News Archive - November 2012
National Skills Academy seeks new members
29 November 2012
The National Skills Academy is looking to increase its membership base to help champion the industry in the light of Government initiatives, such as the Green Deal.
ADCAS member named Fair Payment Champion
29 November 2012
ADCAS executive committee member, Simon Roxburgh, has been recognised for his outstanding contribution to improving payment practices in the construction industry by the National Specialist Contractors Council (NSCC).
Fastest fitters win Geberit Challenge 2012
29 November 2012
Held in front of a live audience, the final of the Geberit Challenge 2012 took place on 23 November at Alexandra Palace in London.
Baxi unveils new training facility
29 November 2012
Baxi has launched a new training suite at East Durham College's Technical Academy.
Green bank makes first investments
28 November 2012
The Green Investment Bank (GIB) is making its first deal later today. Funded with £3 billion of Government money, the it is designed to help develop a green economy.
UFW recruits sales manager
28 November 2012
UFW, the green energy company based in Leicester, has appointed Tim Harvey as sales manager for the East Midlands, supporting its continued growth across the region.
Sabien Technology names new chairman
27 November 2012
Miriam Maes has been appointed non executive chairman of the Sabien Technology Group with immediate effect.
Redring Xpelair appoints new ceo
27 November 2012
Redring Xpelair Group has appointed Nitin Patel as its new chief executive officer.
Mitsubishi Electric unveils new Reigate office
27 November 2012
Mitsubishi Electric has opened a new sales office near Reigate in Surrey.
ENER-G celebrates awards success
27 November 2012
Two low carbon combined heat and power projects by ENER-G took top honours at this year's CHPA (Combined Heat and Power Association) Awards which were held on 15 November at Lincoln's Inn, in London.
Cofely agrees facilities management deal with Infineum
27 November 2012
Cofely has won a contract to deliver a full integrated facilities management service to Infineum UK.
Government underlines commitment to prompt payment
27 November 2012
Chloe Smith MP, Minister for Political and Constitutional Reform, highlighted the Government's commitment to fair payment in the construction industry at the 2012 NSCC (National Specialist Contractors Council) Annual Lunch last week (21 November).
New operations director for Hargreaves
27 November 2012
Hargreaves, the provider of air movement and ventilation ductwork solutions, has recruited Steve Thomas as its new operations director.
Breathing Buildings makes Ashden Awards shortlist
27 November 2012
Breathing Buildings, the natural ventilation specialist based in Cambridge, has been shortlisted for the 2013 Ashden Awards.
J S Wright apprentice wins top award
26 November 2012
J S Wright apprentice, Scott Ramm, has been awarded the BEST Apprentice Plumber of 2012 Award for London and the South East.
SkillPLUMB 2012 winner is announced
26 November 2012
Andrew Patton from Dave Neal Plumbing and Heating, a student at Grimsby Institute, has been crowned the 2012 SkillPLUMB champion, following three days of intense practical competition during The Skills Show at the NEC in Birmingham.
Cambridge landlord faked gas safety certificate
26 November 2012
Cambridge Magistrates Court heard last week (22 November) that a landlord risked tenants' health by failing to ensure gas appliances were safe to use and then produced a fake certificate to give the impression they were.
ACR Show plans future expansion
26 November 2012
A new steering group for the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Show (ACR Show) has met for the first time to build on the success of the event, which was launched at the NEC earlier this year.
Coalition ends squabble over energy policy
23 November 2012
The Government claims to have reached an agreement on energy policy that will deliver "a clear, durable signal to investors".
EU energy label plan for heaters
23 November 2012
The European Partnership for Energy and the Environment (EPEE) and the European Heat Pump Association (EHPA) have agreed to establish a single, technologically-neutral energy label for heaters sold in the EU.
CIBSE announces the shortlist for the Building Performance Awards
23 November 2012
The shortlist for the Building Performance Awards 2013 hosted by CIBSE has been confirmed today. The winners of the categories will be announced on 5 February, 2013 at Grosvenor House, London.
