Discussion on the transition to heat pumps and the importance of listening to heating engineers. Insights into challenges faced by installers and the need for collaboration. Exploring safety and efficiency in low carbon heating systems, promoting desirability of heat pumps, and comparing safety standards in engineering.
Recognizing the pivotal role of heating engineers in energy efficiency advocacy.
Integrating energy efficiency considerations into everyday heating installations is crucial for environmental impact.
Financial obstacles and insufficient government support hinder the widespread adoption of eco-friendly heating technologies.
Deep dives
Research Focus on Heating Installers
Dr. Fay Wade's research delves into the installation practices of heating installers, often overlooked in the policy and industry focus on heating technologies' efficiency. She emphasizes the need to document and understand the actual installation processes of these technologies to ensure they align with expectations. Personally connected to the field by family ties to trades work, Fay aims to elevate the voices and recognition of heating installers, highlighting their pivotal role in energy efficiency.
Challenges in Shifting Industry Mindset
Fay identifies a crucial need for a shift in the mindset of industry practitioners towards energy efficiency and low carbon practices, particularly among heating installers. While acknowledging safety as a paramount concern, she stresses the importance of integrating energy efficiency considerations into everyday installations. The industry's historical focus on safety and functionality must evolve to encompass energy efficiency as a core component of quality installations.
Barriers to Adoption of Green Technologies
Financial barriers emerge as significant obstacles to wider adoption of green technologies like heat pumps. The cost implications and complexities of transitioning to energy-efficient systems pose challenges for homeowners, especially those on limited incomes. Government schemes offering inadequate grants prove insufficient in supporting the necessary shift towards low carbon solutions. Financial considerations, along with infrastructural challenges within existing properties, hinder the widespread implementation of eco-friendly heating systems.
Building Intimate Trust and Influence with Customers for Low Carbon Transition
Developing intimate relationships with clients over time, based on trust and familiarity, provides a unique opportunity for heating engineers to influence customers towards low carbon solutions. By gaining their trust through previous work, professionals can leverage this connection to advocate for incremental changes that lead to a shift towards low carbon heating systems. This personalized approach allows for a gentle transition towards upgrading equipment and adopting eco-friendly solutions, ultimately preparing homes for a future focused on sustainability and reduced carbon emissions.
Challenges and Opportunities in MCS Certification for Small Installers
MCS certification poses challenges and opportunities for small installers in the transition to low carbon heating. While certification ensures quality and competence, issues arise for self-funded projects where stringent requirements may hinder participation. Streamlining processes and promoting awareness about MCS as a mark for quality installation are crucial steps to engage smaller businesses. Simplifying certification criteria, enhancing consumer awareness, and fostering industry support can facilitate increased participation and ensure competent installations aligned with low carbon objectives.
In this episode Nathan interviews Faye Wade, his favourite academic researching the heating industry. This is because Faye understands that the most vital component of the industry is the engineer and that we need to really listen to them.
Joining Faye are Nathan's friends Leah, Sovay and Rhiannon who are all involved in installing and maintaining heating systems.
This is a fab episode with lot's of discussion around the transition to heat pumps and things like certification bodies, awarding bodies and MCS etc etc
