Heating and Ventilation News
March 2011

View all stories from this issue.

‘Information overload’ campaign hails success

The Association of Ductwork Contractors and Allied Services (ADCAS) and the HVCA Ductwork Group have announced the culmination of their joint campaign to tackle the problem of ‘information overload’.
“Misleading warranties” warning issued to installers

Glen Dimplex has warned installers to check the small print of boiler warranties before purchase.
£12m management buyout deal for heating and plumbing operation

Heating Plumbing Supplies (HPS) Limited has been taken over in a £12.88 million management buyout of the existing business.
Air Source Heat Pumps dropped from Renewable Heat Incentive

Air Source Heat Pumps have been dropped from the Renewable Heat Incentive, for the first year at least.
Amendments to Act will provide more certainty

You submit an interim application for payment, including full details of your application and attach the relevant supporting documents.
Anger over biofuel plant 'lock-out'

Union leaders have warned of a fresh dispute involving UK workers being replaced with lower paid overseas staff amid claims of a lock-out at the site of Europe’s fifth largest biofuel plant.
APHC announces new CEO

APHC’s former deputy CEO and technical manager John Thompson has been named as the association’s new chief executive officer.
AT Green lives up to its name with solar deal

North Wales electrical contractor AT Green has signed a deal with renewable energy manufacturer Stiebel Eltron to develop opportunities for solar installations across the region.
Awards celebrate industry success

In addition to our usual focus on news, interviews and industry feedback, our latest issue, published on 4 May, has a major focus on the H&V News Awards (see page 19).
Balfour Beatty buys energy firm

Energy procurement and carbon strategy consultancy Power Efficiency has been bought by Balfour Beatty for £18 million.
Balfour Beatty targets renewable energy as key area of growth

More than 20 per cent of Balfour Beatty’s 2010 revenue came from sustainability projects and the company plans to increase this figure, it announced this week.
Be sure to read the large as well as the small print

Failing to consider and understand all aspects of a contract can have major consequences should a dispute later arise. So what steps can you take to protect your position?
Belfry benefits from long-lasting boiler relationship

Atlantic Boilers has supplied two new GX-500D high output commercial twin-wall cylinders for the Belfry Hotel and its three associated golf courses in Warwickshire.
Bio fuel project in union dispute

A fresh demonstration is to be held in support of workers who have been “locked out” of a huge building project to produce biofuel in the future.
Birmingham heating fund announced

Birmingham City Council has announced plans to invest a further £57.8 million into improving central heating in council properties in the city.
Blazes boss to chair franchise body

Blazes Heating founder Michael Eyre has been elected chair of the British Franchise Association.
Burning ambition realised by Ecobuild attendee

Heating and plumbing engineer Rupert Burnett was rewarded for his attendance at the recent Ecobuild exhibition by winning a Vitodens 200-W gas condensing boiler, after entering the draw on the Viessmann stand.
Call for retrofit support in Budget

Construction firms have urged the government to provide clear and meaningful incentives for green construction growth in this month’s Budget.
Carbon monoxide figures questioned

There could be more deaths and injuries from carbon monoxide poisoning than official figures show, according to research.
City unveils £120m green schools

Schoolchildren in Aberdeen are benefiting from the latest HVAC technology following the completion of a £120 million project.
Clarifying Gas Safe Register use of data

Dear Sir,The letter from J Farrer (H&V News 23 February) suggested that Gas Safe Register passes on the notification data it receives to manufacturers who then use this to sell extended warranties direct to customers. It is important to state clearly that Gas Safe Register does not, and will not, sell, or in any way use notification data for commercial gain.
Clarity needed on government energy schemes

The government’s failure to translate legislation into meaningful policy to improve existing building stock is less than impressive.
Clarity on nuclear power subsidies

The Government should be “upfront” about the subsidies it is planning to give new nuclear power, MPs have warned.
Clegg sets out green bank plans

The Government has outlined its plans for a green investment bank which will start lending money to areas like offshore wind in 2012.
Clients spurred on by launch of RHI

Industry players have signalled their intention to use more renewable heating after the government launched its incentive scheme.
Cold homes 'cost NHS £145m a year'

Illnesses caused by cold housing cost the NHS £145 million a year, according to new figures.
Cold homes damage environment - BMJ

A medical editorial which claims cold homes can be fatal as well as damage the environment has appeared to coincide with a study on the subject commissioned by Friends of the Earth (FoE).
Cold Service Group deal extends AC offering