FoE slams Whitehall's 'ditched decarb target'
23 November 2012
Reacting to the recent Government announcement that there will be no decarbonisation target until at least after the next election, Friends of the Earth's Executive Director Andy Atkins said: "The Coalition has caved in to Osborne's reckless dash for gas and banged the final nail in the coffin of Cameron's pledge to lead the greenest Government ever.
Work begins on embodied carbon public database
23 November 2012
WRAP (Waste & Resource Action Plan), with the assistance of the UK Green Building Council (UK-GBC), has commissioned Arup to take forward the development of a public database for the embodied carbon of buildings.
Walter Meier acquires full ownership of MWH Barcol-Air
23 November 2012
Having acquired a minority stake in MWH Barcol-Air last year, global air conditioning and production engineering business Walter Meier has now taken full ownership of the chilled ceilings manufacturer.
Concern and disappointment over Energy Bill announcement
23 November 2012
Responding to the Government announcement on its long-awaited Energy Bill, Paul King, the UK Green Building Council CEO, said: "It's very disappointing to see the totemic decarbonisation target has been punted into the long-grass, but agreement has been reached on some important areas, which should pave the way for more low-carbon investment.
Lochinvar names new product manager
22 November 2012
Lochinvar has promoted Martin Ebdon to the role of product manager.
New SFG20 standard maintenance specification launched
21 November 2012
The new SFG20 standard maintenance specification has been launched by B&ES Publications to help building and engineering services drive down costs for clients, consultants and contractors.
Concerns raised over non-domestic solar policy framework
21 November 2012
The Solar Trade Association (STA) has welcomed aspects of Government's new Feed-in Tariff (FiT) cost control framework for solar photovoltaics (PV), but it remains concerned about the state of the UK solar market in the recession.
FoE hits out at 'scandalous' decarbonisation target delay threat
19 November 2012
Friends of the Earth has slammed potential decarbonisation target delays as "scandalous".
Energy Fair claims 'explosive PV growth' set to outstrip nuclear
19 November 2012
By the time any new nuclear power station could be built in the UK (2020 or later), the market for its electricity will be disappearing because of explosive growth in photovoltaics (PV), according to the Energy Fair group.
BSRIA opens new test facility for solid fuel fired stoves
19 November 2012
BSRIA has extended its laboratory and unveiled a new, purpose built facility for testing solid fuel fired stoves.
MITIE posts strong half-year results
19 November 2012
MITIE has reported a 5.6% increase in revenue to £1,026.6m for the six months ending 30 September 2012 and has a strong order book going forward.
Breathing Buildings gets £1m funding injection
19 November 2012
Breathing Buildings has won additional funding to expand its business both in the UK and internationally in recognition of the energy-saving potential of its e-stack ventilation system.
Kershaw plays key role in Waitrose store refurbishment
19 November 2012
Kershaw Mechanical Services has been involved in a major refurbishment and extension project at the Waitrose store in Bath.
Trane chillers get ECA listing
19 November 2012
Trane's AquaStream high efficiency air-cooled scroll chillers have been added to the Energy Technology List of the Government's Enhanced Capital Allowance (ECA) scheme on 1 November.
J&E Hall provides cold room for university research
19 November 2012
J&E Hall has completed a project to design and build a dual-compartment cold room at Plymouth University to support cutting-edge research into climate change.
ECA and ESC announce major partnership
19 November 2012
In a move designed to bring the electrical contracting industry more closely together, the Electrical Contractors Association (ECA) and the Electrical Safety Council (ESC) created the Electrical Safety Register. In addition, from 1 April 2013, the NICEIC and ELECSA will be operated by a new organisation called Certsure.
Nuaire wins environmental accolade
19 November 2012
Nuaire has won the Go-Green environmental award at the Institute of Welsh Affairs Business Awards.
SFL celebrates business growth award
19 November 2012
SFL Flues & Chimneys has won the EEF South West Region Business Growth Award, for bucking market trends and achieving 24 per cent growth over the last year.
