P&H Engineering – Q2 2024

Welcome

THE GOVERNMENT’S POSITIVE response to question 19 in its consultation, Improving Boiler Standards and E ciency – Should low temperature heating system training be mandatory?, is welcome news to the CIPHE, which has been lobbying for mandated training for low temperature heating and hot water systems for some time. However, as industry members point out in our manifesto piece (p16), much more needs to be done to meet government targets.

Following the BMA’s safety warning regarding the scalding risks associated with stop-button showerheads, when used with instantaneous electric showers, P&H Engineering looks into the safety and sustainability of showers. (p22)

With the increased pressure of the current cost-of-living crisis, many members of the plumbing and heating industry may be struggling to keep up with their business’ finances. Our feature (p26) o ers installers advice on how to manage and monitor their money.

SARAH

WELSH

Editor pandhengineering @jamespembrokemedia.co.uk

Editor Sarah Welsh Project manager Lizzie Hufton

Design and production manager Christina Richmond

Publisher James Houston

Published by James Pembroke Media, 90 Walcot Street, Bath BA1 5BG Tel 01225 337777

Advertising sales Bevan Fawcett, 0203 198 3092 bevan.fawcett@jamespembrokemedia.co.uk

Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) 64 Station Lane, Hornchurch, Essex RM12 6NB Tel 01708 472791

Contents

FEATURES

16 Manifesto update

A series covering key areas from the CIPHE Manifesto, including mandated training

22 Flow state

Ensuring showers are safe and sustainable

26 Money matters

Expert tips and advice for better managing your business finances

30 Project focus

A new residential development in Sheffield

REGULARS

5 From the CEO

The issue of industry-wide skills shortages

6 Frontline

CHMM scheme delay, rise in heat pump installations and other industry news

Membership Founded in 1906, the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) is the professional body for the UK plumbing and heating industry. Membership is made up of consultants, specifiers, designers, public health engineers, lecturers, trainers, trainees and practitioners. The CIPHE has a membership of 7,500, including over 150 manufacturers and distributors. The majority of members live in the UK, although over 1,000 are residents in Hong Kong. The CIPHE is a member of the Construction Industry Council

14 Meet the member

David Gammage, technical director, on the shift to low carbon technologies

34 Education

Why employers should consider the upcoming low carbon apprenticeship

36 The Fix

Assessing how waste water heat recovery systems can reduce energy consumption

43 Products

The latest innovations

44 Your membership

Education and training survey results

46 International

Passive design features at Daikan's Tech and Innovation Center in Japan

50 Wellbeing

Strategies for preventing burnout at work

and a licensed member of the Engineering Council. Subscriptions P&H Engineering is the magazine for the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering, containing technical articles, latest industry news and environmental and educational updates.

It is published four times a year and sent free to members. Annual subscription for non-member £80 Annual subscription for overseas non-member £100 To join CIPHE, email tims@ciphe.org.uk

KEVIN WELLMAN Chief executive officer

kevinw@ciphe.org.uk

BUILD YOUR SKILLS

To enrol for our low-temperature heating course, scan this QR code:

• Enter your postcode

• Select Renewables Sector

• Select LCL Awards Level 3 Award in Low Temperature Heating and Hot Water Systems in Dwellings Members get the accompanying training guide at a discounted price and a voucher for a reduction in your next membership renewal. Call 01708 463 116 for more information.

“The issues regarding skills shortages extend across the industry”

Many of the challenges facing the plumbing and heating sector are common throughout the construction industry, so it’s never been more important to work with other organisations, says Kevin Wellman

WHAT DO IfATE, DfE , Defra, HSE and DESNZ all have in common? They have all recently encouraged the CIPHE to help address issues within their remits.

Following meetings and exchanges with IfATE (the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education), we o ered to arrange the Education Survey to seek feedback from employers and colleges about the plumbing Trailblazer and to ascertain potential demand for a Level 2 apprenticeship Standard. The response was overwhelming, with nearly 90% saying that there should be both Level 2 and Level 3 entry points for careers as a plumber. Just over 80% agreed that an experienced worker route should be introduced to support those with a Level 2 qualification to be assessed against the Level 3 Standard. It is abundantly clear that members and non-members alike are seeking changes and that more support needs to be given to colleges. After all, the recent issues regarding skills shortages extend across the industry, including installers, designers and lecturers.

The CIPHE has been campaigning for many years to achieve mandatory CPD and licensing. I was pleased to see in the government’s response to the ‘Improving Boiler E ciency Standards’ consultation that they are looking to make low-temperature training mandatory for gas installers. While this is welcomed, the training should be mandated across the industry.

The low-temperature qualifi cation we have developed with LCL Awards is widely available. For more information check the following link: tinyurl.com/2tuv93k7

Meetings with Defra have focused on leakage and in particular ‘Leaky Loos’. Faulty

toilets waste between 200-400 litres of water each day, so it is not surprising that government and the plumbing industry want to take improvement action. With increasing numbers of households on water meters, this a ects large numbers of consumers financially along with being a terrible waste of water. Concerns have also been raised about skills shortages and the need to improve education in addition to the government's intention to introduce Mandatory Water E ciency Labelling. DLUHC also has concerns about water e ciency issues. HSE is the Building Safety Regulator and it wants to ensure that all those within our industry have the requisite skills and competences to work safely through Mandatory Technical Competences. It is anticipated that more information will be available later this year as to how future apprenticeships will encompass government requirements.

Moving on up

Following a review of the costs of refurbishing our headquarters at 64 Station Lane, and having taken into account the widespread location of sta , the Board of Trustees has agreed to sell the o ce. In support of the need to become more sustainable, the Board is hoping to relocate to a more energy-e cient o ce. More details will be provided in due course.

ALL THAT’S HAPPENING IN PLUMBING AND HEATING

Government delays Clean Heat Market Mechanism

Scheme

pushed back to April 2025 over fears the plans will drive up boiler prices

THE GOVERNMENT has announced plans to delay the launch of the Clean Heat Market Mechanism (CHMM).

Under the CHMM, fossil fuel boiler manufacturers could be fined £3,000 for each heat pump not sold. The aim is to increase the number of heat pumps installed in the UK and subsequently lower the cost. However, it’s been argued that the CHMM is unfair to traditional boiler manufacturers who could be forced to pass on their losses by increasing the cost of boilers.

Following a story in The Times in early February, suggesting that energy secretary Claire Coutinho was considering stepping away from the plans over concerns they were driving up boiler prices, the

Government has now confirmed that the scheme will be put back to April 2025.

Speaking in the House of Lords at the beginning of March, Lord Callanan, minister for energy e ciency and green finance, confirmed that the CHMM would be going ahead, stating: “We will be implementing it because it is an essential part of meeting that 600,000 [heat pump] target and also, of course, our carbon budgets.”

Responding to the news, David Cowdrey, director of external affairs at MCS, the certification scheme for low carbon technology, said: “It is extremely disappointing to see that the Government has postponed one of the most important policies for

getting the UK off fossil fuel heating. The Government needs to immediately set out plans for how it intends to fill the huge gap in heat pump plans that they have just created. We need clear and consistent policy more than anything, and without that the UK’s target of installing 600,000 heat pumps a year by 2028 is in serious jeopardy.”

Conversely, Mike Foster, CEO of the trade body Energy and Utilities Alliance, welcomed the delay: “This decision is clearly political, not about heating policy,” he said. “The Government has set a trap for a future administration, which, according to the polls, is likely to be Labour, knowing the boiler tax from 2025 is likely to be around £200.

“But it is an obvious trap, so obvious it has warning lights and bells attached. It could be up to Labour ministers to decide whether to go ahead with the boiler tax, but they have been warned, the public don’t like it; it hits the least well o the hardest and the whole policy needs to be revisited before it harms British companies and British workers.”

The CHMM aims to increase competition and drive down prices for clean heat technologies

Air source heat pump installations rise rapidly

ACCORDING TO THE latest statistics from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on the use of the A ordable Warmth Fund across the UK, there was a dramatic rise (1,800%) in the installation of air source heat pumps (ASHPs) between April 2022 and November 2023 – with the largest overall use of the fund in the North West.

Spencer Clark, head of the residential business unit at Daikin UK, said: “It’s encouraging to see that the Government’s A ordable Warmth scheme is helping to address the impact of fuel poverty and energy ine ciency in the North West. The data shows the North West has the highest volume of eco measures across the UK since the start of the fund.

“Since beginning in January 2013, the scheme has helped more than 415,000 low-income households in the North West make energy e ciency improvements, including the installation of renewable forms of heating such as heat pumps.

“We are taking a leading role in the decarbonisation of the North West’s home heating. In partnership with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, we’re implementing trials of retrofitting measures and low carbon heating

technologies, including installing up to 1,000 ASHPs across Greater Manchester by 2025.

“Heat pumps are now more a ordable than ever, reducing the carbon emissions of home heating, driving down costs for these households and boosting our energy security as a nation. Over its 15-year lifespan*, switching from a fossil fuel boiler to an ASHP can save homeowners more than £3,000 when compared to a gas boiler, more than £6,000 compared with oil and more than £9,000 compared to LPG.

“Uptake through the A ordable Warmth Scheme has increased nationwide, with 13,400 ASHPs being installed in households between April 2022 and November 2023. This is a 1,800% increase in ASHPs installed in low-income households through the scheme between October 2018 and March 2022.

“But it’s clear more needs to be done, especially as the Government continues to ignore the electricity levy, still favouring fossil fuels from a tax perspective. Energy tari s are outdated; the Government needs to decouple the price of electricity from volatile gas price changes. This would help to increase the financial viability of heat pumps for homeowners.”

SURVEY

Importance of WaterSafe scheme

Results of a WaterSafe survey of 250 business leaders reveal the wants and needs of decision-makers when it comes to their property’s plumbing.

Two thirds of respondents said they had used the WaterSafe website to search for an approved plumber, with others stating common methods to find a plumber for their business include word of mouth, internet search and asking their local water company. More than half of those surveyed said they felt more confident using a plumber with the WaterSafe stamp of approval.

The results show the impact joining WaterSafe can have, particularly as NHS guidance advises all hospital trusts to only use approved WaterSafe contractors in their premises, to safeguard public health.

Membership also allows you to self-notify certain types of work to the local water supplier and access free advice on the water regulations.

All CIPHE-approved contractors who operate in the UK, hold a suitable plumbing qualification, and have a recognised water fittings regulations certificate, as well as suitable levels of public liability insurance, can opt in to join WaterSafe for free.

If you’re not already a WaterSafe member, head to www.watersafe.org.uk to find out more.

Government funding is helping to drive an increase in ASHP installations

New training videos

GRANT UK has updated its eLearning Academy with a new series of Express Training videos for heating engineers and installers working with heat pumps and hybrid heating systems.

The short courses are aimed at those who need to know more about heat pumps and hybrid heating systems and the new smart controls available to help them work e ciently and conveniently.

Grant’s courses cover the Aerona Smart Controller, Homely Optimisation Controls for Grant Heat Pumps and the Grant Evolink Hybrid System Hub. The videos are designed to give a good overview of the products in a short time.

Smart technology has become a staple in households and the expectation for smarter heating controls is on the rise among homeowners. Smart controls also open up new business avenues for installers – moving from a reactive heat pump servicing model to a perhaps more lucrative, proactive one. By o ering remote

diagnostics and maintenance, installers can potentially reduce physical visits, optimise their schedules and provide a higher level of service.

Each course presents a thorough walk-through of each product, from introduction to installation, covering key features and benefits, including how each smart controller works. They demonstrate step-by-step processes, allow the viewer to pause, rewind and rewatch sections for better understanding, and are accessible at any time and from various devices, o ering great flexibility for learning.

To access the Grant eLearning Academy, members simply need to visit www.grantelearning.com and create an account using the enrolment key GUKWEB0820.