Shrewsbury-based Central Refrigeration and Air Conditioning has been bought by Cold Service Group.
Collapsed solar firm purchased

Construction group Gentoo has bought a manufacturer of bulletproof glass and solar panels after it went into administration in the wake of cashflow and accounting woes.
Combined low-carbon heating solution

A low-carbon heating system is being installed by E.ON’s Sustainable Energy business at a site where there is no mains gas access, in Ceredigion, Wales.
Company exploits mobile working benefits

Leeds-based L&W Heating & Plumbing has invested in satellite tracking and a mobile PDA system to boost productivity, reduce fleet fuel consumption and improve its carbon footprint.
Condensing boiler myth

Have we all been led into a fool’s paradise of cost saving, energy saving and carbon reduction with the introduction of condensing boilers?
Contractors fined over gas death

A hotel guest died from carbon monoxide poisoning after two heating contractors failed in their duty to correctly install and maintain a heating system, a court heard.
Contractors urged to contribute to MPs’ public procurement inquiry

Contractors may be asked to attend hearings as the industry gears up to give evidence of good procurement practice to Cabinet Office minister Francis Maude (pictured).
CORGI Membership clarifies Homecare issue

CORGI Membership has issued a statement following claims by industry personnel that installer customers have been wrongly contacted by CORGI Homecare over its boiler warranty scheme.
Councils set to slash maintenance funds

Evidence is emerging of councils front-loading cuts to facilities management and building maintenance budgets.
CPA survey provides boost to manufacturers

The latest survey from the Construction Products Association has revealed an improved trading performance by manufacturers.
Cut out industry jargon to build up customer trust

Recent research on how householders choose tradespeople show that those who unsparingly use trade jargon can engender a feeling of distrust in bewildered householders.
Daikin responds to supply fears following disaster

Japanese manufacturer Daikin has issued a response after reports it was among the list of manufacturers experiencing difficulties in maintaining supplies following last month’s earthquake and tsunami.
Dalkia secures £300k health contract

A five-year contract with Hull Royal Infirmary has been awarded to energy and utilities services provider Dalkia for the operation and maintenance of the hospital’s heating and hot water plant.
Data misuse response

Under a licensing agreement, licensees are able to use the CORGI brand name, and are given legal access to the CSL database.
Deadline looms for skills contests

Time is running out to take part in a series of competitions run by SummitSkills aimed at those in the building services engineering sector.
Director fined over worker's death

A director of Southern Property Maintenance has been fined and given a suspended prison sentence following the death of a worker.
E.on in talks over delivery of low-carbon homes

Energy giant E.on is holding talks with major housebuilders to deliver up to 20 large-scale carbon-compliant developments throughout the UK.
Early discussion is essential for heat pumps

One of the recurring problems in the renewable energy industry today is incorrect system design. Many horror stories circulate about heat pumps and their lack of performance; this is, almost without exception, the result of bad design.
Eco charity resigns over new rules

Environmental charity WWF-UK has resigned from a Government taskforce to make homes “zero-carbon” after ministers watered down the rules on making houses greener.
Economic gloom continues for specialist contractors

The National Specialist Contractors Council has released the details of its latest State of Trade Survey, which shows continuing difficulties in a number of areas.
Eden Project to get greener still

A series of upgrades will help the Eden Project cut its CO2 emissions by 25 per cent over the next two years.
Elderly advised on qualified tradesmen

Gas Safety Register staff have been out warning retired people about the dangers of tradesmen who are not fully qualified.
Electra buys Sentinel in £43m deal

Sentinel Performance Solutions has been bought for £43 million by Electra Partners in an equity only deal.
Energy firm reveals massive growth

Rototec Geothermal Energy Systems has announced 68 per cent growth in the first quarter of 2011 compared with the previous year.
Energy firms 'not playing fair''

The UK’s gas and electricity suppliers have been accused of failing “to play it straight” with consumers as the energy watchdog unveiled a proposed shake-up of the industry.
Energy message not getting through

If you add your front page story (H&V News 18 May) to that of Cal Bailey of NG Bailey (page 3) to your own editorial (page 2), the answers are more or less encapsulated.
Energy price hikes loom over industry

British Gas owner Centrica has stated the wholesale price of gas and power for next winter is around 25 per cent higher than last year.
Energy price rule change introduced

New rules which mean that consumers must be given 30 days’ notice of price rises by gas and electricity suppliers have come into force as part of a drive to make providers “play it straight”.
Energy switchers face rising costs

