau Veritas has launched an independent new inspection offering for EV charging points to help duty holders ensure all installations are compliant with the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 and the BS7671- Requirements for Electrical Installations (IET Wiring Regulations). Michael Kenyon, Technical Lead at Bureau Veritas, explains, “The UK is in the midst of a real step-change in motoring as more and more of us make the switch to electric vehicles. Inevitably, this needs to be supported with a world-class charging infrastructure. “And although we’re seeing a record number of EV charging points springing up, not to be overlooked is the onus on duty holders to ensure they take a ‘quality first’ approach to installation, prioritising electrical safety for users and the general public through regular inspection and maintenance. “Recognising that this may be a new area for many businesses, we’ve launched our new testing and inspection service designed to provide an independent assessment of all new installations and identify any issues that may present an electrical safety risk. We’d urge all our new and existing customers to make use of this fantastic new offering.” Conducted by Bureau Veritas’ highly-skilled electrical engineers, the testing and inspection programme includes earth continuity and insulation resistance testing, polarity confirmation as well as checks on residual current devices and earth loop impedance. The firm recently helped a global technology leader with office locations worldwide to introduce an inspections and maintenance programme for the EV charging points at its sites. Michael adds, “Duty holders should take into consideration that EV charging points are a high use asset, often installed outside and therefore vulnerable to mechanical damage. Hence, periodic inspection and at least annual testing as part of the business’s Health and Safety Risk Management obligations are critical to maintaining the long-term integrity of this vital charging infrastructure.” Bureau Veritas offers a range of testing and certification services to support customers in managing compliance around electrical safety – from electric vehicle charging points and battery storage systems through to other Fixed Electrical Installations (FET) and Hazardous area Inspections (ATEX). For further information, visit https://www.bureauveritas.co.uk/electric-vehicle-charging-points-testing-inspection.

Financial Expert David Rennie Joins CICV Forum Webinar Panel

A leading financial expert has joined the panel of experts offering advice on project bank accounts (PBAs) at the first Construction Industry Coronavirus (CICV) Forum commercial webinar. David Rennie, Relationship Director at the Royal Bank of Scotland, will play a starring role in the opening Forum webinar on September 15, which aims to help construction industry professionals improve their contractual and commercial awareness. The experienced banking professional will sit alongside Professor Rudi Klein, CEO of the Specialist Engineering Contractors’ Group, to discuss the many features and benefits of PBAs, with particular focus on the supply chain. Len Bunton, Dispute Resolution Consultant and Forum Consultant, who will host the PBA webinar, says, “David is an extremely experienced operator who will bring a wealth of insight and information to our first webinar. We are delighted to welcome him as a guest presenter and know that delegates will benefit from the clear and practical advice that he and Professor Klein will deliver.” David has worked in finance, treasury, commercial and corporate banking during a 17-year career with Royal Bank of Scotland. Currently responsible for public sector and higher education in Scotland, his responsibilities include the Scottish Government banking framework, local authorities and universities. He comments, “I am extremely honoured to have been asked to take part in the first of these ground-breaking webinars from the CICV Forum. PBAs are becoming an increasing part of our industry and, alongside Professor Klein, I am looking forward to discussing their benefits and answering any questions from delegates.” Next Tuesday’s webinar is the first of six free sessions being hosted by the Forum and will see Professor Klein outline how the PBA process operates, discuss the latest Scottish Government Construction Policy Note and answer any questions submitted by delegates. Hosted by leading industry experts, and running fortnightly across from September to November, the online discussions are aimed at public and private sector employers, contract and commercial managers, architects, quantity surveyors and project managers. The PBA session will be followed by a second module on September 29 that will discuss changing the culture in the industry, problem contractual clauses, things to avoid, high-risk contract amendments, negotiating better terms and the ‘battle of the forms’. On October 13, online session number three will cover payment terms, getting paid on time, how to present payment applications, variations etc. The fourth webinar will be held on October 27 and will cover giving notices, extensions of time, loss and expense; while the fifth seminar on November 10 will cover suspension and contract termination of contractors and sub-contractors. The topics covered in the final session, held on November 24, will include conflict avoidance procedures, pitfalls and benefits of adjudication, the low-cost value adjudication process and expert determination. Each webinar will start at 11am and will run for between 60-75 minutes, with sessions recorded and hosted on the Forum’s YouTube channel. Other presenters will include Ian Honeyman, Commercial Director, Scottish Building Federation, Deborah Harrison, Legal Manager, The British Constructional Steelwork Association and Angus Pearson, Consultant and Director of Fortis Contracts. Len Bunton notes, “Sign-up to the webinars has already been extremely encouraging and it is clear there is an appetite for more commercial knowledge among the industry, particularly with the uncertainty caused by COVID-19. “We will be adding to our content and roster of expert speakers over the next few weeks and months, with the aim of producing the most comprehensive range of commercial training webinars ever delivered.” The new webinars follow four successful Forum online events in May and June, during which experts gave advice on health and safety, cashflow, contract issues and a range of employment matters. The Forum, which is made up of more than 60 trade associations, private companies and professional bodies, has also maintained a steady supply of information and practical advice to the sector as well as carrying out surveys and making appeals to Government Ministers. In the last few months it has issued seven health and safety advice documents, updated its operating guidance and reminded construction workers to observe physical distancing in their social lives too. - To register for the first PBA webinar, click here or e-mail info@cicvforum.co.uk.