For further information about Grant UK’s eLearning Academy, please visit www.grantuk.com/ professional/training/ elearning-academy

The latest members to achieve Master Plumber status

Nigel Baldwin EngTech FCIPHE RP

Nigel is a Principal Public Health Engineer at AtkinsRéalis. He began his career in 1982 as an apprentice plumber for Matthew Hall Mechanical Services in London. He went on to gain his Craft and Advanced Craft Certificates at Hammersmith and West London College.

One of the first building sites Nigel worked on was the construction of Heathrow Terminal 4, when he assisted with the installation of the cast iron drainage system, most of which is still in use. In 1999 Nigel was employed by BBC West London as an intermediate public health design/project engineer, surveying domestic water services at Elstree Studios.

Adrian Paul Liddell EngTech MCIPHE RP RHP

Adrian completed his plumbing apprenticeship in 1991 after gaining his City & Guilds Craft and Advanced Craft Certificates at Leeds College of Building.

Following five years of owning his heating business, Adrian worked for a number of leading industry manufacturers. In 2012, he founded Busy Energy Limited which specialises in renewables, design, delivery and servicing of the technology. He sits on the MCS Working Group and is a member of the Heat Pump Association.

Adrian is an advocate of CPD and considers the recognition as Master Plumber as being the ultimate achievement in the plumbing and heating industry.

Grant UK supports air ambulance

Following another year of fundraising in 2023, Grant UK was very pleased to present Wiltshire Air Ambulance with a donation of £20,000 to support the lifesaving work this charity provides to the local community with their delivery of critical medical care.

Wiltshire Air Ambulance corporate partnerships lead Naomi Barker said: “We can’t thank Grant UK enough for their incredible fundraising e orts to support our lifesaving charity. In the four years Grant UK has partnered with Wiltshire Air Ambulance, they’ve e ectively funded over four days’ of our work, which is potentially 16 missions. Their support has made such a di erence in the community. They are lifesavers!”

Mental health charity growth

The Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity, which supports workers’ wellbeing, had a 30% increase in calls for support in 2023 over the previous year, with 4,438 people reaching out through its 24/7 Construction Industry Helpline. Its charitable spend also increased by 12% to £3,727,386. This support has been delivered against the backdrop of a challenging year for the industry, with continued increases in the cost of materials, the cost-of-living crisis and ongoing labour shortages. Find out more about supporting your own and your employees’ and colleagues’ mental health on page 50. www.lighthouseclub.org

New courses launched at JTL centre

DEVELOP TRAINING is enhancing its presence in Norwich through the delivery of short courses at JTL’s newest training centre.

The facility was unveiled in November by the JTL Group where £1.5 million was invested in response to the increasing demand for training in the local area. The new, specialised facility is contributing towards bridging the existing skills gap in the sector and will facilitate the training of electrical, plumbing, and heating professionals in Norwich.

Develop will be responsible for the delivery of short courses to those working in the building services engineering sector. Supporting local businesses with their training needs, Develop will be o ering courses in low and high voltage electrical, gas ACS, confined spaces, working at height, HVAC, and general health and safety training, alongside the wider range of training that Develop is already well known for in the

utilities and estates and facilities management industries.

Matthew Gray, interim managing director at Develop, said: “We are pleased to expand our o ering in Norwich in partnership with JTL. As part of the wider JTL Group, we have seen a growing demand for training in the area, particularly across the building services engineering sector, and especially electricians and heating engineers in the local vicinity. By enhancing our presence in Norwich, we look forward to delivering short courses from the centre and ensuring that industry professionals in the local area receive training of the highest quality.”

For more information about the Norwich centre, as well as a full list of courses o ered by Develop, visit www.developtraining.co.uk or download the course brochure here: resources.developtraining.co.uk/ norwich-brochure-download

Selco helps local schools

Shakespeare Primary School and Nursery in Leeds has received donated materials from the Leeds Roundhay branch of Selco Builders Warehouse. The products provided included decking and timber and will allow the youngsters to embark on den building sessions. Julian Gorton, headteacher of Shakespeare Primary School, said: “Outdoor learning is a huge part of the school ethos and is incorporated into our curriculum wherever we can.”

ENERGY COSTS

Kensa calls for swifter action

AFTER EDF almost doubled the price of its nighttime rate, Tamsin Lishman, CEO of The Kensa Group, has said more must be done to protect vulnerable residents by upgrading homes using storage heaters to more sustainable systems.

“I was concerned to read about the changes to EDF’s Economy 7 tari and the knock-on e ect of how many would now struggle to heat their homes. It’s a desperately sad story we’ve heard again and again over the last couple of years. Economy 7 tari customers, who relied on paying much cheaper nighttime rates to heat their homes, have been hit by the double whammy of the 5% rise to the Ofgem price cap and EDF pushing through a 91% increase in its E7 nighttime rate. Many of those who’ll be hit by these charges are stuck with ine cient storage heaters as their main source of warmth, and rarely by choice.

“It’s time to mention networked ground source heat pumps as a solution to our heating needs, especially for complex homes, such

CHARITY

as high-rise social housing blocks or terrace streets.

“We are about to embark upon the biggest transformation in home heating since the conversion to natural gas 50 years ago, and it’s critical the poorest in our society are not left behind.

“The introduction of an e ective Future Homes Standard next year, along with a beefed up Boiler Upgrade Scheme and Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund, are needed to pave the way for positive changes to home heating.”

Defibrillator donations mark 30 years of trading

Pump Technology has donated a defibrillator, installed on the outside wall of the Kiln Road One Stop in Newbury, Berkshire, as part of its activities to celebrate 30 years in business. This is the latest of a number of defibrillators which the company has donated to the local community to mark its anniversary.

Donated units are already in place in sports grounds, arts centres, museums, o ce campuses and other locations from Kew Green to Chiswick and Sunbury.

BENEFITS

Worcester Bosch launches new promotion

From now until 31 August, Worcester Bosch is o ering installers the chance to receive up to £1,000 in Gift Cards through its FitMore Promotion, which is available to all installers on the company’s Excelerate programme.

To qualify, installers must activate the o er at the link below and then install and register via Excelerate up to 10 additional Greenstar boilers or Bosch Heat Pumps compared to the same period in 2023. Worcester Bosch will then reward you for the first, third, sixth, eighth, and tenth extra install.

The promotion applies to Greenstar boilers (except for Greenstar 1000), heat pumps, and hybrids, as well as the Condens 7000 WP. Installers who are currently not on the Excelerate programme and wish to take up the o er can sign up.

For more information, visit www.worcester-bosch.co.uk/ professional/promotions/ fitmore-promotion

Tamsin Lishman, CEO of The Kensa Group

Jonathan Barker, Pump Technology’s MD (left) and David Hamer (right), operations manager and paramedic, community engagement and training for the South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust

CIPHE Lincolnshire Branch Awards

THE CIPHE Lincolnshire Branch recently held their Annual Dinner Awards Presentation at the Lincoln Hotel, Lincoln. The event was sponsored by Aqualisa, Ramboll, Pegler-Aalberts, and Chameleon Print.

The following students were awarded with a trophy and certificate and a goody bag from Aqualisa and Pegler: Ryan Hobbs (Boston College); Charlie Dixon (Grimsby Institute); Callum

Templeton (Holbeach Academy); Jake Drummond (North Lindsey College), and Jack Leevre (Stamford College).

The awards, which represent their diligent work at college during the year, were presented by the CIPHE National President Alex Wildish and the Lincolnshire Branch President Jonathan Pinion. The awards for Jake Drummond and Jake Leevre were received by their tutors.

SES and Wolseley team up to improve emergency plumbing services

SES Home Services, a leading provider of plumbing and heating solutions, has announced a technological partnership with Wolseley that it hopes will transform the way emergency plumbing services are delivered. With the introduction of state-of-the-art stock-monitoring technology interacting with its well-developed job management system that co-ordinates its fleet, SES Home Services aims to set a new standard for e ciency and reliability in the industry.

To further improve its emergency plumbing services, SES Home Services has invested in cutting-edge technology that allows real-time monitoring and ordering of stock levels in engineers’ vans from Wolseley.

Majid Raja, national account manager from Wolseley, explains: “One of the

biggest challenges in the plumbing industry, especially during emergencies, is ensuring that service vehicles are well equipped with the necessary parts and tools. Our partnership with SES Home Services addresses this challenge by providing engineers with up-to-the-minute information about their van’s inventory. This means that when a customer calls with a plumbing emergency, SES Home Services can dispatch the nearest available engineer who is not only skilled but also fully equipped to resolve the issue promptly.”

INDUSTRY

Work dips for trades

THERE WAS a steep drop in trade jobs over the past year, with a 20% fall in the value of jobs given the go-ahead, according to data analysis from the field management software specialist Workever. The data shows that the average quote value dropped by 6.5% in 2023 compared to 2022’s data, with the value of quotes given the green light by homeowners dropping by nearly £500.

• The average trade job value dropped by 20% in the past year

• The average value of quotes decreased by 6.5% from 2022 to 2023

• Tradespeople are waiting 6% longer to be paid

• Jobs given the go-ahead dropped in value by an average of nearly £500

• There’s been a decrease from 60% to 55% of quotes given the green light

Charlie Dixon (second left), Callum Templeton (centre) and Ryan Hobbs (second right) receive their awards

Learning new things is what keeps me engaged and interested”

After entering the industry by chance at 16, David Gammage’s career has taken him from the UK to Barbados and back. He now focuses on maximising e ciency, recognising the importance of low carbon technologies

LIKE MANY 16-year-olds, David Gammage didn’t enjoy school and wasn’t keen on staying in full-time further education. Unsure which direction to take in his career, he “fell” into the plumbing and heating industry after leaving school in 2001.

“I persuaded my father to take me on as an apprentice plumber at the company where he worked,” explains David. “I started attending Croydon College one day a week, while getting experience out on site to help complete my portfolios. I worked with my father for more than 12 years and am now a third-generation plumber.”

After finishing college in 2004, David achieved both NVQ Levels 2 & 3 in Mechanical Engineering Services Plumbing, as well as ACS gas qualifications. In the subsequent years he

went on to complete multiple di erent electrical and gas qualifications, as well as other qualifications, such as heat pump, solar thermal, F-gas and an NVQ Level 4.

Breakout role

David’s first o cial role while completing his apprenticeship was working as a plumbing/gas engineer for a property management firm, Villagate Properties, based in Westerham, Kent. He had a wide-range of responsibilities, which included installing bathrooms and replacement heating systems.

“This provided me with good experience of dealing with older, more complex, and unconventional systems,” he explains. “I particularly enjoyed the landlord safety checks as there was a lot of variety, such as gas fires, back boilers and open-flued appliances that you don’t often see anymore, as most are room-sealed these days.”

David’s work took him to other countries, including Portugal and Barbados, where he carried out work on the company’s property portfolio including swimming pool boiler repairs and renovations.

Rising through the ranks

Over the years, David’s roles have always been customer facing, which he enjoys. After moving on from working with his father, in 2012 he

DAVID GAMMAGE LCGI E ng Tech FCIPHE RP RHP is a third-generation plumber who has gone on to achieve Master Plumber certification, Freedom of the City of London as well as landing the role of coach for his daughter’s Under 5s Mini Rugby team.

David visiting the Hydrogen Homes site at Low Thornley in Gateshead

David installing a boiler as part of his NVQ Level 2 qualifications

started working as a customer care engineer for C Watkins Plumbing.

“This role was completely di erent, as I was primarily working with new-build developments, which was certainly eye opening,” recalls David. “I worked my way up through the company, taking on di erent roles such as maintenance engineer, which involved commercial gas service works of plants, including boilers and gas boosters, as well as planned preventative maintenance.”