Customers changing energy providers could be in for a shock when their next bill arrives, it has been suggested.
Ensuring best practice in air distribution

Increasingly stringent energy efficiency regulation, including the beefed-up Part L, is stimulating the design of more airtight buildings to minimise heat losses.
Evictions over gas check failures

Two tenants who failed to allow access to their properties for compulsory yearly gas checks have been evicted.
Experts voice fresh fears over legionella mutation

Experts have been expressing concern this week over worrying developments in Legionnaires’ disease.
Extended district heating for Leicester

Leicester City Council has awarded a 25 year contract to Cofely to link and extend four existing district heating schemes.
Family firm strikes £30m British Gas deal

A North-west family is celebrating a £30 million deal to sell its business to British Gas.
Farm's solar installation goes live

A Herefordshire chicken farmer has flicked the switch on the UK’s largest privately-owned solar photovoltaics installation, which boasts 1,600 solar panels.
Feed-in tariff cuts spark HVAC outcry

Local authorities, schools and community projects are likely to be hit by the government’s planned reduction of feed-in tariffs, after climate change minister Greg Barker revealed plans to reduce incentives paid to medium-scale solar schemes.
FMB set for central role in Green Deal operations

Smaller firms moved closer to claiming their slice of the Green Deal this week as the Federation of Master Builders revealed plans to take a key role in the scheme.
Focus to go into administration

Nearly 4,000 staff at Focus DIY faced an uncertain future after the struggling retail chain said it plans to put itself into administration.
Forum for building services

The BACnet Forum will be held in London on 13 April, endorsing the message of safe engineering and the first of its kind in the UK for 10 years.
Free solar installation project unveiled

Mitie has completed its first free installation project, carried out for conservatory furniture manufacturer MGM Trading on its premises in Burton on Trent.
Gas fire blast causes eye injury

Inept repair work to a gas fire caused an explosion in which a father of two was blinded in one eye.
Gas fitter leaves court in drag

The director of a gas fitting company who was prosecuted over unsafe fittings attempted to avoid the glare of local media by leaving court in drag.
Gas risk for 'a third of tenants'

A survey has revealed that a third of tenants could be at risk from unsafe gas appliances because landlords are not conducting yearly gas safety checks.
Gas Safety Trust backs seminars

The Gas Safety Trust has agreed to fund a series of ‘free’ seminars delivered by CORGI Technical Services.
Global renewable energy sector to grow

More solar power and wind power installations are likely to be built over the coming years as investment levels in the renewable energy sector increase over the next decade, a United Nations report has said.
GMB man arrested at Redhall protest

A national official of a leading trade union has been arrested at the site of a new bio-ethanol plant which has been at the centre of an increasingly bitter row over jobs.
Government Carbon Plan maps out sustainable construction timetable

The government has signalled its intention to boost green construction projects with the publication of a draft Carbon Plan.
Government considers new charter to protect suppliers

Contractors could be forced to sign up to a charter to protect their supply chains from unfair practices, under proposed changes in the way the government deals with major suppliers.
Government criticism follows insolvency

It was recently announced that Falmouth-based Earth Energy, an installer of ground source heat pumps, had been forced to call in administrators.
Government delays on RHI criticised

Neil Schofield, Worcester Bosch head of government and external affairs, has criticised the Government for dragging its feet on clarifying the details of the Renewable Head Incentive.
Government plans Green Deal II for new homes

Senior government ministers are preparing to launch proposals for a Green Deal-style incentive scheme for new-build houses, H&V News understands.
Government will learn from 'inefficient' feed-in tariff

Climate change minister Greg Barker has insisted the government must learn its lesson from the “inefficient” feed-in tariff scheme.
Grafton Group returns to profit growth

Irish builders merchants Grafton Group returned to profit growth in 2010 and said it is emerging from the downturn with “strong market positions”.
Green Bank set to back renewables

Deputy prime minister Nick Clegg has announced the Green Investment Bank will pump investment into renewables from April 2012, with the government expecting its £3 billion spend to deliver an additional £15bn in private sector funding by 2015.
Green deal quality control plans

The Government has unveiled plans to help ensure homeowners taking advantage of the “green deal” are not ripped off.
Green energy park to create jobs

Hundreds of construction jobs could be created under plans to build a green energy park at the former site of a power station in Kent.
Green potential of fans must not be overlooked

With increasing attention on the major components that drive heating and cooling systems, the role of various types of fans can be overlooked.
'Greenest ever' government claim in doubt

