CareerChangeJob.co.uk

Succeed With Green Engineer Certification

How would you like to get into an industry that is both cutting-edge and future-proof? Gain professional qualifications in 'green skills' and such a career can be yours. By this time next year you could be up and running, advising people and installing energy efficient systems that will considerably reduce their household's carbon footprint. Gas and oil consumption can't go on as it is. We all know we should be lowering our carbon footprint. Governments are actively encouraging consumers to be more energy efficient and look towards alternative renewable sources of power.

In Britain grants of up to 80 per cent are being made available (and in some instances 100 per cent) to cover the labour costs of certain energy efficient improvements. This means there's an increasing amount of installation work for properly accredited professionals. And so if you're keen to learn how to be a plumber or an electrician, don't overlook the opportunities in the renewable energy market. If you qualified as an electrician some time ago, you may want to update your knowledge of renewables.

Why Not Download Your Free E-book?

We've compiled a Training Information E-Book on plumbing, electrical and green skills - it's yours for free and should answer most of your questions.

'Green' Energy Solutions

The term 'green technology' refers to anything that creates exploitable energy from our planet's natural resources.

Whether we get rain, wind or sun, we can harness the energy and put it to further use. Wind and water power had commercial uses many years ago, but now we can use the power of the sun for domestic purposes as well. People with the right skill-sets are becoming increasingly in demand to implement these.

Solar Systems

Domestic hot water pipes can be connected to solar water heaters to provide free heat to the system. We've had solar thermal systems in Britain since the seventies, so today's models are now very well developed. Although in Britain we can't rely entirely on them for all of our hot water needs, a typical family could expect to get most of their requirement in the summertime. This lessens their impact on the environment by reducing carbon dioxide emissions by something like 400 to 750 kg a year. We can choose either flat or tubular collection systems. Both are easy to install and maintain, and ideally should be fitted to a south facing roof.

Another means of harnessing solar energy is through the use of photovoltaic cells which can convert sunlight into electricity. Once again, the panels should be fitted to a south facing roof or wall, along with an inverter in the loft to convert the DC electric current to AC. From there the AC electric is connected to the electrical consumer panel that delivers electricity around the house.

Approximately forty percent of a household's electricity can be produced with a photovoltaic system. Users can therefore benefit financially over time as well as ecologically. They also automatically sell electricity back to the National Grid if their system produces more than they use. To encourage more people to invest in solar PV systems, UK legislation has increased the amount energy companies have to pay for this fed-back electricity. Installation of Solar PV panels usually comes under 'permitted development' which doesn't require planning permission. A quick check with the local authority will confirm this.

Geothermal Heat

Geo-thermal energy is heat from the sun that's naturally stored in the earth. Collector piping is placed down in the earth and fed with a special non-damaging solution that can't freeze.

The fluid becomes warm as it circulates inside the pipes and thus heat is transported to the pump. The heat pump can then provide heating for houses by warming the water in radiators and underfloor heating systems. Heat pumps do need some power to operate, but for every one unit of energy they use, they generate four units of energy in return.

Developing All The time

Typical training will give you a greater understanding of renewable energy and the careers you can pursue. As well as basic certification in domestic plumbing and electrical work, you'll cover legal requirements, health & safety plus how and where government funding can be applied. Most of the domestic interest in the renewables market is focused on solar thermal solutions and heat pumps.

It makes commercial sense to concentrate on these. All aspects of your training should be geared towards real-world demand, and lead to recognised certifications. The green market is growing fast, and opportunities are increasing in existing domestic properties, new builds and social housing.

A Future-Proof Career

So that buyers can determine future energy costs, every UK homeowner must get an Energy Performance Certificate before putting their house on the market. This documentation includes advice on how to make the place more energy efficient. Often more modern or alternative equipment can lower running costs significantly. Plus there are financial incentives in the UK for homeowners to upgrade their energy efficiency, providing systems are fitted by installers with appropriate certifications.

But that's just the start. World leaders state that carbon emissions must be reduced, and consumers must turn to more renewable energy solutions. Issues concerning climate change and rocketing fuel costs mean that green renewable energy is emerging as an excellent business for anyone with the right skills.