NICEIC calls for cross-trade teamwork
Posted on 11th June 2024
The Energy Saving Trust says the UK’s 30 million homes account for more than 21% of the country’s carbon emissions.
The government continues to look for ways to improve the energy efficiency of the UK’s housing stock. The National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC) says trades must work together to meet the country’s great retrofit challenge.
Meeting Net Zero targets
The challenge is very large – to almost stop carbon emissions completely from our buildings. This means the energy efficiency of all our existing homes must improve dramatically.
To achieve Net Zero targets by 2035 all homes must have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of ‘C’ or above. Currently 19 million homes have a rating of band ‘D’ or lower.
According to one study the UK’s houses are amongst the least energy efficient in Europe. Our homes are losing heat up to three times faster than those on the continent so we’re wasting energy and money every day.
Government home energy efficiency grants are increasing demand for low-carbon, energy efficient and renewable solutions. There are opportunities for all the different tradespeople involved to work together with the right support, investment and training.
The solution includes cross-trade collaboration for specifying and installing different energy efficient technologies. These could range from solar panels and energy storage systems to ground and air source heat pumps.
New qualifications
The NICEIC has developed a new range of qualifications for professionals to help them improve knowledge and expertise in low carbon solutions. Delivered by NICEIC and leading industry experts they include:
electrical energy storage systems (EESS)
installing small-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) panels
solar PV maintenance
solar thermal hot water
heat pumps.
To make the most difference, installers, electricians, gas and heating engineers, plumbers and other service providers must work together. This will also help to save customers money and establish best practice standards.
Please get in touch if you would like to discuss energy efficient electrical installations for your home.
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