The government’s claim that it will be the ‘greenest ever’ has been left in a “sorry state” by today’s Budget announcement.
H&V News agenda for face-to-face events

Launched in March this year, the H&V News HVAC Leaders Breakfast Forums are quickly gaining momentum, further complemented by our first round table meeting.
H&V News Awards a ‘storming success’

This year’s H&V News Awards took place before a packed assembly of the HVAC industry in the Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London, receiving a rapturous reception from those present.
Heat and power system to cut bills

A joint project involving ENER-G, GSH Group and Telereal Trillium is expected to cut energy use by 20 per cent at a Government building in Leeds.
Heating engineer wins £1.5m jackpot

Steve Whiteley, a heating engineer from North Devon, hit the jackpot at Exeter when he landed a massive rollover Jackpot courtesy of 12-1 chance Lupita in the final leg.
Heating improvements 'add value'

People wanting to improve the value of their home should improve its central heating system, according to one trade website.
Heating option considered for Heathrow

BAA is exploring ways to capture the heat of summer sun and store it for winter to keep planes moving at Heathrow.
Helius in eco-energy plant plan

Helius Energy has teamed up with Rabo Project Equity and the Combination of Rothes Distillers for a joint venture that will see the groups run a combined heat and power plant using distillery by-products to generate enough electricity to power 9,000 homes and produce animal feed.
HMRC launches plumbers amnesty

HM Revenue & Customs has renewed its push to encourage people to hand over any unpaid income tax with the launch of a plumbers amnesty.
HMRC tax deadline looms for installers and plumbers

Following the launch of the Plumbers Tax Safe Plan (PTSP) (H&V News 9 March, p10), HM Revenue & Customs is stepping up its efforts.
HMRC to clamp down on HVAC sector tax returns

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has announced a campaign to ensure heating engineers, gas fitters and plumbers declare their earnings and pay tax.
Homes 'not using standby products'

Around six out of 10 households in the UK are wasting money on energy bills by not using standby saver products, a survey has suggested.
Homes to see remote control future

Technology that allows people to control their heating and lighting remotely is becoming more popular, with one Buckinghamshire businessman making maximum use of the idea.
Housebuilders require operational overhaul, warns Zero Carbon Hub

The housebuilding industry needs to overhaul the way it works if it is to meet new energy efficiency standards from 2016, the Zero Carbon Hub has warned.
Housebuilding projects rise 26%

The number of new properties under construction rose by 26 per cent during the first quarter, figures have shown.
Houses of Parliament heating overhaul

Building services designer S I Sealy has been appointed to undertake a review of the Houses of Parliament, a Grade I listed building and a World Heritage Site, by the Parliamentary Estates Directorate.
Huhne launches European grid link

Energy secretary Chris Huhne has launched the first new grid connection to Europe for 25 years, with the pledge that it marks the first step towards a North Sea “supergrid”.
Huhne launches Renewable Heat Incentive

Energy secretary Chris Huhne has launched the Renewable Heat Incentive in a bid to increase green capital investment by £4.5 billion over the next nine years.
HVAC component supplier posts double digit growth

Belimo achieved sales of 426.4 million Swiss francs (£288.4m) in 2010, a 10.5 per cent increase compared to a year earlier, or 14.7 per cent on a currency adjusted basis.
HVCA appoints new chief executive designate

The HVCA has appointed Blane Judd to the position of chief executive designate.
HVCA president calls for price fluctuation clauses

Soaring raw material prices are having a devastating impact on profitability and quality across the building services sector, according to the president of the HVCA Martin Burton (pictured), who is calling for the reintroduction of fluctuation clauses in all contracts.
If cash is king, is energy queen?

While the consensus of opinion from the industry is that the majority of customers are still focusing on price before making a decision to purchase services and equipment.
Increasing uptake of renewable energy systems

I read with interest the article ‘Industry cool on renewable scheme’ in the 10th August 2011 issue of H&V News. Whilst I found the article to be of interest, there are a few comments I feel I must respond to.
Individual contributions recognised at awards

Three individuals received recognition at this year’s H&V News Awards, one of whom was taken completely by surprise.
Indoor temperature plays important role at work

A recent survey carried out by YouGov has revealed that two-thirds (65 per cent) of those who work indoors are up to 50 per cent less productive when working in a room that is too hot.
Industry gets ready to grumble about VAT

