http://www.gastecuk.com http://www.gastecuk.com/rss.php The latest news from GASTEC at CRE en-gb Copyright: (C) GASTEC at CRE GaC is registered as an Official Agent for the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme. The c:sense team at GaC has been keeping a close watch on the evolution of the Carbon Reduction Commitment Scheme and we have not been distracted by the change of name and emphasis during the gestation period. Now, however, even our more laid-back clients are acutely aware that the 30th September 2010 deadline for CRC EES registration is almost upon us. We are starting to get calls for help. In addition to requests for advice on the early metrics, available to mitigate the initial costs for full participants, many of our respondents need help with the registration process itself. The online registry system, already familiar to c:sense from working with the Environment Agency (EA) on other compliance schemes, e.g. EU ETS, is not everyone’s cup of tea. Luckily the EA has provided us with a way to help and GaC has registered as an official “Agent” for the CRC EES. This means that c:sense team members can access the registry via a special Government Gateway account that provides remote online support to clients and hence enables us to confirm their compliant responses and mitigate the risk of misreporting. For details of this and other CRC EES related services, please email davidparsons@gastecuk.com Tel: 01242 677877 Mobile: 07811 27636 http://www.gastecuk.com/news.php?id79 July 2010 http://www.gastecuk.com/news.php?id79 We had a busy and successful time at the 2010 Hearth and Home exhibition. Apart from securing lots of new business and meeting up with old friends and colleagues, we were delighted to win the Wise Owl award. This prestigious accolade is awarded annually to an individual or company who has made a lasting contribution to the success, improvement and good fortune of the fireplace industry. It is a fitting tribute to the hard work, professionalism and dedication of all those of us who ever have the pleasure of dealing with our customers in the fireplace industries. http://www.gastecuk.com/news.php?id75 June 2010 http://www.gastecuk.com/news.php?id75 GaC's Mark Crowther and Iain Summerfield are talking at forthcoming CEA conferences on the Safe Operation of Biomass Boilers. First stop Chester on 18th May. Please see www.cea.org.uk/conferences.asp for more information. http://www.gastecuk.com/news.php?id77 May 2010 http://www.gastecuk.com/news.php?id77 We are very pleased to be the originator of this concept for the contractual agreement of future carbon emissions between developers and building operators. We consider this to be a more realistic method of reducing total carbon emissions than, for example, the Merton rule. The measured value of over or under emission is linked to a reward or penalty system, the value of which is directly related to the price of carbon under the EUETS. For further details, please take a look at this technical summary or call us to discuss. http://www.gastecuk.com/news.php?id60 November 2009 http://www.gastecuk.com/news.php?id60 GaC has been heavily involved in the consultation process for Document J. We took the original backward and forward look at Document J which set the parameters for Document J proper. As a side project, we also looked at carbon monoxide analysers which are now recommended for solid fuel appliances. RIBA has since asked us to produce a guide on Document J for Architects. http://www.gastecuk.com/news.php?id76 May 2010 http://www.gastecuk.com/news.php?id76 Photovoltaic Testing and Certification We can help with the run to the sun... Electricity generated by solar energy (photo-voltaic energy (PV)) is a rapidly-expanding industry as consumers look towards alternative energy sources. GASTEC at CRE is one step ahead and, through its Italian sister company, has access to testing and certification of Solar PV. So, whether you are a manufacturer, importer or distributor of solar PV systems, we have the expertise your business needs. We provide a complete and fully-integrated package of services into the solar PV industry. For more info please email jamesverlaque@gastecuk.com http://www.gastecuk.com/news.php?id73 April 2010 http://www.gastecuk.com/news.php?id73 There is a new training scheme for operators and managers of biomass boilers. The CEA has commissioned GASTEC at CRE to brief potential trainers on the new scheme. The key driver for this course is that (in practice) Biomass Boilers are more complex than, for example, traditional, non-condensing, cast iron, gas-fired boilers, which have ONE multifunctional valve and a simple pilot light. Biomass Boilers contain far more potential risks and the statistics are beginning to indicate that there is a significant number of what are called in the trade, ‘pops and bangs’. Our next course runs on 15-16th April. Please email maviswarriner@gastecuk.com, our Training Centre Manager, or call Mavis on 01242 662121 for more details, or to book your place. http://www.gastecuk.com/news.php?id72 April 2010 http://www.gastecuk.com/news.php?id72 We've had a look at the budget - it seems to be saying all the right things for our customers interested in low carbon technologies...A Green Investment Bank