World Plumbing Day, 11 March, marks celebrations across the globe on the importance of plumbing and plumbers in an age when half the world’s population will be living in water-stressed areas by 2025.
While the link between good plumbing sanitation and human and environmental health is always at the forefront for the profession, increasingly plumbers are being called on to guide and support householders and businesses on their reduction of carbon emissions as well as soaring energy bills, noted SNIPEF this week.
It highlighted the case of Callum Cruden, director of Inverness-based R&I Cruden and specialising in all types of renewables, including ground and air source heat pumps, solar PV, battery storage and biomass.
Callum said: “Since lockdown was lifted in June 2020, the demand for renewables has been incredible. Around 60% of our work is now renewable-related and I fully expect that figure to rise to between 80% and 90% in the next two years, for new installations anyway.
“The recent increases in electricity costs have not been helpful in encouraging people to switch to renewables and I think the Government might consider a renewables-exempt tariff for those with heat pumps, solar PV, battery storage or electric vehicles.”
Martyn Raine, Technical and Skills Manager at SNIPEF, said: “These leaders of innovation and alternative heating systems and many other SNIPEF members are demonstrating the way in how we all must transform the way we heat our homes and workplaces and is truly revolutionary.
“The ability of plumbing professionals to adapt through upskilling and moving toward utilising complex new technologies and facilitate the phasing out of carbon-intensive fossil fuels will be fundamental to the success of our journey towards a greener and more sustainable future.
“As frontline in working closely with consumers, our Members also must look to support and advise their customers in a bespoke way.
“World Plumbing Day turns a spotlight on the vital nature of the sector’s contribution to a healthy and responsible society and I am sure the pioneers above will continue to be joined by more and more professionals as we broaden the base of the industry and move towards a cleaner, healthier and more cost-effective future.”