The topic of VAT is proving to be an area of growing discussion for installers of heating systems.
Industry responds to ‘revolutionary’ government procurement plans

The government has published a far-reaching construction strategy that leading figures say will revolutionise procurement.
Industry responds to RHI announcement

Following yesterday’s announcement the Department of Energy and Climate Change, providing further detail on the Renewable Heat Incentive, industry figures have responded.
Installer Live Awards deadline for entries

Following the HVAC sector’s positive response to the launch of the Installer Live Awards earlier this year, the deadline for applications has been extended to 8 June.
Interserve posts pre-tax profit fall

Interserve has revealed a fall in full-year pretax profits, but the company expects to see stable trading conditions this year.
JS Wright wins £300k zero-carbon church housing contract

The first vicarage in the UK to meet the government’s Code for Sustainable Homes Level 6 will be fitted out by building services provider JS Wright.
Kier signs £54m Kent academy deal

Kier Group has signed a deal to build a £54 million academy on the Isle of Sheppey.
Kimpton secures student halls contract

Wirral-based building services firm Kimpton has won the building services design and installation contract for a new student residence in Liverpool.
Kingfisher swoops for Focus stores

The owner of B&Q has bought 31 stores from stricken chain Focus DIY for £23 million after the company fell into administration.
Lambeth awards multiple HVAC contracts

Lambeth Living has announced a host of seven-year partnerships to provide HVAC and maintenance services across the borough.
Landlord fined for illegal gas work

Health and safety inspectors issued a warning after a landlord was fined for illegally carrying out gas work in his properties.
Landlord fined over safety breaches

A Portsmouth landlord’s failure to provide safety records for gas appliances at a property he rented out to a family has led to a conviction and fine for endangering lives.
Landlord forced to install heating

A local authority has forced a private landlord to install central heating and insulation in the home of an 89-year-old woman.
Landlord refused to check home gas

A landlord has been prosecuted for ignoring a demand to carry out safety checks on gas appliances at the home of one of his tenants.
Landlord refused to check home gas

A landlord has been prosecuted for ignoring a demand to carry out safety checks on gas appliances at the home of one of his tenants.
Latest mobile technology offer big benefits to local firms

With so many options of mobile phone, traditional land lines and new Voice over IP (VoIP) services available for small businesses, making the right choices can be difficult. But for a growing business, being easy to contact and presenting the right image are vital.
Legionella coverage at first Manchester event

The role of facilities managers has undoubtedly become increasingly complicated with the introduction of growing numbers of rules and regulations that have to be met.
Legionella fears grow as facilities budgets fall

The legionella bacterium - the cause of deadly legionnaires’ disease - could be mutating, threatening the lives of thousands.
Liquidated damages seen as penalties

Construction and engineering contracts usually include provision for the payment of fixed sums (known as liquidated damages) by the contractor in the event that the works are delayed for reasons which do not entitle the contractor to an extension of time.
Lorne Stewart turnover drops by £10m

Building services contractor Lorne Stewart said it has managed to maintain its profit levels in 2010 despite turnover falling by £10 million to £173m.
Low carbon heat plans for London

Pipes will be laid to bring low carbon heat, produced on the Olympic site, to homes and businesses in Stratford High Street, it has been revealed.
Mace asks supply chain to track CO2

Construction company Mace is asking its suppliers to keep monthly performance records on its projects as it seeks to avoid massive penalties under the government’s Carbon Reduction Commitment scheme.
Man handed £23,000 fine over ‘dangerous’ gas work

A man who risked lives by carrying out gas work that he was not registered to do has been fined £23,000.
Manufacturer in expansion drive

Two manufacturers have announced the creation of 40 new jobs over the next year due to significant expansions.
Manufacturer responds to customer service criticism

Dear Sir,In the 23 February issue of H&V News, I was disappointed to read two letters discussing the loss of faith in heating manufacturers.
MBO for Bradford ventilation specialist

Ventilation specialist Mansfield Pollard, Parry Lane, Bradford, has been acquired by four of its key directors.
Meier share buyback operation completed

Climate and manufacturing technology group Walter Meier has announced completion of a share buyback exercise, started in November 2009.
Merchant sees UK revenues slip

Builders’ merchant Wolseley has reported lower UK revenues and profits after a difficult quarter for its brands Bathstore and Plumb Center.
Michael J Lonsdale receives 1,000th environmental awareness award

At a recent ceremony held at Drapers’ Gardens in London, the Lord Mayor of London presented the 1,000th Cafe Van environmental awareness certificate to Jamie Dolling, the site supervisor for specialist services provider Michael J Lonsdale.
Micropower response to RHI

