Construction SMEs looking to develop their expertise in renewable energy systems could benefit from a free “toolkit” launched by the Institute for Sustainability.
The Renewable Energy Toolkit aims to help businesses increase their understanding of the markets so they can supply and deliver onshore renewable energy technologies and related services.
The online and downloadable guide should also help potential clients and investors understand the viability of individual technologies, how they might be used, and what government support and incentives are available, such as the Feed-in Tariff and Renewable Heat Incentive.
The guide includes technical explanations of the main renewable energy technologies, from anaerobic digestion to hydropower and wind farms, highlighting the opportunities for SMEs in each category.
The toolkit is available online and as a downloadable guide
It concludes with a number of case studies, including rural schools that have installed renewable energy systems, and the National Trust’s Hughenden Manor.
Ian Short, chief executive at the Institute for Sustainability, said: “Renewable energy will play a major role in helping the UK to fulfil its carbon reduction commitments, whilst at the same time addressing energy security in a world where current resources are becoming increasingly constrained.
“With renewable energy production expected to double by 2020 in the UK, investment in solar, wind, biomass, hydropower and heat pumps in particular presents large emerging markets for both suppliers and installers. This means significant opportunities for SMEs in the built environment sector.”
According to the Department of Energy and Climate Change, £40bn is estimated to be invested in renewable energy by 2020, taking energy generation from renewables in the UK from 15% in 2013 to 30% in 2020.
The institute’s guide covers the potential scale of each of the main technologies and highlights those most relevant to SMEs in the supply chain.
It also explores constraints and barriers for delivering each technology, as well as the opportunities to help SMEs to move into the markets.
The Renewable Energy Toolkit is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and therefore has a focus on the south east, including a detailed map of renewable sources in the region. However, most of the material is relevant for a national audience.
The Institute for Sustainability is an independent charity that works to accelerate the delivery of economically, environmentally and socially sustainable cities and communities. It has a focus on actively capturing and sharing learning and best practice.
I would very much appreciate a copy of The Renewable Energy Toolkit