to boost investment in low carbon infrastructure, financial support for SMEs dealing in low carbon technologies, increased state support for biomass as a renewable fuel source, money for households investing in energy efficiency. For more information, have a look at the HM Treasury website. http://www.gastecuk.com/news.php?id71 March 2010 http://www.gastecuk.com/news.php?id71 Have you developed a product that is energy efficient and carbon saving? Are you seeking OFGEM approval under the CERT Scheme? Then GASTEC at CRE can help you. We develop test processes for new products so we can help you obtain OFGEM or SAP Appendix Q Recognition. For more information please contact James Verlaque on 01242 677877 or email jamesverlaque@gastecuk.com. http://www.gastecuk.com/news.php?id68 February 2010 http://www.gastecuk.com/news.php?id68 c:sense – one of the Southwest’s best kept secrets – until now!Ecobuild 2010 event saw the official launch of c:sense, a dedicated trading arm of GASTEC at CRE. Under the c:sense umbrella, you’ll find expert help with energy projects, biomass installations, emissions issues and a whole host of ‘green’ subjects. We deliver low carbon, sustainable solutions that meet the needs of real people, working in existing buildings and operating under actual business constraints. Our claim to fame is in ‘telling it like it is’ - quite literally applying science to complex problems in order to discover the correct answer; advising you what to do about it; and then helping you to achieve the desired result. We are totally independent – we only want to sell you our expertise. . http://www.gastecuk.com/news.php?id64 February 2010 http://www.gastecuk.com/news.php?id64 The Government’s recently announced Boiler Scrappage Scheme gives UK homeowners and landlords a grant towards replacing a G-rated (or worse) boiler with a more efficient model. The government’s boiler efficiency database (SEDBUK), which GaC runs, is hot with searches from the public checking the rating of their boilers online. Go to www.sedbuk.com for more information on the scheme. http://www.gastecuk.com/news.php?id67 January 2010 http://www.gastecuk.com/news.php?id67 Two Knowledge Transfer Networks (Energy Generation andamp; Supply and Transport) collaborated to discuss The Challenge of Intermittency - Will Hydrogen Deliver? on 28th June here at Gastec. The presentations given on the day can ve viewed here. http://www.gastecuk.com/news.php?id78 May 2010 http://www.gastecuk.com/news.php?id78 Gastec's first Solar Thermal Hot Water training course starts on 15th February 2010. To secure your place contact Mavis Warriner, our Training Centre Manager, on 01242 662121 or email maviswarriner@gastecuk.com http://www.gastecuk.com/news.php?id61 November 2009 http://www.gastecuk.com/news.php?id61 C:Sense provides a professional and cost-effective approach to verification of the emissions under the CCA. Verification of CCA energy data is often more complex than verification for annual emissions in the EU ETS, particularly for operators with relative targets and product mix adjustments.This is because of the requirement to verify production data, indirect energy use [electricity] and any exemptions, special rules etc. that may be unique to a specific sector. C:sense has the track record and technical experience to provide this service for you. There are three steps to achieving verification: Step 1 Prior to our site visit, your organisation should send us the following as part of its Evidence Pack: Copy of underlying DEFRA agreement and other relevant DEFRA correspendence, including evidence of any amendments to the CCACopy of submission report to the Sector Association (for each milestone year)Copy of PP4 documentCopy of PP10 documentCopy of PP11 documentEnergy Flow Map or flowchart (as described in DEFRA CCA13)Energy Suppliers list (with supporting statement of accuracy (signed by company accountant or financial auditor)(as derscribed in CCA13) Metering and supply details (as described in DEFRA CCA13 Appendix 1)Audit trail for Energy Consumption (as described in DEFRA CCA13 Appendix 1)Confirmation of Production Data (if relative target unit) (signed by company accountant or financial auditor) (as described in DEFRA CCA13)Copy of procedures for collating and reporting the CCA data Step 2 We then make a site visit, which will include: A tour of site to locate meters, fuel storage and emissions pointsChecking the condition of meters and availability of calibration recordsDemonstration of how energy records are collated e.g. energy invoices, fuel supply invoices, records of manual meter readings, weighbridge records, oil stock level determinationsMeeting with relevant staff to gain an understanding of the installation's energy management systemsAudit of data Step 3 Final verification of data collected at our C:sense offices near Cheltenham. Assuming any issues are resolved satisfactorily, C:sense would then provide a Verification Opinion Statement for each milestone period for the client to submit to Target 2010 and to the CCA regulator. http://www.gastecuk.com/news.php?id42 http://www.gastecuk.com/news.php?id42 October 2009 The Government has published its response to the Consultation on the Draft Order to implement the Carbon Reduction Commitment, and