After collaborating closely with DECC on the details of the Renewable Heat Incentive, the Micropower Council’s Dave Sowden shares his views on the scheme with H&V News.
More detail required on air source heat pumps

Dear Sir,With reference to your article “Back to school on air source heat pumps” in H&V News 23 February issue there are some points that need clarifying.
More sustainable expertise required at all levels

Dear Sir,Having read through the recent Government Consultation on Microgeneration dated December 2010; much of the content could and should be applied over a far greater spectrum of Sustainability.
Morrell: display voluntary DECs first to help our case

Industry pleas for a mandatory roll-out of display energy certificates under the Energy Bill could fall on deaf ears according to the government’s chief construction adviser.
New boiler installation VAT campaign gathers pace

Support is growing for the industry campaign seeking to persuade the government to cut the rate of VAT charged on high-efficiency boiler installations.
New era set to begin for UK boiler manufacturer

HRM Boilers has announced a number of new initiatives following its change of ownership at the end of last year.
New homes enjoy acoustic ventilation

Homes in a 150-property development in Suffolk have been fitted with Sonair units from Titon to reduce intermittent high external noise levels from aircraft operating in the area.
New identity for Installer Live awards ceremony

An awards ceremony will be held in conjunction with the Installer Live exhibition next October, following the change of ownership of the event.
New jobs follow contract signing

Bradford-based ventilation specialist Mansfield Pollard is taking on 12 new manufacturing staff after landing a major international deal.
New openings and product launch

Vent-Axia has opened its new technology showroom, together with BPEC (British Plumbing Employers Council (Training)) approved training centre, located at its head office in Crawley, West Sussex, and also launched a new air handling unit.
NG Bailey boss leads calls for tougher action on DECs

The head of sustainability at NG Bailey, Cal Bailey (pictured), is securing high-profile support for a campaign to increase green development by toughening up the use of display energy certificates.
Overview of yesterday's Budget

The government unveiled a raft of measures in today’s Budget and Plan for Growth which it says will help provide growth in the year ahead.
Paving the way for CHP development

KleenAir Systems has announced improved financial results for the six months to the end of December.
Peel cleared over power plant ad

Peel Holdings subsidiary has fought off complaints about its manner of promoting a planned power plant in North Yorkshire.
Plan for three carbon capture sites

Three Scottish carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects could be built in Scotland as a demonstration which it is hoped will lead to wider use of the green technology.
Playing the waiting game

The government’s latest announcement on the Green Investment Bank seems unlikely to have many suppliers or installers of renewable energy technology leaping around with excitement, especially if the decision to include nuclear energy from 2015 has the effect of diluting the benefits.
Plumber to face manslaughter trial

A plumber is set to stand trial for manslaughter in June following the death of a young woman from carbon monoxide poisoning in a shared ownership flat.
Plumbers win prizes in national contest

Two Plumbase customers have won the first and second prizes in a national competition.
PPL buys E.On's UK power networks

US energy company PPL has announced it is buying E.On’s UK power networks in a deal worth nearly £4 billion.
Pressure mounts on ConstructionSkills over training levy contributions

The future of the Construction-Skills training levy has been questioned after a multinational company won exemption from payment ahead of a major consultation on the scheme.
Pre-tax losses widen at Speedy Hire

Speedy Hire saw its pre-tax losses increase by 18% last year, while sales rose slightly, the group has said.
Pre-tax profits rise for hire firm

HSS Hire has announced above-expectations revenue of £46.9 million for the first quarter.
Prompt action advised for Warm Front cash

District councils are advising residents to move quickly to take advantage of the government’s Warm Front grants.
Protect the Feed-in Tariff

Plumb Center is urging the government to protect Feed-in Tariffs (FiTs), which give homeowners cash incentives to choose renewable solutions to their energy needs.
Raising the legionella agenda

Dear Sir,The important article on safety concerning the growing menace of legionnaires’ disease (H&V News 23 march) is accompanied by numerous discussions on increasing efficiency of many renewable technologies by reducing water temperatures.
Recognition for LDA initiative retrofit success

The London Development Agency’s RE:FIT initiative has been named best technical project at the ManagEnergy Annual Awards in Brussels.
Renewable energy focus for college expansion

A college in the North-east has said it will expand its construction department because more people want to learn about environmentally friendly building techniques.
Renewable energy in new schools project

