This article is from page 22 of the 2008-10-21 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 22 JPG
THE key focus of the national Renewable En- ergy Heating conference in Bunratty last Fri- day was the promotion of quality assurance within the renewable energy heating industry.
National and international experts explored the importance and benefits of design, supply and installation of renewable energy heating technologies both in Ireland and abroad.
Dick Whelan of Renewable Energy Skills Skillnet CRESS) explained that the provision of quality products and services was crucial to the continued success of any industry.
“There have been some major developments in the renewable energy sector, including the introduction of installer accreditation and
minimum quality performance standards for products. At present, however, this is only ap- plicable in the case of installations that are grant aided. The phased introduction of build- ing energy ratings for housing and commercial buildings is another positive initiative’.
Fergus Blake of Clare-based Shamrock Solar Energies Ltd, a founding member of the RESS network said the conference offered a unique opportunity to all stakeholders in Ireland’s building energy sector to
exchange ideas on technology trends and what is happening in Europe.
Meanwhile, the Renewable Energy Skills Skillnet confirmed that it has had a record year to date as regards training numbers while its membership base has grown considerably.