A-Gas unveils strategic appointments
15 November 2012
A-Gas (UK) has announced that managing director Ken Logan will be relocating to the USA from the beginning of 2013 to take overall responsibility for three US businesses - RemTec, Coolgas and A-Gas Performance Chemicals.
Balfour Beatty backs BIS report on apprenticeships
15 November 2012
Balfour Beatty is the latest company to welcome the Apprenticeships - Fifth Report published by the Business, Innovation and Skills Committee (BIS), calling for apprenticeships in the UK to be focused on delivering quality rather than quantity.
Radiators more efficient than underfloor heating, finds Swedish research
15 November 2012
Modern low water content radiators are more efficient than underfloor heating as an emitter for low temperature systems, according to Nick Whitwell, managing director of Quinn Radiators.
Overclean goes the extra mile for sailing charities
15 November 2012
Overclean, a specialist in ventilation hygiene and member of the B&ES, has helped the Baton Charity and the Jubilee Sailing Trust to get the Lord Nelson ship ready to circumnavigate the globe.
SummitSkills seeks employers to test drive talent
15 November 2012
SummitSkills, the sector skills council for the building services engineering sector, is looking for businesses nationwide to offer work experience to talented students as part of its new 'Test Drive Talent' initiative.
Computer gaming graphics could benefit BMS
15 November 2012
Initial findings from a new report by IMS Research show that there is a growing trend in building automation systems towards photorealism and greater end user interaction.
NSCC announces fair payment champs
14 November 2012
As part of the five-year anniversary of the Fair Payment Campaign, the National Specialist Contractors Council (NSCC) has revealed its 'fair payment champions' who are recognised for "their outstanding contribution to improving payment practices in the construction industry".
Victaulic makes three key appointments
14 November 2012
Victaulic, a leader in mechanical pipe joining systems, has made three new staff appointments.
Apprenticeships: quality not just quantity, BIS report says
14 November 2012
A BIS report on apprenticeships has concluded that the UK should focus on quality, not just quantity and this has been welcomed by SummitSkills, the sector skills council for building services engineering.
BEAMA calls for Government to back a coherent sector strategy
14 November 2012
BEAMA is calling for a manufacturing policy focus that will help deliver the UK's 2050 Energy Strategy objectives and has published its Case for a Government-backed Smart & Low Carbon Electrical Infrastructure Sector Group.
B&ES - 'BIM offers members business opportunities'
13 November 2012
The Building and Engineering Services Association (B&ES) believes that the four-year implementation strategy for building information modelling (BIM) introduced by Government will result in radical change to the dynamics of the construction supply chain leading to more efficient and more collaborative working methods, and positioning the UK to lead the world in BIM technology.
Council consults over possible £75m Green Deal contract
13 November 2012
West Sussex County Council is calling on contractors to consult on a possible £75 million contract to upgrade properties under the Green Deal.
Energy Efficiency Strategy falls short of expectations says UK-GBC
13 November 2012
While welcoming the Government's acknowledgement of the key role energy efficiency must play in future-proofing the economy in its long-awaited Energy Efficiency Strategy, the UK Green Building Council (UK-GBC) said it was disappointed that the document did not lay out a clear plan to enable the built environment sector to invest.
National Skills Academy launches trained installer register
13 November 2012
The National Skills Academy for Environmental Technologies has introduced a new register of trained installers which aims to give local authorities and householders confidence when selecting a renewables tradesperson in their area.
BIG-EU and OPC agree cooperation deal
13 November 2012
BACnet Interest Group Europe (BIG-EU) and the OPC Foundation have signed a cooperation agreement.
Wilo recruits area sales manager
12 November 2012
Wilo UK has appointed Colin Mochan as area sales manager for Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Construction output lowest level for more than a decade
12 November 2012
The latest construction output figures from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) show that output in Q3 has fallen for the fifth consecutive quarter, with falls being experienced across almost every sector of the industry. Output is now at its lowest level since the second quarter of 1999.