A £12 million contract to build replacement schools on the sites of existing primary schools near Durham has been won by Sir Robert McAlpine.
Renewable energy jobs boost for UK

Wind turbine giant Vestas is planning to build a new factory in the UK, the company has said.
Renewable incentive gets backing from industry

The Renewables Roadshow will take place in September, visiting six locations around the UK.
Renewables stimulus required

Energy and Climate Change Secretary Chris Huhne has presented the UK’s fourth carbon budget, which sets the challenging goal of cutting CO2 emissions by 50 percent on 1990 levels by 2027, en route to emissions cuts of at least 80 percent by 2050.
Retrofit carbon emission reductions

Greentomatoenergy claims to have cut the carbon emissions and heating expenditure by 80 per cent in two Victorian terraced houses in London.
Rise in UK carbon emissions casts doubt on green goals

Figures released by the Department of Energy and Climate Change have shown that carbon emissions increased last year when compared with 2009 levels.
RLtec announces Sainsbury's deal

RLtec has signed a lucrative 10-year commercial deal with Sainsbury’s that will result in green smart grid technology being installed in more then 200 of the retail giant’s stores.
Schemes are mooted for £3bn green bank finance

Contractors have begun submitting projects they hope to see financed by the Green Investment Bank to the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.
Schools jobs back on HVAC agenda

Contractors are expecting an expanded Partnerships for Schools to procure schools projects through a number of regional frameworks as the James Review findings are adopted.
Scotland offers green energy loans

The Scottish Government is to offer a £500,000 interest-free loan scheme to encourage homeowners to install green energy equipment.
Scotland to offer green loans to plug RHI gap

The Scottish Government is to offer a £500,000 interest-free loan scheme to encourage homeowners to install green energy equipment.
Secondary market set to boost regional businesses

Early signs of a resurgence in the secondary retail and commercial property markets look set to boost workloads for medium-sized regional contractors.
Self-sufficiency for Isle of Wight

A community group is aiming to make the Isle of Wight the first UK region to be energy self-sufficient and carbon neutral by 2020.
Sellers should reveal home energy costs, says EST

A call for estate agents to state the annual average energy costs for homes has been issued by the Energy Saving Trust (EST), allowing buyers to identify those that are expensive to heat.
Shell admits charges over gas blast

Shell UK has admitted health and safety breaches after an explosion and fire at a gas terminal in Norfolk.
Sigma HVAC renamed in Knorr buyout

The UK arm of train HVAC firm Sigma Coachair has been renamed Knorr-Bremse Rail Systems (Burton) Ltd.
Simplicity proves key to retrofit heat recovery

The UK’s ageing housing stock is a major concern for the government if it is to meet its goals to reduce carbon output over the next decade or so. There is no shortage of options available to assist with this, especially with the ongoing advances in renewable energy technology.
Sit-in at 'lock-out' biofuels plant

Workers staged a sit-in today at the site of a new biofuels plant which has been at the centre of a row for weeks after hundreds of employees said they had been “locked out” of the contract.
Skanska secures ground-source contract

A contract to provide ground-source heating technology has been awarded to Cementation Skanska for the installation of its Energy Piles by The Leadenhall Development Company.
Smaller firms ‘at risk’ from upcoming James Review

Major contractors have warned that subcontractors are at risk from the James Review of schools building, while political wrangling is said to be holding up publication of the long-awaited report.
Smart meter plans 'make or break'

The integration of smart meters into households could provide big benefits to customers, but if done wrong it could potentially cause big risks, an energy expert has claimed.
Smart meters 'will slash bills'

Rolling out “smart” meters to all homes and businesses in Britain will save the average consumer £23 a year on their energy bills by 2020, the Government has said.
Solar energy system for Qatari World Cup stadium

A new 500-seater stadium in Qatar built for the 2022 FIFA World Cup is using a mix of environmentally friendly technologies.
Solar panel scheme investor sought

Circle Anglia has begun its search to find a partner to invest in the provision of solar photovoltaic panels on its UK homes.
SSE acquires consented wind farm site

A wind farm in North Lincolnshire has been acquired from Renewable Energy Systems Group by Scottish and Southern Energy plc.
Support and enforcement required for DEC success

A recent announcement from HVCA states that it is backing the call for wider use of display energy certificates (DECs) – but warns that the scheme will fail unless enforcement is also stepped up.
Surge in energy bills predicted