David’s final role with C Watkins Plumbing was a quality assurance supervisor, with responsibility for ensuring high standards at a range of sites, from energy centres to individual dwellings, which included everything from houses to flats in high-rise residential blocks.

“This job included onsite inspections at di erent phases of the work, such as first fix, second fix, commissioning and handover,” explains David. “I was also responsible for writing all of the company commissioning policies and procedures, and presenting them to my peers.”

Present position

David has recently become more involved with the gas compliance side of the industry. After completing his gas auditing qualification in 2020 he moved towards gas management and became the appointed domestic and commercial gas person for C Watkins Plumbing. He undertook several Corgi Technical Level 4 qualifications for gas in social housing and facilities management. He is now a member of both the Institution of Gas Engineers and Managers (IGEM) and the Association of Gas Safety Managers (AGSM).

David is currently technical director at the heat supplier Watkins Energy. “This means being involved with all aspects of heat networks where Watkins

MEMBER BENEFITS

David was introduced to the CIPHE by a colleague and has been a member for more than seven years.

“As well as utilising the great online tools it now provides, through structured learning and mycareerpath®, it has allowed me to go on and achieve EngTech registration as well as working towards my current path of IEng registration.

“I have been fortunate to meet some great people associated with the CIPHE. Publications such as the P&H Engineering magazine have really stepped up in quality. It’s important to see that the CIPHE is becoming more vocal in addressing issues such as skills shortages and training standards on the political stage.”

Energy is the appointed ESCO,” he explains. “It’s my job to help facilitate everything from adoption of energy centres, dwelling acceptance testing through to ongoing monitoring and maintenance, and ensuring the systems are operating as e ciently as possible for our customers. This means ensuring plans such as heat interface units are correctly commissioned and set up, as per the consultant’s designs, as well as ensuring the water quality of the system is within the recommended parameters.

“We are also starting to become more involved with existing, older sites to try to bring them up to the latest standards, such as CP1:2020. On an increasing number of sites, the main heat source comes from commercial heat pumps, rather than gas boilers, which brings challenges, so it’s important to keep up-to-date with new technologies and standards.”

Industry view

Having attended events such as the InstallerSHOW over the past few years, David believes now is an exciting time for the industry, both in terms of its direction and new technologies. However, he believes existing systems should not be overlooked.

“While I am an advocate for heat pumps being installed when possible, I believe more should be done to improve existing systems,” says David. “For example, ideally you would bring gas boilers up to a higher installation standard and make them more e cient to operate, with smart controls, dynamic radiator valves, weather compensation and lower flow temperatures.

“As a gas engineer, I am interested to see if and how hydrogen will ever be rolled out at a large scale in residential housing stock. Having visited the Hydrogen Homes site at Low Thornley, near Gateshead, it was interesting to see working hydrogen appliances and the challenges they pose.”

Having been involved with heat networks for the past 12 years, David can see the benefits that they can bring.

“Low carbon heat networks will play a key role in the Government’s strategy for decarbonising heat, which remains one of the most significant challenges to achieving the net zero carbon target. With the proposed regulation changes for heat networks coming into force by 2025, it will be intriguing to see what this will mean for the industry.

“I enjoy learning new things about our industry and always will. I believe that is what keeps me engaged and interested. Courses such as the CIPHE low temperature heating and hot water qualification are a great way to give people an insight into this space.”

David is also a Liveryman of The Worshipful Company of Plumbers

GOOD INFLUENCE

With the rollout of heat pumps still high on the government’s agenda, is mandated training for low-temperature heating and hot water systems on the horizon?

The need for mandated training for low-temperature heating and hot water systems is a subject that the CIPHE has been lobbying the government over for some time. This need resulted in the introduction of the Ofqual-accredited Low-Temperature Heating and Hot Water Systems in Dwellings qualification in association with the Heat Pump Association, LCL Awards, manufacturers and industry professionals.

“This is a very important subject within the overall context of decarbonising the way we heat our homes and buildings,” says Carl Arntzen, Home Comfort, senior vice president – sales at Worcester Bosch. “Installers are essentially the retailer of heating systems to the

The CIPHE’s Manifesto recommendations

• Further reform of the Apprenticeship Levy and funding

• Funding for apprenticeships to be targeted at the anticipated future construction industry skills gap and to support the move to net zero

• Ensure T-levels provide a clear route to employment in the plumbing and heating industry

• Introduce more incentivised provision for employers to engage trainees and those undertaking T-levels in onthe-job learning opportunities

• Further practical and financial support for sole traders and SMEs to enable them to take on an apprentice either full time or under the new flexijob apprenticeship

• Practical and financial support of adult learners

• Crack down on rogue trainer providers

• Provide an achievable route to recognition for experienced workers

“I am delighted that government has listened to us”

consumer here in the UK and therefore play a decisive role in the design and installation of domestic heating systems.

“Although we believe there should be recognition of any appropriate prior skills or qualifications that installers may have acquired relating to the correct design and specification of heating systems, we support the proposal that installers should obtain the necessary skills and knowledge to be able to design lowtemperature heating systems through the low-temperature heating design course or an equivalent course. There is no question that this is where all installers will need to be, as we move forward.”

The Heat Pump Association (HPA) has long called for low-temperature heating training to be introduced as a prerequisite to complete the five yearly Accredited Certification Scheme (ACS) assessment and equivalent assessment for oil heating engineers. The organisation supports upskilling.

“The HPA believes that the five-year requirement for re-certification for Gas Safe engineers could be a key opportunity to deliver the retraining or upskilling of installer skills on lowtemperature heating,” asserts Charlotte Lee, CEO of the HPA. “The compulsory nature of ACS for Gas Safe would make it a particularly e ective option – indeed, retraining or refreshing the skills of the entire mass market of heating installers within a five-year period. Moreover, easily accessible Level 3 courses exist which carry Ofqual approval.”

With the support of the CIPHE, manufacturers and other members of the plumbing and heating industry, the government opened a consultation: Improving Boiler Standards and E ciency. Part of the consultation included question 19 which asked: Should low-temperature heating system training be mandatory for gas boiler installers to help ensure Building Regulations are met?

The CIPHE’s actions

• Continue to raise awareness of the danger posed to both the industry and the public by rogue training providers

• Support and promote CIPHE Approved Training Centres

• Work with fellow organisations, industry and employers to call for an urgent review of the Plumbing and Domestic Heating Technician trailblazer to make sure that it is meeting the needs of industry employers

• Campaign on behalf of its members with ‘grandfather rights’

• Support the development of apprentices and students via the CIPHE’s Trainee Membership

• Continue to aid members with quality CPD provision

• Work with industry to raise awareness of quality training provision

Positive response

Out of the 90 responses to this question, 62 agreed that training in low-temperature systems should be mandatory for gas boiler installers.

According to the consultation, several respondents noted the short-term benefits of requiring this training for installers, including improved e ciency, ensuring boilers meet advertised e ciency levels and lowering consumer bills. The longterm benefits highlighted included the creation of a skilled workforce ready for net zero and that “undergoing such training could future-proof domestic heating installer skills in a way that would benefit all wet heating systems and prepare some installers to transition to heat pump installations”.

Respondents’ proposed mechanisms for implementing this requirement was the inclusion of low-temperature heating system design as part of ACS

“The government needs to do more in terms of funding”

qualifications to be on the Gas Safe Register. Respondents set out that it would ensure all gas installers would undergo the training within five years of introduction. A minority of respondents suggested that these skills should not be ‘evergreen’ and that constant refresher training would be welcome.

Push back

There were 24 respondents who disagreed with question 19 of the consultation and were against introducing low-temperature training as a requirement, while two answered ‘Don’t know’.

It was suggested by some of the respondents that mandatory training would put too much pressure on installers and that retraining would be unfair to already trained installers. Other points raised included the fact that there is not currently an appropriate mechanism for achieving this aim, as Gas Safe’s focus is gas safety.

What you can do

Make sure you and the people you employ are ready for the next stage in decarbonising the UK’s heating and hot water systems.

The CIPHE’s Low-Temperature Heating and Hot Water Design qualification teaches professionals to both design and install low-temperature systems, so they will have the knowledge, competence and confidence to install these technologies. For more information on the course, visit: ciphe.org.uk/professional/ careers--trainees/lowtemperature-heating-and-hotwater-qualification

Training costs were an additional issue flagged by trade bodies and installers, who considered them to be too high due to the combination of loss of earnings on top of course fees. The suggested solution was for the government to pay or o er some form of compensation. Two respondents suggested that total training costs would amount to £100m if the government was to cover the entire cost for all eligible installers.

Government response

The government’s much-anticipated response to the consultation’s findings stated: “People installing heating systems and self-certifying that their work complies with the Building Regulations must be competent to sign o all aspects of the work, including energy e ciency matters. Competence is checked against the Mandatory Technical Competence (MTC) criteria

YOU SAY

MISSED OPPORTUNITIES

“Low-temperature heating systems have been with us since 1980, but the industry was dreadfully slow to adopt condensing boilers, which was the best way to benefit from the technology. Now heat pumps are looming, should we allow the lazy brigade to ignore the opportunity again?”

David George

ESSENTIAL TRAINING

“We must impress on all heating engineers that the lower the temperature the greater the e ciency. Climate change must be taken seriously and we have the power and the position to do something.”

James Standen

The government recognises there is a need for mandated training to meet its targets for heat pump installation

FEATURE | MANIFESTO

“It is essential to grow the number of qualified and competent heat pump installers”

covering gas heat producing appliances and the installation of heating and hot water systems served by those appliances. The MTC includes a reference to low-temperature training as a prerequisite for gas engineers to demonstrate that they are competent to carry out this type of work.

“Competence is checked against the Mandatory Technical Competence (MTC) criteria covering gas heat producing appliances and the installation of heating and hot-water systems served by those appliances. The MTC includes a reference to lowtemperature training as a prerequisite for gas engineers to demonstrate that they are competent to carry out this type of work.

“Based on the feedback and the need to ensure compliance with building regulations, the government intends to move forward with introducing the requirement for low-temperature training for boiler installers. The department will work with relevant stakeholders and organisations to discuss implementation and an appropriate timeline.’

The CIPHE’s aims and objectives

To further educate the profession worldwide by:

• Advocating technical training programmes with colleges and the industry

• Publishing and selling technical guidance, and supporting new and emerging technologies

• Committing to lifelong learning and continued professional development in a rapidly evolving environment

The CIPHE has welcomed the government’s response, but highlights the continuing need for greater financial support of training schemes to be able to deliver on the government’s net zero targets.

“I am delighted that government has listened to us,” says Kevin Wellman, CEO of the CIPHE. “The low-temperature qualification that the CIPHE promotes through LCL Awards will give thousands of installers access to training throughout the UK. However, the government needs to do more in terms of funding for our industry which comprises a majority of micro SMEs.”

Taking action

So far, only around 11,000 installers have been trained in low-temperature heating and hot water systems under the government grant. While this may seem a lot, this is no way near what is needed to deliver the heat pump rollout. According to the HPA, 33,700 installers (full-time equivalent) will be required by 2030 to meet the anticipated heat pump demand generated by the government’s net zero targets.

“To meet the government’s ambition to install 600,000 heat pumps per year by 2028, it is essential to grow the number of qualified and competent heat pump installers,” says Lee.

“The requirement for lowtemperature heating training should be incorporated into the soon-to-be published updated Minimum Technical Competencies (MTCs) that installers will need to meet if they wish to self-certify their heating installations in compliance with the Building Regulations.

“Incorporating low-temperature heating training into mandatory certification processes and updating Minimum Technical Competencies are crucial steps. This approach not only supports the upskilling or reskilling of the installer workforce but also aligns with the broader objective of enhancing energy e ciency, reducing carbon emissions and decarbonisation of domestic heating.”

YOU SAY

COMPETENCY

DOUBTS

“I do not think it should be mandatory as this does not prove expertise or competency.”

