M&E contractors must acquire renewables skills

M&E contractors must acquire the skills they need to design, install and maintain renewable energy systems, and must be able to provide clients with informed and authoritative advice and guidance.

This was the message delivered by new HVCA president Graham Manly in his inaugural address to the Association. “It will not be very long before the Carbon Reduction Commitment is extended to all significant businesses – 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,” said Manly.

He acknowledged that demand for many renewable technologies had been limited to date, this was now changing.

“Last year, France and Germany combined installed 35 times as many heat pumps and 23 times as many solar panels as we did,” Manly pointed out – adding that the next three years would see very significant changes in the UK market.

“And 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,” the president said.

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.

“If we do not do this, not only will inappropriate systems be installed, but others will come along and take our business away from us,” warned Manly.