Gas and electricity bills could shoot up by as much as 50 per cent over the next four years as suppliers seek to offset rising wholesale prices, an analyst at broker Deutsche Bank has forecast.
Sustainable opportunities for heating oil

There has been an important revision to the British Standard (BS2869:2010) that further limits the sulphur content of heating oil and allows for Class D middle distillate fuel (gas oil) to have up to a 7 per cent FAME (biofuel) blends.
T. Clarke profits down 21pc

Building services contractor T. Clarke’s pre-tax profits fell by 21 per cent in 2010, despite its turnover increasing to £179 million from £175.5m in 2009.
Tata announces £53m power funding

Tata Steel says it is to invest £53 million in reducing the power needed by its Port Talbot steelworks.
Tax avoidance amnesty 'open to all'

The Government’s offer to those in the plumbing industry to tell the truth about their tax avoidance and receive a less harsh penalty seems to apply to all firms, according to the Chartered Institute of Taxation.
Taxing times for HVAC sector

The combined message from our front page story and the forthcoming Which? Report (see page 4 of this Wednesday’s issue) this week shows that the industry has a number of urgent issues to address.
The real cost benefits of newer technologies

There is genuine enthusiasm about microgeneration, a group of emerging technologies that reduce energy consumption and environmental impact with the added benefit of saving the end-user money, which is especially welcome given recent unstoppable energy price inflation.
The use of CSCS SmartCards

Dear Sir,Further to the letter from David Woodcock (H&V News 23 February) regarding the requirement for CSCS cards on sites I would like to clarify the situation. As David rightly points out many main contractors have required all workers to have CSCS cards to gain access to their sites for some time.
Time to adopt European ideas on ventilation?

Although the recent trend in the UK has been towards embracing mechanical heat recovery ventilation, there is a school of thought in favour of demand controlled ventilation (DCV), commonly used in Europe and Scandinavia in social housing, as a superior solution for ventilating air-tight buildings.
Tomato source (sauce) heat pump April Fool revealed

Many thanks to ICS, and Garry Broadbent in particular, for participating in this light hearted exercise, I wonder how many in the industry will admit to being taken in?
Tracking vehicles to boost customer service

First Choice Homes Oldham has installed vehicle-tracking technology in 85 vans to improve call scheduling for its engineers.
Trade bodies issue warning to industry over VAT rate

APHC and SNIPEF have warned the plumbing and heating industry to ensure application of the appropriate VAT rate when installing heating systems.
Transaction aids renewable energy aims

NIBE has agreed a deal to acquire 31% of the shares in Swiss firm Schulthess Group AG.
Treasury slammed over CPS plans

The UK District Energy Association has criticised the Treasury’s proposed Carbon Price Support mechanisms.
Two service contracts signed

Carillion has unveiled two new UK contracts worth more than £200 million.
UK's fourth carbon budget confirmed

The government has insisted it will work with energy-intensive industries to ensure heavy-hitting carbon cuts do not drive them out of the UK.
Unsafe builder hit with jail term over illegal gas work

A Bradford builder has been jailed for four months after illegally attempting to install gas and electric in a botched extension project.
Unsafe builder jailed over gas work

A Bradford builder has been jailed for four months after illegally attempting to install gas and electric in a botched extension project.
Using magnetic filtration boosts performance

The biggest threat to central heating system performance is widely recognised as black iron oxide sludge, which accounts for more than 95 per cent of system damaging particles.
VAT on heating systems

Dear Sir,I refer to a news item on page 4 of the April 20th issue under the headline “Trade bodies issue warning to industry over VAT rate”.
Vokes Air announces restructuring

Air filtration provider Vokes Air has announced plans to restructure its business.
Walter Meier buys JS Humidifiers

JS Humidifiers has been taken over by Swiss company Walter Meier, which hopes the move will enable it to consolidate its position as a global humidification market leader.
We live in interesting times

Regardless of how individuals interpret the word ‘interesting’, there is certainly no shortage of debatable topics in the HVAC sector at present.
Welsh renewable policy published

Planning authority decisions in Wales must in future be considered under a national framework for renewable energy, according to fresh guidance issued by the Assembly Government.
Wind of change for renewable energy output

A wind farm in North Lincolnshire has been acquired from Renewable Energy Systems Group by Scottish and Southern Energy plc.
Winds of change drive the ventilation sector

With new buildings becoming increasingly airtight, the task of effectively ventilating them has taken on new meaning.

Heating and Ventilation NewsMarch 2011

Heating and Ventilation News
March 2011