RES Seeks Quality Assurance Across The Renewable Energy Sector

The key focus of this year’s conference will be the promotion of quality assurance within the renewable energy heating industry. National and international experts will explore its importance and benefits in the design, supply and installation of renewable energy heating technologies both in Ireland and abroad.

Mr. Dick Whelan of Renewable Energy Skills (RES) explained that the provision of quality products and services to the consumer was crucial to the continued success of any industry.

He continued, ‘There has been some major steps forward recently taken in the Irish renewable energy sector, including the introduction of installer accreditation and minimum quality performance standards for products. At present, however, this is only applicable in the case of installations that are grant aided. The phased introduction of building energy ratings for housing and commercial buildings is another positive initiative’.

Mr. Whelan said that the upcoming conference would review where the renewable energy sector with regard to quality assurance in Ireland.

‘We will also examine European best practice and highlight improvements that can be made for the future across the various technologies. Meanwhile, conference delegates will have the opportunity to celebrate success within the industry at the Gala Award Dinner, which will feature the presentation of FETAC certificates to qualified renewable energy professionals from across the country’, he added.

Fergus Blake of Clare-based Shamrock Solar Energies Ltd, a founding member of the RES network stated, "This conference offers a unique opportunity to all stakeholders in Ireland’s building energy sector. It brings together professional and trades in the industry, architects, engineers, industry leaders, policy makers, suppliers and academics to share information, and to exchange ideas on technology trends and what is happening in Europe."

The 4th National Renewable Energy Heating Conference will feature a keynote address from Mr. Tom Parlon, Director General of the Construction Industry Federation. Other speakers include national and European experts on Solar thermal, Heatpump, Biomass, Energy policy, Microgeneration and Low carbon housing.

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.

The key objective of the network continues to be the provision of support and training to all trades and professionals who influence the energy performance of buildings. RES offer FETAC accredited courses in Building Energy Rating, Biomass, Solar and Heatpump technologies as well as training in a wide range of other related topics.

Renewable Energy Skills is funded by members companies and the Training Networks Programme initiative of Skillnets Ltd, which is funded from the national training fund through the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

Persons interested in attending the 4th National Renewable Energy Heating Conference, the Gala Award Dinner or attending any of the renewable energy training events provided nationally should visit www.renewableenergy.ie, call 061 514 598 or email info@renewableenergy.ie.

-ENDS-

Notes to Editors:
- For further information please contact Dick Whelan of RES on 086-8198188 or Mark Dunphy of Dunphy Public Relations on 086-8534900 or media@dunphypr.com
- The Renewable Energy Skills was set up in 2004 to provide training and support to plumbing and heating contractors and related trades and professionals involved in the design, specification, installation and maintenance of Renewable Energy Heating Systems. Over the past 3 years the Renewable Energy Skills has provided its Renewable Energy training courses in ten locations, with trainees from nineteen counties so far attending. RES currently have over 150 members. For more on Renewable Energy Skills log on to www.renewableenergy.ie.
- Skillnets is an enterprise led body that was set up in April 1999 to assist companies in addressing their training and development needs. Skillnets is responsible for the operation of The Training Networks Programme. Since 1999, Skillnets has funded over 150 Training Networks and supported over 10,000 companies to meet their training needs. 50,000 staff and managers have participated in raising their skills levels and 30 different industry sectors have been involved. These opportunities for developing human potential can underpin the competitiveness of firms as well as increase the long term career opportunities and employability of employees.
Website www.skillnets.ie
- FETAC, the Further Education and Training Awards Council is the national awarding body for further education and training in Ireland, (FETAC) gives people the opportunity to gain recognition for learning in education or training centres, in the work place and in the community.
Website www.fetac.ie

Mark Dunphy
Dunphy Public Relations
www.dunphypr.com
media@dunphypr.com
00353-868534900