Countries Commit To An EV Future On World EV Day

On World EV Day (September 9, 2020), drivers from more than 60 countries have made a firm commitment to transition to an electric vehicle. The online pledge campaign, which was launched by ABB and Green.TV as part of World EV Day, encourages drivers to recognise the crucial role that electric vehicles (EVs) can play in advancing sustainable mobility, making a commitment that the next car they drive will be electric. Results to date are already indicating which countries are in the driving seat when it comes to taking action. The UK is currently leading the way with 29% of sign ups. This is closely followed by India (13%) and USA (11%). ABB’s headline partnership with World EV Day amplifies the company’s existing title partnership of the ABB FIA Formula E Championship – the world’s first global all-electric motor racing series. ABB Formula E exists to drive progress in e-mobility by accelerating technical innovation in a competitive environment. Tarak Mehta, President of ABB Electrification, comments, “Today marks an important milestone in the history of e-mobility with the world’s first EV Day. As headline partner, ABB is delighted to see so many individuals from around the globe taking positive action by signing the pledge. “At ABB, we are committed to inspiring drivers towards a sustainable electric future. As such, we have launched an ABB fleet electrification pilot programme, starting in the UK and with other countries including the Netherlands set to follow.” World EV Day has attracted many partners and industry leaders in celebrating the progress made in e-mobility and accelerating efforts to build greater support for EVs. The online event has provided virtual seminars on the topics that matter, including the Green Recovery and the marketing of electric vehicles. Through social media and Worldevday.org, the event provides a useful hub for e-mobility resources and insight on driving an electric future. Ade Thomas, Founder, Green.TV, adds, “The rapid transition to electrified, sustainable mobility has never been more urgent. With World EV Day, we are hopeful that we have helped energise and highlight the need to decarbonise transport and encourage everyone to look to electric as a way to continue to build prosperity, enable access and deliver a sustainable way of life.” As a global leader in e-mobility, ABB is committed to driving innovation in the sector, supporting greater adoption of electric vehicles. ABB has unrivalled expertise in electrification, having sold more than 14,000 DC fast chargers across more than 80 countries. ABB recently received the Global E-mobility Leader 2019 award for its role in supporting the international adoption of sustainable transport solutions. There is still time to take the pledge. Simply visit worldevday.org/ev-pledge. The pledge campaign will be further amplified on World EV Day itself through the events global network of partners and supporters, with further updates on sign-ups to come.