Chiller sales set to dip
12 November 2012
The world chiller market is highly likely to experience a slight dip in value in 2012 following the continued problems in global financial sector from US$8.4 billion in 2011 to US$8.3bn in 2012, according to BSRIA.
Natural ventilation company wins LCIF funding
12 November 2012
Breathing Buildings has secured an investment of £400,000 from the Low Carbon Innovation Fund (LCIF) as part of a total funding package worth around one million pounds.
Ex Minister Huhne finds work with Green Deal firm
12 November 2012
Former Secretary of State for Energy Chris Huhne has been paid more than £20,000 for consultancy services by Nationwide Energy Services (NES) which claims to be "working towards taking on the role of Green Deal Provider".
Many public sector tenants unaware of CO poisoning dangers
12 November 2012
Awareness of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning needs to be raised among public sector housing tenants, according to a new survey by the Gas Safety Trust.
Trane takes up a cool challenge
12 November 2012
Trane has become the second manufacturer to achieve Western Cooling Challenge certification after being spurred on by a University of California, Davis, initiative to build more energy efficient air conditioning.
MCS solar installation spot checks on the rise, warns Deks UK
12 November 2012
Spot checks on solar installations by MCS inspectors are increasing, with the installer having to cover the cost of re-inspection if the installation is sub-standard, according to Deks UK, the supplier of flashing products to the roofing industry.
Viessmann backs national energy efficiency campaign
12 November 2012
Viessmann is lending its support to the Heating and Hotwater Industry Council's Hole in the Roof campaign launched today (12 November).
ADEY celebrates award with chocolate bars
12 November 2012
ADEY Professional Heating Solutions has won a Queen’s Award for Innovation for its Magnaclean magnetic filtration technology.
SEC Group Wales underlines commitment to procurement reform
12 November 2012
The Specialist Engineering Contractors' (SEC) Group has published a Manifesto for Welsh Construction, which was unveiled at the formal launch of SEC Group Wales.
Panasonic names new product manager
08 November 2012
Panasonic has appointed Paul Aitchison as product manager, air conditioning.
Devon plumber fraudulently claimed to be registered gas fitter
08 November 2012
A North Devon plumber who fraudulently claimed to be a registered gas fitter has received a suspended prison sentence and tagging order preventing him from leaving his home after 8pm.
Carbon Trust urges schools to invest in energy efficiency
08 November 2012
The Carbon Trust is writing to all schools and Local Education Authorities in England urging them to take action on energy efficiency to help reduce their £500m a year fuel bill.
Biomass is 'key to the UK's renewable energy future'
08 November 2012
The Back Biomass campaign organised by the Renewable Energy Association (REA) has welcomed a report that recommends biomass as a cost-effective way to meet UK renewable energy targets.
Specialist sector continues to struggle
08 November 2012
Specialist contractors are continuing to suffer in the face of tough trading conditions as the industry enters the difficult winter period, according to the latest National Specialist Contractors Council (NSCC) State of Trade Survey.
Contractors switch to plastic to foil metal thieves
08 November 2012
More contractors are switching to plastic pipework in an attempt to counter the rise in metal thefts, according to new research by Durapipe UK.
Radiator replacement offers opportunity for installers
08 November 2012
Around a fifth of homeowners still have radiators which do not have convectors, according to recent research by the Manufacturers' Association of Radiators and Convectors (MARC).
EPEE welcomes revision of F-gas rules
08 November 2012
EPEE (The European Partnership for Energy and the Environment) has welcomed efforts by the European Commission to revise the F-gas regulation and send a strong message to the rest of the world that action needs to be taken on F-gases.
Worcester, Bosch Group invests £1m in new ad campaign
08 November 2012
Worcester, Bosch Group has unveiled a new £1 million multimedia advertising campaign to boost the industry and support heating engineers across the UK during the key heating season.
