NEWS | DIGEST Builders confused by green home scheme Builders and installers are turning their backs on the governments flagship policy to kick-start a makeover of UK homes. A survey by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) found that the industry is confused about how to deliver projects through the Green Home Grant scheme and consumers are finding it hard to access the finance on offer. The scheme aims to upgrade thousands of homes to EPC rating C by 2035, but 26% of respondents to the FMB survey complained about the lack of a clear pipeline of work. Poor levels of consumer awareness were also a barrier to the scheme, along with a lack of capacity and skills in the construction workforce. Just three out of 250 builders who had expressed an interest in the scheme had been able to complete the registration and training. Builders dont yet have the confidence they need in the domestic energy efficiency market to invest in their businesses and start offering these services to homeowners, said FMB chief executive Brian Berry. Air con gases blamed for truck explosion An Australian truck driver has been seriously injured by an explosion thought to have been caused by flammable refrigerant gas incorrectly used in his vehicles air conditioning system. The accident took place in a Queensland mine in January and the force of the blast blew out the truck windows. The driver suffered severe burns to his face and hands. Initial findings indicate that the air conditioning was designed to operate using the HFC gas R134a, but had been recharged with a mix of the hydrocarbons (HCs) propane and isobutane. The incident has added impetus to calls in Europe for the inclusion of mandatory training and certification of engineers working with HCs and other HFC alternatives in the current review of the F-Gas regulations. CLC fears rise in contract disputes during 2021 Tighter finances caused by pandemic likely to lead to an increase in claims The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) has urged companies to act in a fair and reasonable way and avoid costly and long-running disputes sparked by the Covid-19 crisis, Brexit and other commercial pressures. There remains a real concern that as we reach the completion of projects A perfect storm may be brewing this year entered into pre-pandemic and the end of financial/tax years, businesses will become embroiled in costly and longrunning disputes over the effects of Covid-19 on projects, it said in its latest briefing note. Indications were that 2021 may bring the perfect storm of: a negative economic environment; EU exit; reduced construction market activity; the end of government business support schemes; the introduction of reverse-charge VAT; and a significant increase in the number of claims across the supply chain. The CLC said it was aware of a rise in the number of claims being rejected because of the pandemic. It urged the industry to work together to resolve all contractual disputes arising from the pandemic. It expects to see more formal disputes, adding that without fair and reasonable administration of construction contracts, Covid-19 could have a significant and detrimental effect on the industry. New minister praises construction Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng has praised the construction industry for its hugely valued and critical contribution to the country during the current lockdown. In an open letter, written shortly after taking up the position last month, Kwarteng reiterated that construction supply chains should carry on despite current restrictions. It is vital that construction continues you are making a major contribution to the economic recovery following Covid-19, he wrote. However, industry bodies have urged their members to review site safety to reflect updated Site Operating Procedures produced by the Construction Leadership Council (CLC). CLC chair Andy Mitchell urged firms to critically challenge what works can genuinely not be done at home and called on those travelling to sites to minimise their use of public transport. BESA chief executive David Frise warned against complacency. It will only take a few rogue sites or workers not abiding by the rules to spoil things for everyone, said Frise. 10 February 2021 www.cibsejournal.com CIBSE Feb21 pp10 News.indd 10 22/01/2021 14:06