neWs All the latest news from around the building industry Decc welcomes heat networks code CiBSe code already used in tenders and by local authorities to benchmark projects CIBSE has responded to the increased activity in the heat network market by producing its first UK Code of Practice (CoP). The Heat Networks: Code of Practice (CP1), produced in partnership with the Association for Decentralised Energy (ADE), introduces urgently needed minimum standards for the district heating sector, welcomed by the Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC). Heat networks are going to be a substantial part of the effort to decarbonise UK heating, said David Wagstaff, head of the DECCs heat infrastructure team. However, quality must improve. We have to get this right or we will undermine the whole market. Government tends to listen to consumers and, if they are not happy, then we will not realise the full potential of this approach. Phil Jones, chair of the publication steering committee, stressed that a CoP differs from technical guidance in that it discourages users from cherry-picking the bits they like and requires them to follow a complete process to achieve the desired result. He said that the UK heat network market was booming, but that we still have a lot of catching up to do with other parts of the world. The CIBSE CoP is already being used in tenders and by several local authorities to benchmark proposed projects. This shows how much it is needed and we believe it will take the sector to the next level, said Jones. He emphasised that there were many good district heating schemes operating in the UK, but that quality problems were often the result of a failure to carry out adequate feasibility studies. CBI fears governments plan for apprenticeships is flawed employers concerned about school-leavers literacy and communication skills As many as 73% of contractors say they are struggling to find the higher-skilled staff they need to keep up with the growing demand for quality buildings. A survey by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) and education publisher Pearson also cast doubt on the governments plan to boost apprenticeships, which it said will not deliver the high-quality, business-relevant training needed. Katja Hall, CBI deputy director-general, said: The government has set out its stall to create a high-skilled economy, but firms are facing a skills emergency now, threatening to starve economic growth. Worryingly, its the high-growth, highvalue sectors with the most potential [that are] under most pressure. That includes construction. The research appeared just as the government announced plans for a levy on major employers to pay for more apprenticeships. Construction already has its own training levy system, managed by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB). The survey also highlighted continuing fears among employers about the standard of teaching in schools. More than a third of firms reported concerns over school-leavers literacy and basic numeracy, while 49% were unhappy with the quality of their communication skills. The CITBs director of policy, Steve Radley, said: Levies alone wont deliver quality apprenticeships it is also critical to have proper forecasting of skills demand and better engagement with training providers to meet employer needs. nG Baileys class of 2014: government plans to increase apprenticeships continual criticism masking our successes, say industry presidents There is too much negativity about the industrys performance, according to the presidents of CIBSE, RIBA and B&ES. Continual criticism about failing buildings and the lack of a collaborative culture mask considerable achievements, they told a presidential Question Time, organised by the CIBSE Patrons, at RIBA headquarters in London. This followed an earlier presidential debate in June, at Westminster Central Hall. See the July Journal for more. CIBSEs Nick Mead said the industry should celebrate our successes and our heroes, and publicise the fantastic projects identified in CIBSEs Building Performance Awards that provide evidence of improving long-term performance. But he said there was a problem with the quality of specification writing, which was creating confusion and leaving contractors nick Mead unsure about which stage of the design they were tendering for. There is far too much irrelevant information passed down the line, he added. People need to stop hiding behind reams of paperwork and get clarity into the process. B&ES president Andy Sneyd, who finished his term in office soon after the event, said the industry was collaborating pretty well. He added that nobody deliberately sets out to do a bad job and the industry has a good record of delivering to the specifications we are given. We should get a lot more credit for the fact that we still construct some great buildings, despite the generally poor standard of instructions we receive. RIBA president, Stephen Hodder MBE, said there was still a silo culture, where everyone just concentrates on their own part of a project. He called for a radical overhaul of the education system to make it more suitable for modern industry and to instil a collaborative culture in young architects and engineers. He added that the lack of post occupancy evaluations is still a problem that makes it difficult for industry to learn from its mistakes. The Question Time event video is available to view. Rolton Group turnover up by 13% The CoPs author, Paul Woods, said correct sizing of the plant and network were also vital, but that many people had been relying on inaccurate data. The basic rule is that you need a maximum of 5kW per dwelling if you are much over that, then you have probably done something wrong, he said. ADE director Tim Rotheray said the CoP would play a big part in tackling hugely wasteful power generation. We waste enough energy to heat every home in the UK, he said. The Heat Networks: Code of Practice is free for CIBSE members via the Knowledge Portal at www.cibse.org/ knowledge l For more on the Code, see Heat Works, in October 2014 CIBSE Journal. Marner issues skills warning Skills shortages are threatening the ability of firms to take advantage of the economic recovery, the new president of the Building & Engineering Services Association (B&ES) has warned. Jim Marner said a fairer and more equitable payment culturewas essential to allow businesses to operate profitably and to invest in skills, resources and technology. Speaking at the associations annual general meeting, at which he was elected, he also called for a more accessible and transparent pre-qualification regime, and for contractors to embrace the digital revolution. We must lobby for smarter procurement, preferred supply chain status and openbook, two-stage tendering whereby firms can establish their competence, capability and financial stability before investing significantly in the production of detailed designs for a job they may very well fail to secure, added Marner. new standards set for Rhi New regulations for the domestic and non-domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) schemes are now in place and include bringing the incentive schemes in line with the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS). The new regulations introduce updated installer standards for heat pumps, solid biomass and solar thermal aimed at achieving consistency of language across all MCS standards. The heat pump installer standard has also been updated to bring MCS regulations in line with the European Energyrelated Products (ErP) Directive. smart-code consultation The Department of Energy and Climate Change has launched a consultation on new Smart Energy Code content and related licence amendments. The consultation is on proposed legal drafting for the code, as well as gas and electricity supply licences, to support smart metering. The closing date for responses is 1 September 2015. iot competition new business-focused group to replace CLC Engineering consultancy Rolton Group has reported a 20% rise in staff numbers and a turnover increase of 13% year on year. The Northamptonshire-based firm is on track to achieve a further 13% growth in turnover in 2015. Rolton Group is supporting a 30m, 77,000ft2 extension of Peterboroughs Queensgate Shopping Centre (pictured). It will carry out civil and structural feasibility work and give advice on planning and mechanical and electrical feasibility. Other major new projects include the Bacton residential development in Camden, where Rolton is providing energy and mechanical and electrical services, including district heating and hot water for the 290 new homes, using waste heat from the Royal Free Hospitals gas turbine. Among its high-profile clients are: Jaguar Land Rover, EC Harris, BMW, Ikea,Taylor Wimpey, Ford, Asda and Persimmon Homes. The firm has 10 CIBSE-certified consultants, and is recruiting for a further eight positions. l We are carrying out a survey of firms with 10 or more CIBSE members. Download the survey here and complete by 31 August to feature in the Journal results article. British cities and businesses are being encouraged to apply for a 10m fund by entering a competition aimed at showing how the Internet of Things (IoT) can deliver environmental improvements, economic opportunities, and more efficient and effective delivery of transport, healthcare and energy. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport and Innovate UK are offering the funding for a project showing the capability of IoT in a city region. Details can be found here.