Kier signs up to the Green Deal
08 November 2012
Kier Services, a division of Kier Group, has received Green Deal accreditation from leading certification body NICEIC.
Better savings and income forecast from solar PV
07 November 2012
The average combined savings and income made from households installing solar photovoltaic (PV) panels has increased by nearly £100, according to the Energy Saving Trust (EST).
Call for greater transparency over fossil fuel subsidies
07 November 2012
Solar systems designer and supplier Solarcentury has called for full exposure of subsidies to the energy sector.
Carbon emissions target gets more challenging
06 November 2012
A warning that we need to plan for a much warmer world has come from consultant PwC.
Solar thermodynamic products suspended from MCS scheme
06 November 2012
Thermodynamic solar panels are temporarily being suspended from the Microgeneration Certificate Scheme (MCS) installation database.
Gas fitter's shoddy work threatened lives
05 November 2012
A Brixham gas fitter has been fined after falsely claiming to be registered gas engineer and leaving work he carried out in a dangerous condition.
J S Wright recruits senior engineer
05 November 2012
J S Wright has appointed Craig Clark as senior contracts engineer.
Contractor electrocuted in Tunbridge Wells
05 November 2012
An electrical contractor died after being electrocuted at a Marks & Spencer store in Tunbridge Wells, Kent. on Saturday.
Toshiba warns over potential ban on pre-charged ac kit
05 November 2012
Banning the sale of air conditioning equipment pre-charged with refrigerant would cost installers more, according to Toshiba Air Conditioning's commmercial director David Dunn.
Redring Xpelair encourages apprentices
05 November 2012
Redring Xpelair has taken on two apprentices to work in its manufacturing design teams after joining forces with Peterborough Regional College.
Construction industry pessimistic over prospects
05 November 2012
The latest Construction Trade Survey published today shows that construction activity fell sharply in Q3, despite a return to growth for the UK economy as a whole. Of greater concern, however, the forward looking indicators of orders and enquiries, were also negative, reinforcing concerns that the sector is unlikely to experience growth until at least 2014.
M&E company boss banned for siphoning off money
02 November 2012
The director of an m&e company has been disqualified for seven years following an investigation by The Insolvency Service's Company Investigations team based in Manchester.
Flogas Group launched
02 November 2012
Oil and LPG sales, marketing and distribution business DCC Energy has created the Flogas Group incorporating four key European hubs: Flogas Britain, Flogas Ireland, Flogas Netherlands & Belgium (trading as Benegas) and Flogas Sweden & Norway.
Warning over Green Deal's technology focus
01 November 2012
A warning that the Green Deal may not make savings claimed for it because the scheme focuses too much on technology and not enough on people's behaviour, has come from the National Trust.
UK-GBC welcomes Government sustainability stand
01 November 2012
The UK Green Building Council (UK-GBC) has welcomed the statement from Communities Minister Don Foster on the need to ensure that sustainability and quality remain high on the agenda through the Housing Standards Review Process.
Energy industry members and MPs discuss solution to fuel poverty
01 November 2012
Key figures from the energy industry met with Greg Barker, Minister of State for Energy and Climate Change, John Hemming MP and other MPs at a reception hosted by Zenex Technologies at the House of Commons on 25 October.
New report considers the value of BREEAM
01 November 2012
How valuable is BREEAM to the end client? This is the question asked by a new report based on independent research, funded by Schneider Electric and undertaken by BSRIA with help from BRE Global.
S&P appoints regional sales manager
01 November 2012
S&P has recruited Bill Webb as regional sales manager for the Midlands.
EST grant will provide air source heat pumps for off-gas homes
01 November 2012
Cornish housing association, Coastline Housing, has been awarded a £27,000 grant through the Energy Saving Trust's Renewable Heat Premium Payment Phase 2 to install air source heat pumps at 20 off-gas homes in Camborne, Cornwall.
New FiT rates now in force
01 November 2012
New Feed-in Tariff rates for solar photovoltaic technology begin today.