Paul Harvey, technician at Baxi

LACK OF KNOWLEDGE

“Training should definitely be mandatory, there’s a massive problem with lack of knowledge in the design of LTHS. If installers understood the principles, it would dispel the fear of fitting them. If we could get gas installers fitting LTHS on gas systems (with weather compensation controls) it will make the transition to heat pumps a lot easier.”

Craig Gilhome, plumber and heating engineer

ADDRESSING HEAT LOSS

“I feel more focus needs to be put on the importance of fully insulating the pipes on LTHS, where I see the most waste of energy, and how to read and interpret system drawings correctly. Some installers do not fully understand how to read drawings. For those new to the industry, just starting out, then low-temperature heating systems training should be incorporated into their training regime.”

Christopher Flaherty EngTech MCIPHE, Vietec Heating Ltd

IMPORTANCE OF UPSKILLING

“Plumbing and heating systems over the past few years have changed dramatically so there needs to be measures put in place to ensure installers are qualified to advise on and install these types of energy-saving systems correctly.”

Jason Clark, LCGI EngTech FCIPHE

RP MIOD, PEW Chairman

The practical implications of retraining an entire industry are huge, as engineers will need to upskill to design, install and maintain low-temperature heating systems with heat pump technology. Additionally, professionals will also need to be aware of the whole home energy e ciency measures that will need to be taken to ensure systems work e ectively and e ciently.

FLOW STATE

Showers are one of the most highly used pieces of equipment in homes, so it’s essential that they are safe, fit for purpose and sustainable

Historically, baths were the most popular method of washing.

However, as the importance of water conservation became mainstream and convenience ruled supreme, showers became the go-to option for a quick and convenient clean-up.

Although showers can help to reduce a home’s water consumption, the temperature, duration and frequency of showers can negate any potential savings over baths. Couple that with trends such as rain showers, which make the process less about function and more about relaxing, and water usage can start to creep up even further.

Therefore, when it comes to showers, installers not only need to champion safe and efficient products, but set customers’ expectations in terms of consumption.

Safety first

The Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA) issued an important safety warning in January this year, highlighting the scalding risk associated with stopbutton showerheads, when used with instantaneous electric showers.

Following trends on social media, there has been a surge in the popularity of showerheads featuring a start/

RISK REDUCTION

“The marketplace for products and spares is ever increasing due to the internet and the way we now shop. This can have a negative impact for the homeowner when ordering a replacement part online with little knowledge. I always recommend that customers refer back to the manufacturer,

stop button. Although these present no risks for mixer-valve showers, which blend hot and cold water from separate systems, they can cause a significant safety hazard when used with instantaneous electric showers – around half of all showers in the UK.

“Electric showers function by heating cold water from the mains over electric heating elements to achieve the

“Too few suppliers of start/ stop-button showerheads provide clear warnings”

which will also ensure they do not invalidate their warranty.”

Jason Clark LCGI EngTech FCIPHE RP MIOD, PEW Chairman

MANAGING EXPECTATIONS

“I too often receive bathroom supplier’s water assessments for Building Regulations which shows all brassware

desired outlet temperature,” says Tom Reynolds, chief executive of the BMA.

“UK-manufactured electric showers are tested, and third-party approved with showerheads and controls all made to UK and International standards.

Showerheads not supplied with the shower unit should be approved by the shower manufacturer. This keeps electric showers safe, reliable and an energyefficient way of showering.”

Start/stop-button showerheads used with instantaneous electric showers stop the water flow at the outlet without deactivating the heating elements. This causes the water within the appliance to overheat rapidly, potentially reaching temperatures as high as 80°C. When the shower is resumed, scalding water that can lead to severe burn injuries can be discharged.

“Under normal operation and with the manufacturer’s supplied showerheads, instantaneous electric showers have several safety devices installed to ensure safe operation,” points out Reynolds.

“However, the BMA is concerned that too few suppliers of start/stop-button showerheads are providing clear warnings not to use their products with instantaneous electric showers.

performance figures stated at the minimum flow rate which we suspect will not meet ‘customer expectation’. And the consequence of this deception is a denial.”

David George

PERFECT MATCH

“The only risk I see with swapping showerheads would

be to ensure it matches the flow rate of the shower unit. Personally, if I was asked to just swap a head of a shower, I would contact the shower manufacturer to ask which of their heads I should use with the particular model of shower.”

Christopher Flaherty EngTech MCIPHE, Vietec Heating Ltd

Showerheads with a start/stop button have become increasingly popular

FEATURE | SHOWERS

Clear advice should be provided both at the point of sale and in the product instructions.”

The association is collaborating with Trading Standards authorities to make consumers aware of the dangers of this type of showerhead being incorrectly installed and this is something that installers can help with.

Take caution

When installing new showerheads and hoses, it’s essential that installers check the suitability of products to ensure safe operation. Showerheads or hoses that are damaged, worn or blocked can lead to the unit cutting out and could make the shower unsafe.

“The nation’s installers are rightly trusted to provide necessary guidance and advice to homeowners,” says Martyn Brown, contracts and technical manager at Triton Showers. “So it is important to confirm that products like showerheads and hoses are fit for purpose. The best practice is to refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure replacements are chosen and installed correctly.”

It’s advisable to fit anti-kink hoses to avoid blocking the flow when twisted, such as the brand’s anti-twist cones and showerheads that have been designed to maintain a steady flow and are quick and easy to install. While the majority of options available are designed for use with most electric units in the UK, installers are encouraged to refer to the product’s

Spreading the word

Excessive time in the shower and the number of showers taken is one of the biggest overuses of water in the bathroom. Plumbers have a crucial role to play in influencing consumer choice and helping to educate consumers on the range of water and energy-saving products on offer.

“Recent research by The European Energy Network found that labelling can be a key tool to help reduce water use and optimise energy efficiency in water use,” says Yvonne Orgill, MD at the Unified Water Label Association. “The UWL is a smart tool which

specification for clarity, where this will be clearly noted.

“Triton advises anybody fitting spares and accessories on behalf of their customers to consult the shower manufacturer’s website first to avoid unwittingly damaging the shower and voiding warranties, but more importantly risking users’ wellbeing.

“Triton supports the BMA’s recommendation to prioritise safety when purchasing third-party bathroom accessories, in addition to clear labelling from manufacturers to highlight the dangers of using start/stop-button showerheads with electric showers.”

Soft

touch

Although a quick shower with an efficient showerhead typically uses less water than the average bath (around 80 litres), some power showers may actually use more. According to Waterwise, baths and showers account for over a third of water consumption in homes, so it’s an area well worth covering with customers. Simply switching showerheads can have a significant impact on water consumption. The average showerhead uses around 0.2 litres of water per second, which, for a 10-minute shower, equates to 120 litres. Power showers consume 150 litres in the same time.

A great option for consumers who want to reduce their water consumption is fitting an aerated showerhead. These use air infusion technology, which reduces the water flow by around 50%, without impacting the pressure, producing light and soft water droplets.

“While the CIPHE supports the use of products that reduce water consumption, installers need to be cautious,” says Jerry Whiteley, technical manager at the CIPHE. “These products are designed to reduce the flow rate to save water, but installing an incompatible product could impact performance and possibly cause overheating. Before purchasing an aerated showerhead, installers should read the manufacturers’ instructions to ensure the product is compatible and won’t invalidate the warranty.”

Under pressure

is simple, clear, and concise and offers a cohesive message to help consumers make an informed choice.

“Plumbing and heating engineers who support the use of Unified Water Label products, and encourage consumers to purchase, will be contributing to an overall reduction in water, and energy use.”

Engineers show customers how much water is used by inputting product data into the UWLA’s Water Calculator, which has more than 17,000 products currently registered. To find out more, visit: www.uwla.eu

Combi boilers are now commonplace in residential properties up and down the UK, offering energy and water savings compared to conventional set-ups which rely on hot water storage. However, when it comes to water pressure, some showers supplied by combi boilers are falling short of consumers’ expectations.

Combis require a strong incoming mains water flow and pressure rate to operate at optimum performance, so residents may experience issues if there is inadequate incoming mains water. Consequently, a combi boiler with a low flow supplied by the mains will require extra assistance.

“Low water pressure can result in slow flow rates and inconsistent temperatures, causing inconvenience and frustration

Stop/start button showers can pose a risk if installed incorrectly

“Low water pressure becomes particularly disruptive when water demand is high”

for homeowners, plumbers and heating engineers alike,” explains Mike Oxley, training manager at Salamander Pumps. “Low water pressure becomes particularly disruptive when water demand is high, especially when multiple outlets are used simultaneously across multiple floors. When this is a problem for homeowners, selecting and installing the right pumping solution is critical to ensure the hot water system continues to operate efficiently.”

Power boost

Combi boilers need a minimum water pressure from the mains supply to function at their best. Insufficient pressure can affect the activation of the flow switch and stop hot water delivery. One solution to combat low water pressure issues commonly experienced with combi boilers is to install a mains

booster pump on the incoming mains water supply, which will increase the water pressure and flow.

“By installing a mains booster pump directly on the incoming coldwater supply, water pressure and flow is increased, ensuring the required force and supply reaches the combi boiler,” explains Oxley. “As a result, the pump delivers improved hot water flow at taps and showers, and enhanced boiler performance and efficiency.”

Salamander Pumps’ HomeBoost, for example, is an intelligent inline mains booster pump that has been designed to increase the incoming mains water supply to the entire house, with a consistent flow of up to the legally allowed limit of 12 litres per minute.

It operates by detecting instances of low pressure and flow, effectively boosting the performance of the mains water when required, either directly or indirectly through the combi boiler, ensuring a steady flow of water.

“For properties suffering with poor mains water supply, AccuBoost Accumulator Vessels will deliver increased water flow up to 36 l/ min, improving the performance of a combi boiler,” explains Oxley. “Available in pumped and unpumped

YOU SAY…

LIVING THE DREAM?

“Modern shower marketing annoys me! Here we are with serious water, energy and climate change concerns and we allow shower manufacturers to promote their products with unrealistic images. They too often use the insincere and disingenuous line of reasoning that when you have an alternative water and energy source, sustainable low water flows can be ignored. Hence the image of a ‘luxury’ showerhead.”

David George

MAKING SAVINGS

“All showers I install would be water saving. It is an important factor in my opinion, saving the customer water running costs.”

Christopher Flaherty EngTech MCIPHE, Vietec Heating Ltd

ADDING VALUE

“Water is one of the most precious resources, which in my view is undervalued by most. I would recommend any product that saves energy and water.”

Jason Clark LCGI EngTech FCIPHE RP MIOD, PEW Chairman

models depending on the property requirements, the accumulators are suitable for larger homes or homes that require multiple outlets to run simultaneously, where demand is expected to surpass the 12 l/min limit.”

The accumulators operate by storing water under pressure, which is then released when an outlet is opened, delivering a higher water flow rate. Models ranging from 60L to 180L are suitable for combi boilers, while the 330L and 450L options are designed to boost water supply to unvented cylinders.

USEFUL RESOURCES

To find out more about Triton’s range of suitable showerheads, visit www.tritonshowers.co.uk/ shower-accessories/shower-heads

MONEY MATTERS

Planning ahead and monitoring finances is the key to financial security

It’s always important to keep on top of your business’ finances, but with busy work and home lives that is not always an easy task. However, there are several things that plumbing and heating installers can do to better manage their finances – from good communication with customers to making use of technology to maintain a proactive approach to cash flow.

Finance apps

Managing finances does not always come easily, so investing in a smart app could be the answer if you are struggling to keep up with income and expenses, and manage cash flow. Job management software can help you keep track of finances as well as automate administrative tasks with ease.

