News / Energy efficiency workshop
LOCAL building contractors are being encouraged to apply for accreditation to allow them to carry out government funded energy efficiency work in Shetland.
A workshop is taking place at Shetland College on 14 September between 4pm and 6pm to give companies advice in light of increased Scottish Government funding in the area and potential change in regulations for private rents.
At the moment only three firms in Shetland have PAS2030 accreditation to allow them to carry out any work paid for by Scottish Government funding.
The workshop is being organised by organised by Shetland Islands Council, the Energy Saving Trust and the Energy Skills Partnership.
An increased focus from the Scottish Government on energy efficiency means that there is extra impetus for contractors to have the “skills and certifications necessary to provide high quality installations of insulation, heating, controls and renewables”.
Shetland also has a 53 per cent fuel poverty rate, which is above the national average of 35 per cent.
The SIC added it has a “large number of jobs awaiting estimates and also work which needs to be completed by March 2018” and contractors can learn more about these opportunities at the event.
The council’s estate operations manager Carl Symons said: “We expect there will be increased levels of work for construction contractors on the island due to a combination of factors.
“Over the past four years we’ve received around £4 million from the Scottish Government to carry out insulation and energy efficiency works for houses throughout Shetland, including both social and private.
“In addition, the Scottish Government is pledging a further programme of work lasting 15-20 years. In the short term the council has £1 million to spend on area-based schemes by the end of this financial year.
“The Scottish Government is also looking to bring in minimum energy efficiency standards for the private rented sector, which will result in private landlords having to bring their building stock up to a minimum energy efficiency standard.
“All grant funded work will need to be carried out by approved contractors, so it’s essential that local companies take up any training opportunities that exist so this work can be delivered by local people.”
Energy Saving Trust’s Ian Cuthbert said the workshop is the “first stage” in helping Shetland contractors to take up opportunities on offer.
“We also want to get their feedback on the level of support they need to participate effectively in this market,” he said.
“These insights will help inform the next stage, which is to provide training to contractors. A key focus is also attracting a greater number of younger people to train as installers”.
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