Daikin is set to open a new Sustainable Home Centre in Manchester on Friday 8 November.
The official launch event runs from 10am to 2pm on 8 November and is open to all.
A company statement said that the centre, located in the James Hargreaves newly built Swinton branch, builds on the wider partnership between Daikin and Greater Manchester Combined Authority to support its Five-Year Environment Plan committing action to achieve net zero.
This new centre is the second collaborative effort between Daikin and James Hargreaves, following their Burnley opening earlier this year.
According to the statement, the centre aims to inform homeowners about sustainable home heating technologies, with a focus on renewable energy. The centre will aim to train highly skilled clean energy installers in the local area, it added.
The opening will be attended by Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett, together with his project and investment teams to mark the official opening. Greater Manchester Authorities’ head of low carbon, Dan Griffiths will also be there alongside several of his colleagues who are involved in the roll-out of low-carbon technologies across the authority. The ribbon cutting will commence at 12pm.
Gary Beaumont, sales director at James Hargreaves, said: “As a business operating since 1923, we’ve seen many changes in the heating industry. We are passionate about upskilling our industry so our staff and customers have the knowledge and confidence to meet Greater Manchester’s net zero targets. We are thrilled to collaborate with Daikin to provide essential training facilities in the Manchester”
“We strongly believe in investing in the future and we see the challenge of converting to net zero as an exciting time for our country. The centre provides a space to develop the opportunities in the market for renewable technologies. We are looking forward to seeing the first installers come through our door, complete their training, and leave with the skills and expertise needed to drive our industry’s transition to a greener bright future.”
Iain Bevan, commercial manager of heating & renewables at Daikin UK, added: “Heat pumps hold immense potential for slashing energy consumption and home bills. Over their 15-year lifespan, transitioning from a fossil fuel boiler to an air source heat pump could yield savings exceeding £3,000 compared to gas boilers, over £6,000 compared to oil, and surpassing £9,000 compared to LPG1.
“Our studies reveal that a staggering 68% of homeowners are unaware of the significantly higher energy efficiency of heat pumps over gas boilers. While gas boilers operate at 70-90% efficiency, heat pumps soar between 300-400%. There is an essential need to educate homeowners about heat pump technology, and our Sustainable Home Centres, like James Hargreaves, offer the ideal platform for such endeavours.
“Furthermore, with substantial funding accessible through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, which offers a grant of £7,500, homeowners have remarkable opportunity to undertake green energy efficiency enhancements.”
Daikin said that this opening marks the 12th addition to Daikin’s Sustainable Home Centre network in 2024.