“Apps are transforming how engineers manage their workload, streamline processes and improve customer

satisfaction,” says James Chillman, UK country manager for the job management software, Fergus. “The Fergus app enables you to take payments and manage your entire business on the go. You can efficiently handle invoicing, expenses and payroll, saving time and reducing administrative burdens. You can also integrate the software with your job management tools, so everything runs seamlessly while you get more important things done.”

Installers could be overlooking small business expenses, not realising how these little costs can soon add up. For example, vehicle maintenance, equipment wear and tear and even the added cost of acquiring new customers can significantly impact a business’ bottom line if not closely monitored.

“Another often-overlooked area is the time spent on ‘non-billable’ activities, such as travel or administrative tasks,” explains Chillman. “Using job

James Chillman of Fergus

Finance apps can be useful for managing workloads and cashflow

management software can help track these expenses automatically, providing a clearer picture of your actual profits.”

Recovering debt

For businesses in the unfortunate position of dealing with customers who refuse to pay, communication is crucial. You need to set out clear expectations of when payments should be made, as well as send formal reminders. If this fails, then a letter of demand is often effective.

“For persistent non-payment, consider using a debt collection agency or taking legal action as a last resort,” advises Chillman. “It’s also beneficial to use software that sends automated payment reminders to customers, helping to reduce the instances of late or missed payments.”

“Apps are transforming how engineers manage their workload”

Pension funds

Although retirement may seem like a long way off, ensuring that your golden years are financially secure is essential. However, according to research by IronmongeryDirect, one in eight (13%) tradespeople approaching retirement age (55-64s) don’t have any financial preparations for retirement.

For those of you without a pension in place or savings for your retirement years, it’s never too late to start saving. Any contributions you make to a pension will receive tax relief, based on the rate of income tax that you pay. This can help to reduce the amount of tax you pay and increase your pension pot.

However, according to Moneyhelper, depending on how your pension scheme works, if you don’t pay tax, you might not get tax relief. Equally, you might have to claim extra tax relief not claimed by your scheme.

Tax relief on pension contributions can be accessed in two ways – at source and net pay. If you are contributing to a workplace pension the employer chooses which method is used.

Apps can take the stress out of everyday admin tasks, freeing up more of your time for billable work

“Saving for retirement earlier in your career will make life much more comfortable”

However, for personal pensions, relief at source is the only method that can be used. People with personal pensions may be able to claim more back through their tax return or direct from HMRC if they pay above the basic rate of 20%.

Workplace schemes

Workplace pension schemes deduct money directly from wages. Although it is possible to opt out of workplace schemes, they are well worth joining, particularly if you are eligible for automatic enrolment, as employers will also have to make contributions to the scheme. However, it is still advisable to set up a private pension or some other kind of structured savings, in addition to a workplace pension.

Anyone over the age of 22 and under state pension age, who is not already in a workplace pension scheme and earns over £10,000 working in the UK, is eligible for automatic enrolment. A minimum of 8% of an individual’s total earnings, split with the employer, will be invested into a pension.

In addition to a pension at retirement age, occupational pension schemes offer other benefits. Some schemes include life insurance, which pays a lump sum or pension to dependants in the event of the pension holder’s death if they are still employed at the time; a pension payout if an individual is forced to retire early due to ill health; pensions for wife, husband, civil partner and other dependants when the pension holder dies.

Employees should get information about any workplace scheme they are entitled to join within two months of

starting work. If this doesn’t happen, contact the HR department.

It’s important to understand which pension is right for you. There are many free resources to help, such as MoneyHelper, which is provided by the Money and Pensions Service.

Self-employed savings

According to a report by the IPSE, 67% of self-employed people are seriously concerned about saving for later life and just 31% are paying into a pension. The report also found that financial concerns are the main barrier to saving for most self-employed people, with 37% of those asked why they weren’t paying into a pension scheme saying it was because they couldn’t afford to. A further 17% said that they had other financial priorities and 16% admitted that they stopped contributing to a pension when they moved into self-employment.

People who are self-employed don’t have the luxury of employer contributions and will have to choose a pension scheme for themselves, which can be difficult as their income typically fluctuates. However, self-employed people will receive a State Pension, based on National Insurance contributions, and they will receive other tax breaks, including tax relief on contributions. So, for basic-rate taxpayers, for every £100 paid into a pension, the government adds £25. For those paying the higher tax rate of 40% in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, a further £25 can be claimed back for every £100 paid into a pension. In Scotland, self-employed people can claim an extra £1.58 for every £100 paid,

Credit checks

Before taking on a large project, ensuring your customer can pay the bill is essential. Although this may seem daunting or even awkward, it’s a wise move to mitigate any risk to your business.

According to Toolbox by Admiral, carrying out a credit check on customers will help you to make informed decisions about extending credit or initiating advance payment terms. It also helps you to manage cashflow more effectively, reduces the risk of non-payment, and ensures the sustainability of your business.

“For a small fee, services such as Experian or Equifax provide detailed credit reports, and some job management software includes credit checking features, making it easier to assess a customer’s creditworthiness before you commit to a job,” points out Chillman.

From looking at financial statements and references, to using credit report agencies or even asking for payments upfront, there are several ways that you can protect your business from customers who may pose a financial risk.

Toolbox recommends the following six simple ways to credit check customers:

1

CHECK OUT CREDIT REPORTS

Credit reporting agencies can provide you with detailed credit reports on your customers, at a cost. These include information on credit history, including payment history, outstanding debts, and any past bankruptcies or foreclosures.

2 CHECK REFERENCES

One easy way to check a customer’s creditworthiness is to ask for references. This can be especially helpful if you’re working with a new customer and don’t have a lot of information on their credit history. Ask for

if they pay tax at the Scottish Intermediate Rate of 21%, and a further £26.58 if enough tax is paid at the Scottish Higher Rate of 41%. Self-employed people who have set up as a limited company may also be able to contribute to their pension through their business.

Irrespective of age, preparing for retirement as early as possible is the key to ensuring peace of mind about your future. By taking advantage of workplace

references from previous suppliers or vendors, and be sure to follow up those references to get a better understanding of a potential customer’s payment habits.

3 CHECK THEIR CREDIT SCORE

A business credit score reflects a company’s creditworthiness and payment history, indicating the likelihood of defaulting on payments or going bankrupt. By checking a customer’s business credit score, you can make informed decisions about setting payment terms and negotiating prices.

4

LOOK AT FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

If you’re working with a large company, you can ask to see a financial statement, which will provide a view of a company’s financial health, including revenue, profit, and debt levels. By reviewing financial statements, you can assess a company’s ability to pay on time and identify any potential risks.

5

WATCH OUT FOR LATE PAYMENTS

Monitoring a customer’s payment history is useful when credit checking potential customers. If you find that a customer has a history of missed or late payments, it could be a warning sign.

6 BUILD A RELATIONSHIP

If your customer is a small business who may not be able to provide any of the above information, you may want to ask for immediate payment for the first few invoices to help you gain some evidence about their ability to pay. This can also help build trust between you and the customer and enables start-ups to prove their creditworthiness. For more information on credit checks, visit www.admiralbusiness.com

For more hints and tips and a free trial of Fergus, visit: www.fergus.com pensions, as well as saving privately, engineers will be in the best possible position to enjoy their retirement.

FIND OUT MORE

For more information and advice, visit: www.ironmongerydirect.co.uk/ blog/tradey-retirements

Keep track of your business on-the-go with job management software

Hot in the city

The Ironworks is a new residential development in Sheffield, with a sustainable heating system that’s powered by a communal biomass boiler and distributed through heat interface units

The Ironworks in Sheffield is a £37m regeneration project developed by Rise Homes (formerly Housing Capital Property) to create a 12-storey apartment building upon the site of the former Queen’s Hotel on Scotland Street in Sheffield.

Rise Homes is a subsidiary of the British Strategic Investment Fund and specialises in the development of sustainable residential properties. It has developed more than 2,000 houses and apartments across 14 schemes in the Midlands and the North of England, with a focus on sustainability.

This development encompasses 229 furnished apartments, comprising 144 one-bedroom, 80 two-bedroom, and five two-bedroom duplex units, along with a fitness suite, rooftop garden, an external courtyard, a communal lounge, workstations, and a multimedia room which can be used to host meetings or movie nights.

The Lord Mayor of Sheffield, Councillor Colin Ross, who attended the opening of the building in September last year, highlighted the importance of such initiatives in shaping a sustainable and eco-conscious future for Sheffield.

He said: “This project is more than just a building; it symbolises our city’s resilience and commitment to a greener future. The collaboration between Rise Homes and its partners is a testament to what can be achieved when we unite with a shared vision. Sheffield’s legacy of innovation continues, and I am proud to inaugurate this remarkable development.”

Sustainable focus

Building began on the development in January 2021, with Taconova supplying a communal biomass boiler that connects to 229 heat interface units (HIUs) to create a sustainable and efficient heating system.

“The 229 HIUs had to be supplied, installed, and commissioned within a three-month window,” explains Behfar Abedinia, Taconova UK’s general manager. “Taconova delivered 50 HIUs per week and the contractor installed them in the utility cupboard of each apartment.”

One of the luxury double bedrooms inside the Ironworks development

Right from top: TacoTherm H 3000E Heat Interface Unit (right) and smart heating controls (left); Inside the plant room. The heating system is powered by a biomass boiler; The Ironworks development on Scotland Street, She eld

Crunching the numbers

£37m

residential development

12 -storey apartment building

229 Heat Interface Units

229 one- and two-bedroom apartments

Water heated by the basement biomass boiler circulates through the building’s risers and into the Heat Interface Unit (HIU) in each of the 229 apartments. The HIUs ensure e cient and consistent heating and domestic hot water provision (DHW), maintaining optimal temperature and flow.

60°C temperature of hot water generated

Each flat features a TacoTherm H 3000E Interface Unit, which is designed as an indirect transfer unit for supplying heat and serving dual purposes: decentralised domestic hot water heating based on the instantaneous water heating principle and decentralised indirect heat distribution in residential units. With various hydraulic components available for selection, the unit ensures on-demand DHW heating, distribution of heat energy as well as calculation of energy costs.

The HIUs are suitable for surface mounting and should ideally be located

close to the domestic hot water draw-o points for each apartment, for example, in utility cupboards, closets or storerooms.

The HIUs in the electronic series are designed for DHW heating and indirect heat distribution in multi-storey residential buildings and provide an operating pressure of 6 bar. They have an operating temperature of 90°C and generate hot water temperatures of up to 60°C.

The units’ primary energy is supplied via a central bu er cylinder; DHW is generated in the domestic hot water PHEX as required, according to the instantaneous water heating principle. Via the additional indirect heating circuit connection, the heating

surfaces in the living space can be connected to underfloor heating circuit manifolds or radiators. The modules come with fittings ready for the installation of heat meters.

“The TacoTherm H 3000E is highly e cient and has an overall Volume Weighted Average Return Temperature (VWART) figure of 26, making it a market leader – as independently tested by BESA (Building Engineering Services Association),” says Abedinia.

High e ciency

One of the benefits of electronically controlled HIUs is the availability of data. The HIUs feature a smart meter that enables remote monitoring and analysis of heat consumption. This

allows for continual improvements to be made.

“The meter gathers information from across the network, from the plant room to the HIU,” explains Abedinia.

“With this data, the system’s efficiency can be tracked and improvements may be made based on the information. Likewise, if there are any inefficiencies or faults, these can be identified, pinpointed and rectified quickly.

“The Ironworks management chose to also install the suggested smart heating controls and make them available to residents through a smartphone or tablet app. These controls mean heating can be switched on or off remotely, potentially saving energy.”

Quality assurance

Before completion of the project Taconova carried out tests on each HIU to ensure functionality to the correct specification. The testing analysed the operating pressure, temperature, and hot water temperatures in each apartment, and measured the overall efficiency of the heating system during a 48-hour period. The results were then measured against set parameters.

