Carbon reduction presents business opportunities for building-services sector
Graham Manly, the new president of the Heating & Ventilating Contractors’ Association believes that the building-services engineering sector has a great deal to gain from the increasing global commitment to carbon reduction and energy conservation. In his inaugural address to the annual general meeting of the association, he also reminded his audience that energy supplies could no longer be taken for granted.
He said, ‘Not only are many energy sources insecure, but legislation is demanding that we reduce demand or pay up.
‘It will not be very long before the Carbon Reduction Commitment is extended to all significant business — and our clients will expect us to be able to help them reduce their carbon footprint. We must ensure that we are up to the task.’
He also pointed out that demand for many renewable technologies has been limited, owing to increased costs, long payback periods and the lack of both incentives and availability
However, last year, France and Germany combined installed 35 times as many heat pumps and 23 times as many solar panels as we did,’ — adding that the next three years would see very significant changes in the UK market.
He warned. ‘It will not be long before replacing, on a like-for-like basis, the two million gas boilers we currently install every year will not be an option.’
Contractors must therefore understand the renewable technologies and the legislation surrounding them, must acquire the skills they need to design, install and maintain them, and must be able to provide clients with informed and authoritative advice and guidance.’
