The Building & Engineering Services Association has launched the first new publication under its new identity.
The B&ES 'Guide to Good Practice: Heat Metering for the RHI' has been designed first and foremost to clarify and de-mystify the heat metering process and to establish industry-recognised standards for a procedure of particular importance in the context of the Government's Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI).
Speaking at the Museum of Brands in West London during the final public event of his presidency, Bob Shelley acknowledged the 'disappointing levels of participation in the RHI to date', with reports that, at the end of last month, there had been only 77 successful applications made in total nationwide.
'This contrasts with the Government objective of growing the market for RHI-compliant projects by 700% by the year 2020 - with an estimated 110,000 commercial installations being supported in that period,' Mr Shelley pointed out.
However, RHI could provide an attractive business opportunity for building engineering services contractors, which is why B&ES had already taken the initiative by making available to clients a register of members competent in producing the heat meter reports required by Ofgem to pre-certify projects for RHI funding.
Mr Shelley said: 'We are confident that the introduction of the guide will help stimulate renewed interest in the commercial returns that RHI can deliver to the sector.'
He added that it was important that the guide was being published electronically - via the B&ES Publications website - as a 'living document, capable of continuous updating, revision and expansion - and, as such, represents a significant new service to our members and the sector at large.'
'The B&ES Guide to Good Practice: Heat Metering for the RHI' is available electronically from B&ES Publications on 01768 860405 (b-espublications@welplan.co.uk) or via the association's website at www.b-es.org Copies are free to B&ES members (£50 to non-members).