After Taconova’s engineers had completed the adjustments and remedial work, the tests were conducted again. Improvements were evident and the scheme was performing according to the set design parameters and achieved overall network compliance.

“As part of its commitment to

“The system’s efficiency can be tracked and improvements may be made based on the information. Faults can be rectified quickly”

customer service and sustainability, Taconova will continue to monitor and improve the heating system for the lifetime of the scheme,” says Abedinia.

“It is well documented that the efficiency of a newly built property drops substantially after the first 12-month operation, so it’s important to monitor the efficiency of the whole heating system beyond the initial year.

“The ongoing monitoring provides complete oversight of the whole system, not just the HIUs. Therefore, it is possible to recommend improvements to ensure that the network remains at the optimum efficiency level. For example, adjusting the plant room temperature during the summer and winter can optimise the system and improve efficiency.”

As well as providing constant monitoring and improvement suggestions, Taconova will also support Ironworks with annual servicing of the HIUs, as part of the service level agreement.

A greener future

It is hoped that in the future the Ironworks development will join the Sheffield City District Heating Network, one of the largest city heat networks in the UK that currently supplies 2,800 homes and 140 commercial buildings, saving 21,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually.

The focal point of the network is the city’s incinerator which burns 120,000 tonnes of municipal waste each year, producing up to 60MW of thermal energy. With an expansion and improvement to the network, it is hoped that the Ironworks will be able to benefit from the waste heat generated from Sheffield’s incinerator. Joining the network will mean the Ironworks can replace the biomass boiler and utilise waste heat from the network, further enhancing the building’s green credentials.

The indirect TacoTherm H 3000E HIU is future-ready and will seamlessly transition to the heat network and deliver efficient heating to the residents in the building. Thanks to the HIUs’ pre-fitted heat meters, the residents’ heat consumption will be calculated based on what they use. Switching to the heat network will mean a lower heating tariff compared to the biomass boiler, so residents’ energy bills will also be lower.

“We are very proud to have completed The Ironworks in Sheffield, providing an attractive modern living space in the heart of the city,” says Nigel Rawlings, CEO of Rise Homes. “The development is a superb urban apartment scheme, which embraces the city’s industrial heritage, and we are delighted to see how much interest it has already attracted.”

Left: Inside Taconova’s TacoTherm H 3000E Heat Interface Unit. Above: Basic diagram of the system

EDUCATION

VIEWS, NEWS AND DEVELOPMENTS AFFECTING NEW RECRUITS TO OUR INDUSTRY

TEACHING

Investing in the future

DID YOU KNOW?

The Government will offer support to SMEs, covering 95% of the course fees

Emma Raymond, head of business development at Windsor Forest College Group, discusses the low carbon apprenticeship due to start next year and why employers should consider it

As of September 2025, the Windsor Forest College Group will be o ering a brand new course designed to develop the skills needed to design, install and commission low carbon heating technologies that aims to lead to sustainable long-term career opportunities for students.

“The UK has big plans to scale up energy e ciency and move away from fossil fuel heating, and to do this a high-skilled workforce is needed,” says Raymond. “Worryingly, the number

of plumbing and heating engineers is not increasing at the rate needed. There have been several initiatives aimed at increasing the number of trained heating installers, such as bolt-on short courses in renewables, in addition to the apprenticeship, which has been created with input from a trailblazer group of heat pump installers, which will help to train and upskill the sector.”

What’s covered?

The broad purpose of the occupational standard is to

plan, select and size, install, commission, service and maintain (including fault finding, diagnosis and repair) zero-carbon central heating and hot water systems in buildings including dwellings and industrial and commercial premises. Zero-carbon heat sources may include, but are not limited to, ground and air source heat pumps and solar thermal collectors.

The occupational standard includes work on both newbuild and existing properties and typically involves the installation, service, fault

finding and repair of zero carbon heating and hot water appliances, storage vessels, pipework, heat emitters and associated components and their mechanical and electrical control systems. In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with customers and end users, and as such requires a high level of customer service. The role is physical in nature and involves the manual handling of heavy equipment, working at height and in confined spaces.

“The course delivery will be both college-based –

one day per week in the Green Skills Workshop –and work-based learning supported by a dedicated skills coach,” explains Raymond. “The suggested duration for the course is three years, with time allocated for an End Point Assessment. Learners with prior learning, or prior knowledge gained through time in industry, can complete the course in a shorter duration.”

“Businesses in the UK will need to ensure their workforce has the right knowledge”

The Government has an ambitious target of installing 600,000 heat pumps a year by 2028, and to reach this target MCS estimates that the UK will require 39,000 qualified heat pump installers. It’s therefore vital that businesses consider low carbon apprenticeships to upskill their workforce.

“Businesses in the UK will need to ensure their workforce has the right knowledge, skills and behaviours if they are to move with the times and support homeowners on how to heat and decarbonise their homes,” says Raymond. “The apprentices will graduate as Level 3 Low Carbon Heating Technicians with the latest heat pump and other low carbon technology skills needed in industry, and the ability to deliver an excellent customer experience.”

Stand and deliver

Jerry

Whiteley on the Low Carbon Heating Technician standard

The next academic year 2024/25 will see many colleges starting to deliver the new low carbon heating apprenticeship. It ought to fit in well with those establishments that have now invested heavily in renewable energy centres.

Careful planning

It will require careful planning by the training provider, employer and apprentice to ensure they fully understand all the criteria to be covered. It is different to that found in the plumbing standard as the topic is much broader and therefore requires a bigger range of work activities. Many in the industry are only just starting out with the change of direction for their businesses from fossil fuels to heat pumps, so it is possible that it will take a while to find those growing businesses that could employ an apprentice.

Extended range

Generally, courses will cover domestic as well as commercial installations. Looking ahead, this might make things difficult when it comes to training and assessment, as not many

trainers have the vast range of industry experience or access to centres doing commercial work.

Take note, this pathway is not aimed at plumbers, as the apprenticeship includes no particular plumbing elements according to MCS. This route is a new occupation and all about heat pumps, ground and air source, and solar thermal collectors.

All-round understanding

This is not an apprenticeship whereby the learner uses an app for the answers. They will need to work things out and apply the knowledge themselves. They will need a strong understanding of electricals as this will be the foundation of the installation and fault-finding aspects of mechanical, electrical, and electronic control systems. It will not be solely about installing the necessary pipework between A and B.

To select and size low carbon heating and hot water systems, the learner will need to be competent at Maths and English, probably above level 2, because the real-life application is much higher, and work practices and technology are advancing quickly.

THE FIX

Waste water heat recovery for showers

Kevin Farrow, head of design and marketing at Recoup, explains how waste water heat recovery systems can reduce energy consumption in homes

Reducing energy consumption in homes is high on the agenda for both the government and the general public battling with expensive utility costs. Heating water for showers can also be a huge waste of resources, with up to 90% of the energy used to create hot shower water simply going down the drain.

As space heating energy generation in a home becomes more e cient, the proportion of the home’s energy that is wasted through showering increases. In the average new-build home, around 15% of energy use is wasted through showering.¹

This is why companies like Recoup are championing the use of waste water heat recovery for showers (WWHRS).

A typical WWHRS installed into a home

can reduce the energy required per shower use by up to 55%.² This technology uses a heat exchanger to transfer the residual heat energy from outflowing shower drain water, using it to preheat the incoming cold-water feed that supplies the shower mixer and/or water heater. Using this preheated water reduces the shower’s demand for hot water which saves energy. The water heater can be a combi-boiler, DHW cylinder, heat pump, heat interface unit, hydrogen boiler or practically any DHW generation source that will accept a preheated cold feed.

Not only do these systems reduce homes' hot water requirements, but they lower their CO2 emissions and energy bills. WWHRS is also a cost-e ective

WWHRS can be fitted where a shower runs into a bath

System A

compliance measure for housebuilders and developers looking to meet or exceed the new Part-L building regulations for energy efficiency. All of Recoup's WWHRS systems, for example, are SAP-listed energy efficiency measures, recognised for use in the UK to help achieve Part-L building regulation compliance.

Recoup is also calling for WWHRS to be represented in the National Calculation Methodology (NCM), so that it can be incorporated simply and efficiently into DSM modelling for non-residential projects. The company has finalised a number of consultation submissions regarding WWHRS and the use of showers in future homes and properties.

WWHRS explained

There are two primary types of WWHRS –Vertical systems and Horizontal systems:

Vertical systems, like the Recoup Pipe HEX, are multi-layered pipes up to 2.1m

System B

tall that are installed on the floor below the shower. These are popular in new homes because they offer the highest efficiency and are installed at first fit. The copper double-walled heat exchanger forms the inner pipe which the waste shower water runs through under gravity, transferring its heat energy. The mains cold water runs around the outside of the heat exchanger which separates the two water types. The mains cold water picks up the heat energy from the copper heat exchanger to create the preheated water. Ground floor showers cannot use these vertical systems unless combined with a low-power staged pump, as with the Recoup Pipe HEX Active.

Horizontal systems are typically less efficient than the longest vertical systems, but they do offer more flexibility for differing showering environments. The Recoup Easyfit+ is a horizontal system designed to install easily under a bath

System C

or larger shower tray, ideal as a retrofit solution. The Recoup Drain+ range are also a series of horizontal drain systems with varying efficiencies for wet room drain applications and particularly commercial environments like gyms and leisure centres with high levels of shower use. These horizontal systems work in the same way as the vertical systems except the mains cold water is contained within the heat exchanger’s copper pipe and the heat carrying waste shower water is directed to run over and around it to transfer the heat energy.

Installation

WWHRS systems can be installed in one of three different installation methods:

System A (Figure 1, above)– Supplying preheated water to the shower and the water heater

System B (Figure 2, above) – Supplying preheated water to the shower only System C (Figure 3, above) – Supplying preheated water to the water heater only

The performance for systems A, B and C are all fully tested, validated, and recognised through SAP. However, System A always produces the highest efficiency as both the cold and hot shower water are benefiting from the preheated water supplied from the WWHRS to the shower TMV. Therefore, it is recommended that System A is used wherever possible.

System B is the least efficient installation method, with System C efficiency between the two. Which

FIGURE 1

FIGURE 2

FIGURE 3

THE FIX | HEAT RECOVERY

method should be used within a property can be affected by design factors including distance from the shower and water heater, the number of showers into one WWHRS, or if more than one WWHRS system is installed into a property. Flow rates also make a difference and should be considered when installing WWHRS; generally lower flow produces greater heat efficiency.

Efficiency and energy saving calculations are specific to the product, installation method and property where the WWHRS is used. Recoup can calculate this for their customers’ specific project designs but Figure 4 (above) is a general performance and efficiency overview for the Recoup Pipe HEX.

If more than one WWHRS unit is installed in a property, only one of them can be installed as System A or System C, supplying preheated water to the water heater. The others need to be installed as System B.

The amount of pipework connected between the waste water heat recovery unit and the TMV of the shower is limited to 4.75m, due to the legionella risk assessment. The risk is deemed as low below this measurement, so a System A installation needs the water heater and shower TMV to be within 4.75m of the WWHRS unit, unless further legionella risk assessment for the specific design situation is undertaken. If the distance is greater than 4.75m then System C should be used.³

The 4.75m Legionella risk assessment restriction also applies to System B, but typically the WWHRS is already located close to the shower to ensure heat energy is not wasted from the shower drain

“The installation process for waste water heat recovery systems can be completed by a competent plumber without the need for product-specific qualifications”

Performance and efficiency

pipework length. This is why System B is the primary installation method for retrofitting, especially when the water heater is not located close by and would require additional invasive work to configure the property’s pipework to reach it. System C is not affected by this distance as all water passes through the water heater before going to the shower. System C is the least common installation method, but is mainly used in properties where the 4.75m is exceeded. Townhouses are a common example, especially when more than one shower from differing floors is running into a single WWHRS unit.

