Why Sustainability?
Most m&e contractors are busy and, hopefully, many are making a very good living – so why should they be even interested in sustainability?When the ECA and HVCA signed their joint memorandum last year, they realised that there was a very real danger of the marketplace moving on and leaving some of their members behind.
The UK is currently the only country in the world to have set itself legally binding carbon emissions targets via its Climate Change Bill. Clients recognise that if they are to meet their corporate social responsibility goals they will need to run ‘green’ buildings, have proper waste and water management strategies in place, and consider sustainable transport for their employees.
Our marketplace is going through a total transformation and we cannot afford to fall behind. Already we have seen some renewables projects going to overseas contractors due to lack of skills in parts of the UK.
M&E Sustainability is developing a series of technical standards, training courses and awareness campaigns to ensure businesses are geared up to deal with the growing demand for sustainable building services.
“We are telling our members that they need to adapt their businesses now,” said ECA Director David Pollock.
“The M&E landscape is changing fast, and in the next decade the business environment and skills we require will probably be unrecognisable from the situation today.
“There are huge opportunities for members in the design, installation and maintenance of sustainable technologies, but conversely, those who are not properly skilled in these areas will be left far behind.”
So please take advantage of this site and prepare yourself for the coming sustainable storm!