includes:The first sale of allowances in April 2011 will now only require participants to purchase allowances for the year ahead.Large subsidiaries that would qualify in their own right can now choose whether to separate themselves from their organisational group and participate independently.Organisations which have demonstrated their commitment to reducing their emissions can use this to be counted towards the Early Action MetricThe CRC will treat electricity which receives a Feed In Tariff the same as electricity which is issued a Renewable Obligation Certificate. For full details see the CRC Update of 7th October. August 2009 The annual report on the first year of Carbon Emissions Reduction Target (CERT) has now been published. CERT amendments came into force on 20th July; CER target increased by 20% from 156 Mt CO2 to 185 Mt CO2. 69 Mt CO2 emissions reduction achieved during the first five quarters of the CERT period (106 Mt CO2 achieved including carry over). This equates to 58% of the new CER target. 46% of savings to target are from the Priority Group. 62% of total savings to target are from insulation. 30% of total savings to target are from lighting. http://www.gastecuk.com/news.php?id53 October 2009 http://www.gastecuk.com/news.php?id53 GASTEC at CRE's Carbon Trust accredited Assessor is Mark Crowther. To achieve the Carbon Trust Standard, an organisation must prove to an Assessor that they:Measure key greenhouse gas emissionsManage carbon performanceHave reduced emissions during the previous year http://www.gastecuk.com/news.php?id70 http://www.gastecuk.com/news.php?id70 Important GaC announcement We have had several questions regarding the efficiencies of wood-burning appliances and products. Trading Standards legislation and Building Regulations are very clear on this. Manufacturers must declare an overall efficiency (as reported by an independent, third party, appropriately accredited, test laboratory) for conversion of energy in the fuel (ie wood) to hot water. This can be either based upon:-The Net calorific value (or Lower Calorific Value) of the wood, as measured ORThe Gross calorific value (or Higher Calorific Value) of the wood, as measured Manufacturers must state this basis in ALL of their literature. By way of example:-This Stove is 74.0% efficient (based upon the Net Calorific Value of the wood fuel used) Most reputable test laboratories report on both the Gross and the Net CV basis which is duly measured for each batch of fuel. Where test laboratories do not report this distinction, the following approximate conversion can be used:- Gross = 0.91 x Net (this is a figure based upon our considerable experience and research carried out by colleagues andamp; others) For the avoidance of any doubt, manufacturers must not quote combustion efficiency. This figure is usually above 99% (for wood) and is, effectively, meaningless. http://www.gastecuk.com/news.php?id66 December 2009 http://www.gastecuk.com/news.php?id66 Gas engineers undertaking HTR1 or CEN1 ACS appliance modules MUST have competence to use a flue gas analyser (module CPA1) from February 2010. For more information, or to book your place on our Gas Analyser training (half day training plus same day assessment), please call Mavis Warriner on 01242 662121 or email maviswarriner@gastecuk.com http://www.gastecuk.com/news.php?id62 November 2009 http://www.gastecuk.com/news.php?id62 GASTEC at CRE has signed up to 10:10. We aim to reduce our carbon emissions by 10% - if you would like useful advice in plain English on reducing your carbon footprint, please contact us on 01242 677877 or email info@gastecuk.com http://www.gastecuk.com/news.php?id74 April 2010 http://www.gastecuk.com/news.php?id74 The c:sense EU ETS Aviation team at GASTEC has long been aware of the confusion in the minds of many aircraft operators finding themselves on the list for inclusion in Phase I of the Directive, that now brings the aviation industry into the existing EU ETS. However, a recent article, posted by Greenair Online, brings the situation into focus by outlining the concern of the UK Government that most operators are leaving things to the very last minute. With only days left to the 12th November deadline, for submission of Annual Emissions Monitoring Plans, the number of plans submitted is less than ten percent of the total operators allocated to UK Regulation. This date has already been delayed from August and the Tonne Kilometre Monitoring Plan submission deadline put back to 31st December so the potential for a severe log-jam in getting plans passed by the Environment Agency (the UK regulator of 891 aircraft operators across the Globe) is increasing daily. Since the all important Benchmarking Year starts on the 1st January 2010, irrespective of the number of submissions received, c:sense are redoubling their efforts to contact aircraft operators on the UK List and offer to help them clarify their involvement, opt-out of the scheme if appropriate or make the most appropriate submissions. If you are on the UK List but have still not submitted your plans then contact c:sense immediately for assistance: Tel: 01242 677877 Contacts: David Parsons, Lesley Thomas, James Verlaque http://www.gastecuk.com/news.php?id58 November 2009 http://www.gastecuk.com/news.php?id58