The installation process for WWHRS can be completed by a competent plumber, without the need for productspecific qualifications, skills, or tools. There is also no planned maintenance required, no change of habit for users, and no impact on the showering experience the user receives. WWHRS systems provide a fit-and-forget technology that will save energy on every shower.

References

1. Average new house (2021 regs).

2. The Recoup Pipe HEX at a 9.2l/min flow rate has an efficiency of 65.2% using system A. 65.2% of 85% heat energy lost from drain water is 55.42%.

3. The amount of pipework connected between the waste water heat recovery unit and the TMV of the shower is limited to 4.75m due to legionella risk assessment. Based on Recoup’s 2013 risk assessment in conjunction with legionella control, created in line with HSG274 and ACOP L8, the risk is deemed as low below this measurement. So a System A installation needs the water heater and shower TMV to be within 4.75m of the WWHRS unit, unless further legionella risk assessment for the specific design situation is undertaken. If the distance is greater than 4.75m then System C should be used.

FIND OUT MORE

FIGURE 4

Above: Recoup Pipe HEX shown in situ in a Barratt Zed House; Below: The Recoup Easyfit+ system, designed to fit under a bath, and Pipe Hex product, which is fitted on the floor below a shower

YOUR CPD CIPHE members are expected to complete 30 hours of CPD each year. Completion of these assessments can count towards this requirement.

WHAT TO DO

Answer the questions (using an additional A4 sheet if necessary) and return by scanning and emailing or posting to the address below.

YOUR DETAILS

Please complete this form

YOUR NAME:

CIPHE MEMBERSHIP NUMBER:

KEEP UP TO DATE

All CPD features are available to complete and record online: login to your account at ciphe.org.uk

EMAIL:

RETURN TO: CPD Assessment, CIPHE, 64 Station Lane, Hornchurch, Essex RM12 6NB info@ciphe.org.uk Or visit the members-only area of the CIPHE website: www.ciphe.org.uk/cpd

Waste water heat recovery for showers

1 How much energy can WWHRS save?

2 Can waste water heat recovery for showers be used with electric showers?

5 Can WWHRS be installed outside of the building or in a garage?

3 Can heat energy be recovered from bath water by WWHRS when a shower is over the bath and WWHRS is installed underneath?

4

Are there any other components required for installing a WWHRS system?

6 Is there a Legionella risk with WWHRS?

REBOOT YOUR LEARNING WITH CIPHE ACADEMY

Members can access a diverse range of courses through our online Academy. Login to the membership section at ciphe.org.uk then head to the Access technical resources & CPD section to get started.

SAFETY

Using heat equipment safely

Jerry Whiteley talks about the risks of using heat equipment and how installers can stay safe when it has to be used

JERRY WHITELEY

CIPHE

technical manager

Jerry has worked as a self-employed installer and also has experience teaching. He advises on technical issues and compliance.

jerryw@ciphe.org.uk

The use of heat equipment to make a joint for pipes is as old as plumbing itself and the risks when using it remain the same. Using heat equipment carries the risk of starting a fire, which in turn can burn down a building, seriously injure people or, in a worst-case scenario, be fatal.

Risk assessment

Each time heat equipment is used in di erent locations and for di erent purposes, the risk changes. Therefore, risk assessing is vital as being complacent might lead to disaster.

If we look at the training criteria used today, you will find that it is pretty much the same as it has always been. Anyone studying a course today will be assessed in the assembly and safe use of an LPG bottle. However, while there is still the use of Oxy Acetylene for silver soldering or lead welding on-site, in most cases this is no longer applicable in training in colleges.

What happens in training?

In the current apprenticeship qualification, the four questions in the Health and Safety exam make up 20% of the final mark, based on one of the following seven criteria:

• Identify various types of gases used in pipe and sheet jointing processes.

• Describe how bottled gases and equipment should be safely transported and stored.

• Identify various types of heat-producing equipment and how to check them for safety.

• Describe how gas heating equipment is safely assembled and used.

• Identify the three elements of the fire triangle and how combustion takes place.

• Identify the dangers of working with heat-producing equipment and how to prevent fires occurring.

• Describe the method for fighting small fires that can occur in the workplace.

In practice, this knowledge is only a starting point. Of course, application in the workplace is where it really counts as not everyone in the industry has gone through a training centre. Is this why today we still read about disastrous occurrences with the plumbing and heating engineer being brought down as incompetent?

What else should we be doing?

• Identify another method whereby you do not use heat equipment – there are many.

• Pre-fabricate where you can away from danger.

• Remove any combustible material nearby.

• Check for other types of flammables such as low-lying vapours from another source.

• Have someone on fire watch, during and afterwards. Embers might take hold in an area not necessarily in your sight.

• Make sure you have a fire extinguisher next to you. Fire extinguishers are for small fires, so it is no good sitting in the van because by the time you run outside to get it, the fire might be too big. Check with your insurer which type they recommend you should have; it is generally dry powder. It is not about scaring the customer; it is about showing you care.

• Make sure your insurance is in place and covers you for the work location and type of work. Not all insurance policies cover every situation.

• Roof voids or under floor locations are usually dry and very high risk.

• Remove old pipe insulation and dust.

• Supervise and instruct trainees and colleagues as they will see things di erently to you.

• Check and check again. There are, of course, many alternative pipe jointing methods available that don’t require heat equipment. Sometimes they may be more expensive, but they may also be more appropriate when considering ways of de-risking your work.

Using heat to join pipes requires careful risk management

Would you like to see your product featured here? Contact pandhengineering@jamespembrokemedia.co.uk

EZ Clips

TALON’S EZ JOIST Clip allows for side-on installation, making it easier and quicker to use than traditional nail-in clips, which require access to the top of joists. With the EZ Joist Clip, simply attach it to the side of the joist and use its supportive ledge to keep it in position while you secure the pipe. The clips are compatible with 15mm and 22mm pipes and are available in black or natural.

To claim a free sample of the EZ Joist Clip, visit: www.talon.co.uk/products/ez-joist-clip

TF1 Antifreeze Valves

Fernox’s new TF1 Antifreeze Valves, available in two sizes suitable for both compression and BSP fittings, have been engineered for heat pump applications, to prevent ice forming in heating and cooling systems, which causes damage. Specifically, when the circuit temperature drops to 3°C, the valve opens to discharge a small amount of fluid, allowing the circuit to drain until it returns to a temperature above 3°C, at which point the valve closes. www.fernox.com

UR18DA Cordless Radio

HiKOKI Power Tools UR18DA DAB Cordless Radio is a state-of-the-art sound system. Compact and lightweight, weighing just 1.8kg without the battery, it’s portable and easy to handle. It is equipped with a 8W speaker that delivers high-quality sound, ensuring clear and crisp audio even in the busy environment of a construction site, as well as bluetooth connectivity and a user-friendly interface with a backlit display. Powered by a HiKOKI 18V battery or using an AC adapter, the UR18DA provides flexibility and continuous usage almost anywhere. www.hikoki-powertools.co.uk

Vitocal 200-A Pro heat pump

Viessmann Climate Solutions UK has launched a new air source heat pump designed for residential developments, small- to mid-scale commercial and public sector applications.

The Vitocal 200-A Pro is available in 32, 64 and 128 kW outputs and can be cascaded up to 1024 kW for a wide range of applications. All models provide both heating and active cooling within a single appliance and can be operated in bi- or monovalent modes.

Its high flow temperature of 65°C at -7°C makes it ideal for modernisation projects where integration with existing systems is required. The units have a Seasonal Coe cient of Performance rating of 4.4, and use the refrigerant R407C, which is non-flammable, so it can be placed anywhere. Vibration decoupling also ensures it is exceptionally quiet in operation. www.viessmann.co.uk

RAUTITAN Flex Green

REHAU has unveiled its sustainable universal pipe system, RAUTITAN Flex Green, which o ers over a 90% saving in production emissions compared to its regular model, making it a great alternative for customers looking for sustainable options.

RAUTITAN Flex Green uses industry waste such as vegetable fats or alternative by-products as a renewable feedstock, replacing fossil fuels on a proportional basis. www.rehau.com/uk-en/rautitan-flex-green

VALVES

RADIO

PIPES

HEAT PUMP

YOUR KEY MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS AND HOW YOU CAN GET MORE INVOLVED WITH THE CIPHE

TIM SAINTY

CIPHE membership director

Tim looks after the growing CIPHE membership, enhancing services for members and improving communications tims@ciphe.org.uk +44 (0)1708 463102

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The CIPHE’s AGM will be held on Friday 7 June at 11am at The Cedar Room, Macdonald Alveston Manor Hotel & Spa, Clopton Bridge, Stratford Upon Avon CV37 7HP.

Following the normal business of the AGM, there will be presentations from the Technical Department providing updates on publications, etc.

All members are welcome to attend but only paid up voting members can vote on the matters in hand. If you wish to attend in person, please contact Lesley Church (lesleyc@ ciphe.org.uk) for further information. The event will also be held online.

SURVEY RESULTS

CIPHE’s Education and Training Survey

If you would like to know more, or would like to be involved, please contact Kevin Wellman, at kevinw@ ciphe.org.uk

Members have shared their views on education and training in the plumbing industry – and the results suggest urgent action is needed, says membership director Tim Sainty

Thank you to everyone who participated in the survey that I referred to in the previous issue. We were aware, anecdotally, of concerns with the current Plumbing & Domestic Heating Technician Apprenticeship. Further investigation identified a 25% fall in the number of plumbing apprenticeships being undertaken, in addition to increasing numbers failing to complete End Point Assessments, so we were keen to add some quantitative information on the current state of play.

The CIPHE survey was conducted over a period of six weeks, between 20 February 2024 and 2 April 2024, with a total of 361 responses received. Views were

“A company should be able to choose Plumbing as a core qualification” Survey response

particularly sought from two key categories:

• Owners of businesses providing plumbing and heating services in the UK

• People working in the education sector

We also made sure that we targeted responses from non-members (see boxout).

• 9 out of 10 respondents believe that there should be both Level 2 and Level 3 entry points for careers as a plumber.

“The current time to complete vs the funding available may force the wrong choice for some learners/ employers” Survey response

Business owners

Opinions on whether the plumbing apprenticeship should include extended pathways, such as gas, were split almost down the middle, with 49% of employers believing that they should be outside of the plumbing apprenticeship and 47% believing extended pathways should be included. When asked to imagine a scenario that included the following apprenticeships:

Level 2: Health & safety, pipe installation, kitchens, bathrooms, basic wet systems, drainage Level 3: All of the above, plus system commissioning, design, complex domestic and light commercial system installations and maintenance

• 35% said they would choose Level 2

• 65% said they would choose Level 3

This means that currently there is not apprenticeship provision available to meet the needs of one in three plumbing businesses within our sample.

• Just 38% of employers described themselves as fully understanding (13%) or mostly understanding

(25%) the current trailblazer standard for Plumbing and Domestic Heating Technicians

• 8 out of 10 employers who responded to the survey support an experienced worker route to professional recognition, with a third of them believing they have somebody working in their business who would benefit from the introduction of such a pathway today

• 42% of employers have no members of staff in their business with heat pump qualifications

Education sector

When looking only at the responses of those working in the education sector, the survey found that 78% believe that they have employers placing learners who would support a Level 2 qualification, with even more (85%) believing there is a widespread demand for it.

• 38% of education specialists believe that the biggest beneficiaries of a Level 2 qualification would be the learners themselves, with 31% believing the plumbing and heating industry would benefit the most

• 86% of respondents from within the education sector believe their college would like to see Intermediate Level 2 and Advanced Level 3 plumbing apprenticeships made available

What next?

