REI Mar-Apr 2012 - Renewable Energy Installer

Opinion
The seasonal break provides an opportunity
to reflect on the past 12 months and 2011
was dramatic to say the least. We saw
highs and lows and faced up to challenging
economic circumstances leading to the
demise of some familiar names.
So what of the year ahead? The Green
Deal is due at the end of 2012, with PV,
solar thermal, air source and ground source
heat pumps, biomass and micro CHP listed
as ‘qualifying improvements’. However,
under the current proposals, it is far from
clear whether microgeneration will allow
customers to combine incentives such as
the Feed-in Tariff and RHI with Green Deal
Finance. This is likely to seriously impact on
uptake, as is the concern about the potential
for SMEs to participate . All businesses,
regardless of size, need to be involved if we
are to deliver emissions reductions.
We can also look forward to the
consultation on Part L, more details of RHI
and ‘Allowable Solutions’ for Zero Carbon
Homes. So 2012 is already set to be another
landmark year and Ecobuild (20-22 March)
will definitely be a focal point. Once again
Plumb Center will be teaming up with
manufacturers for our Practical Installer
demonstration area, with working products
and presentations covering the more
technical aspects of renewables.
I certainly look forward to meeting
many of you at Ecobuild and hearing your
views and opinions on how we can make
2012 a defining moment for renewables.
32 | www.renewableenergyinstaller.co.uk
Two minutes with . . .
Who are you?
Greg Banham
What do you do?
I am sales director for the UK and Ireland at Fernox.
Where are you?
I’m currently in Woking, sitting at my desk at Fernox answering these questions
before my next meeting.
How’s business at the moment?
usiness at Fernox is faring well. However the past couple of years have been
challenging for the industry and 2012 will continue to see tough times for many.
Added to this, is the fact that the domestic heating market has rapidly evolved
with the emergence of renewable technologies. As such we’ve all had to change
and adapt and this has lead to many new opportunities.
How could it be better?
The fast introduction of the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) for domestic
installations and a clear and cohesive plan for the Green Deal roll-out to the
consumer. If these come to fruition, we anticipate a rise in demand for boiler
upgrades and renewable technologies, which all require protection from chemical
water treatment.
Who do you admire in renewables?
I have a strong admiration for research and development teams. When you stop
and think about it from a chemical water treatment perspective, when renewable
technologies started to become viable alternatives in the UK – it was up to these
people to create a whole new generation of products to protect these systems.
That’s an immense task and one that was achieved.
What’s the best business advice you have received?
Always carry out what you promise and I’ve stuck to this throughout my career.
How are you going green?
Outside of work, I am making more use of my bike for short journeys rather than
using my car. Not only is it healthier for me but I also save money on petrol,
as well as doing my bit to cut down on carbon emissions. I think everyone is
becoming far more conscious of ‘green’ issues and it’s everyone making those
small changes that can add up to a big difference.