The CIPHE fundamentally believes that plumbing

Survey breakdown

• Survey responses from 264 current members, 18 previous members and 79 non-members broke down as follows:

“There is not currently apprenticeship provision available to meet the needs of one in three plumbing businesses within our sample”

knowledge must be the foundation for those working on domestic water and heating systems. The dreadful fall in the number of plumbing apprenticeships being completed means that urgent action is required. Without better-funded qualification standards, the UK risks sleep-walking into a situation where undertrained and incompetent people are relied upon to build, service and manage water distribution systems in people’s homes.

With the support of a number of government departments, industry manufacturers, colleges

and training centres, and a large number of industry-representative plumbing employers (who have already met), the CIPHE has formed a group that is working on developing a new plumbing apprenticeship standard that will re-engage with the industry and provide the next generation of plumbers.

COME & SEE US AT INSTALLER SHOW! Meet the team, find out more about our work and win prizes at stand 5G71 at InstallerSHOW, 25-27 June at the NEC, Birmingham. Find out more at installershow.com

Collaborative innovation

Daikin’s Technology and Innovation Center in Japan is an environmentally advanced building, with sustainable collaboration at its core

The Technology and Innovation Center (TIC) was established by the Daikin Group in 2015 to develop sustainable products and technologies by actively engaging in co-creation to contribute to solving social and environmental issues.

“We are a team full of vitality in which engineers themselves actively go to the forefront of global markets and workplaces with their high aspirations and expertise, and greedily create innovation with new products, technologies, and services,” says Yuji Yoneda, director of the TIC.

Layout

The TIC, which cost US$94.3 million to construct, serves as a core base for technology development and is equipped with the world’s most advanced experimental equipment. It is a substantial building with a floor area of approximately 48,000m², spread over six floors.

It features open-plan mega o ce spaces, on the fourth and fifth floors, where people

Consumption at a glance

from diverse backgrounds, from inside and outside the company, can consolidate their expertise for collaborative creation.

The sta ’s ability to circulate between the two floors is thought to help to speed up the technological development process.

The aim of the open o ce design was to ‘heighten the visual sense of unity and help communication’.

At the centre of each floor is a large Waigaya Stage where sta can gather for animated discussion. This expands the range of debates beyond the usual boundaries. All workspaces are within 30m of the stage, enabling communication within the entire o ce area,and adhering to MIT Professor Thomas J. Allen’s ’30-meter rule’, which demonstrated that there is an exponential drop in the frequency of communication between engineers as the distance between them increases.

The design process involved collaboration between the company’s engineers and the mechanical design team. The engineers developed innovative

E ciency rating S class; score 5.8, Excellent (Japan’s CASBEE system, ibecs.or.jp/CASBEE/english) Carbon footprint 5.10lb CO²e/ft²/yr

Percentage of power represented by Renewable Energy Certificates 0%

Heating degree days (base 65˚F) 1,535

Cooling degree days (base 65˚F) 1,078 Annual hours occupied 2,700 Annual water use 817,612 gallons

products for the new building, and the design team responded by taking advantage of product characteristics to maximize building performance.

The Enlightenment Hall serves as an exhibition room for sharing the company culture and corporate philosophy, essential for collaborative creation with external partners, and includes the history of technological development to date, along with machines.

The forest of knowledge is shared space where visitors can gather to discuss business and exchange information, collaborate and find partners to carve out the future.

The circular lecture hall is described as a space to gain awareness and inspiration. This is where conferences and lectures take place, with 250 seats that can simultaneously provide interpretation in four different languages.

Test sites

As a state-of-the-art research environment, the laboratories at the TIC are equipped to speedily conduct tests under the regulatory and environmental conditions for any part of the world. There is also laboratory space for collaborative projects with the participation of researchers as part of the framework for conducting world-class technological development.

Each of the laboratories are adjacent to the office area, minimising the distance between testing facilities and office and meeting spaces. This allows uninterrupted repetition of thought and experimentation for accelerated development.

The laboratory floors are designed for excellent visibility so that engineers can

The TIC is designed to promote collaborative working, with shared spaces for business meetings and information exchange (above left) and purpose-built laboratories

see each other’s work in order to encourage interdisciplinary exchange and communication. The laboratories are equipped with the world’s most advanced experimental equipment.

The Future Lab, which is located on the sixth floor of the building, features seven fellow rooms that provide long-term research space for some of the world’s leading researchers. The lab enables outside experts to take the future in new directions by opening up new fields of study, promoting cooperative research with Daikin engineers. It is a place to create future-oriented innovation that anticipates future needs by communicating with external partners, such as industry, government and academics.

The fellow rooms are also used as satellite offices for universities participating in joint academia research projects and for IT venture companies, ‘sowing the seeds for technological innovation and new business’.

The Daikin Open Lab is an exhibition space where the company’s technologies

are displayed and researchers present their results. Dealing with actual products and prototypes and engaging in discussions helps researchers solve problems, find new study topics and conceive new ideas.

Advanced building

The design of the TIC is based on the concept of a zero emissions building. To reduce CO2 emissions, the building’s energy consumption has been minimised by improving the energy efficiency of equipment, installing solar power and geothermal systems, recycling water and employing renewable energy, such as natural sunlight and ventilation. The TIC’s advanced environmental system aims to meet and surpass the highest global standards for the environment and the building has obtained environment assessment certifications, including LEED (highest certification: Platinum) and CASBEE (highest certification: S class). LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is an

“We have eagerly embraced collaborative innovation”

environmental assessment system developed by the US Green Building Council (a non-profit organisation) and has been emerging as a global standard. There are four certification levels (Certified, Silver, Gold and Platinum), based on the total points earned for seven assessment items – site, water, energy, material, air quality, new technology and local characteristics.

The buildings and equipment use advanced environmental technologies, primarily in the field of air conditioning, achieving energy efficiency and providing a comfortable indoor environment.

Energy efficiency

Passive design elements that are often employed in traditional Japanese building design to balance the climate play an important role in the energy efficiency of the TIC. Deep eaves block direct sunlight during the summer, while simultaneously allowing light to enter the building. Low-e glass boasts high thermal insulation values and auto-controlled blinds adapt according to the solar altitude to reduce heat load.

Large, open ceiling areas and two skylights in the office areas allow natural light and ventilation into the building. Glass ducts enable light from the light fittings to enter the area, enhancing visibility, while creating short supply and return air routes from the roof to the office reduces annual energy consumption by 20.5%.

The building’s design also includes a high efficiency air-conditioning system, which separates sensible and latent heat, using a desiccant heat pump dedicated outdoor air system (desiccantDOAS) and a high-sensible heat variable refrigerant flow (hs-VRF) system. Using both hs-VRF and desiccantDOAS achieves a high coefficient of performance throughout the year.

Combining the passive system with the advanced VRF system provides high energy savings and comfort in Japan’s diverse climate. In fact, the building’s energy usage was 65% less in 2016

Key sustainable features

• Water conservation – rainwater collection, water-saving appliances, recycled water used for toilet flushing and landscaping.

• Recycled materials – concrete with high-percent recycled material. Construction materials sorted and collected for recycling. Products that are certified in accordance with the Forest Stewardship Council.

• Daylighting – automatically controlled blinds, natural lighting with top lights and light shelves.

• Individual controls – task lighting and individual diffusers for building occupants to make adjustments.

• Carbon reduction strategies – energy-efficient strategies throughout.

• Transportation mitigation strategies – bicycle parking, two bus lines, preferred parking for low-emitting and fuel-efficient vehicles.

• Other major sustainable features – task and ambient lighting, natural ventilation, heat recycling, water-spraying device to cool the air around the air conditioning unit, ground thermal air-intake system, real-time commissioning system, ongoing measurement and monthly verification.

compared to an ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2007 baseline.

Further energy savings and improvements to the working environment include underfloor air distribution, which takes outdoor air from the glass ducts and distributes it via underfloor diffusers that can be controlled by occupants to change the direction of airflow.

“Amid the rapidly changing business environment, we have cast aside the boundaries of proprietary technology development and eagerly embraced collaborative innovation to hone our core technologies and accelerate the development of products and technologies,” says Yoneda. “In this way, we are striving toward business contribution to the Daikin Group and solutions to the issues affecting society.”

Established in November 2015 as a base for developing core technologies, the TIC is equipped with the world’s most advanced experiment equipment (top)

Breaking point

Burnout is a common phenomenon that needs to be acknowledged in order to ensure healthy workplaces

According to research by Mental Health UK, burnout is a significant issue. Burnout is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as an ‘occupational phenomenon’. However, with the lines between work and home life becoming increasingly blurred, Mental Health UK is challenging that notion.

“While workplaces are generally more alive to the importance of supporting their colleagues’ mental as well as physical safety, it is worrying that nearly half of those surveyed say their employer does not have a plan to spot and support people who are dealing with chronic stress,” says Brian Dow, chief executive, Mental Health UK. “The direct impact this will have on productivity, let alone potential unemployment for those who end up dropping out of the workplace, is deeply worrying.

“Burnout is not in itself a mental health condition or illness. The majority of us (91%) experience stress, and some stress in the workplace is to be anticipated and expected. In fact, stress, in moderation, serves a purpose. But left unchecked, sustained and severe stress poses a threat to both our physical and mental health, and in this context, low levels of burnout are the bellwether of a healthy working environment.”

Self-awareness

A fifth of workers hit breaking point, according to a study by Mental Health UK, and needed to take time off work due to poor mental health caused by pressure or stress in the past year. It also found that almost one in four adults (24%) feel unable to manage stress and pressure levels in their lives.

Common symptoms of burnout are:

• Feeling tired or drained most of the time

• Feeling helpless, trapped and/or defeated

• Feeling detached/alone in the world

• Having a cynical/negative outlook

• Self-doubt

• Procrastinating and taking longer to get things done

• Feeling overwhelmed

Mental Health UK’s recommendations for employees

Although it is an employer’s responsibility to protect its workers from harm, employees also need to take responsibility for their own wellbeing to help prevent burnout.

Here are some strategies to consider:

• Helpful tools The Mental Health UK Stress Bucket, for example, can help prompt a realistic perspective on what individuals find challenging, as well as some of the positive strategies they have learned to manage stress levels.

• Reflect What does good mental health look like for you? Complete a Mental Health UK ‘Wellness Action Plan’ and consider what steps need to be put into place if you or someone else recognises signs you are struggling.

• Professional support Many employers offer Employee Assistance Programmes that provide counselling. However, this may only be short-term, so speak to your GP for long-term support.

• Champion mental health Everyone experiences stress, but positive rolemodelling, encouraging openness and compassion, are powerful tools for creating healthy, productive workplaces.

• Set boundaries Promote a healthy work-life balance by clearly defining work hours and avoid regularly working

“I have experienced mental health issues related to the pressures of building a business. I sought professional therapy and then began a journey of self-learning. This has been invaluable and contributed to my success and mental wellbeing. After this, I understand my personal signs when my mental wellbeing is not quite aligned.”

Jason Clark LCGI EngTech FCIPHE RP MIOD

“I suffer from acute depression and it drove me away from self-employment and into a sideline industry.”

Justin Neal

beyond them. When faced with excessive workload, find out if there is flexibility around delivery times, and what support would be helpful to alleviate pressure.

• Take breaks Rest and recharge during the working day. Plan regular breaks and holidays to unwind.

• Pay attention Focus on the four pillars of health: sleep, exercise, nutrition, and stress. Engage in activities that bring joy and relaxation outside of work.

• Support network Share concerns with trusted co-workers who will be able to suggest constructive solutions.

HELPFUL RESOURCES

• rethink.org / advice@rethink.org / 0808 801 0525 (Freephone)

• changemh.org / advice@changemh.org / 0808 8010 515 (Freephone)

• samaritans.org / jo@samaritans.org / 116 123 / giveusashout.org / info@ giveusashout.org / Text SHOUT to 85258

• constructionindustryhelpline.com

YOU SAY