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A Future With Green Engineer Certification

How do you fancy getting into a job in a growing and technologically advancing industry? Qualifying as an installer with 'green' certifications will allow you to do that.

In just a few short months from now, you could be helping people in the UK or abroad to reduce the amount of CO2 they consume, and cut their energy bills considerably.

Fuel prices are continuing to rise as gas and oil is steadily running out. We all know we should be lowering our carbon footprint.

Political leaders are striving to guide people towards greater energy efficiency by promoting and incentivising replenishable alternatives. British householders can get government grants for certain energy efficient improvements. As well as being good for the planet, this is also very good news for domestic installers with the right certifications and expertise. It's therefore a good idea commercially that your electrical or plumbing training includes working with green energy systems.

And if you're already a qualified tradesman or woman, you might think about bolt-on green courses to add to your portfolio.

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How Do We Define Green Technology?

The term 'green technology' refers to anything that creates exploitable energy from our planet's natural resources. Sunlight, wind, the tides and geothermal heat are all naturally replenishable, and thereby 'Green'. 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. Hence the opportunity for 'green collar' workers.

Energy From The Sun

Free energy from the sun can be absorbed by solar heating equipment and converted into domestic warm water. We've had solar thermal systems in Britain since the seventies, so today's models are now very well developed. Working alongside regular water heaters, these systems can supply the majority of hot water that will be needed by a family during the warmer months of the year. If we look at the whole year, roughly fifty per cent of their hot water will come from solar power. There are various configurations for solar hot water systems, with either flat panel or evacuated tube collection systems. Several leading manufacturers supply solar thermal products which are quite simple for professionals to install. The ideal position would be on a roof space that's angled in a southerly direction.

Photovoltaic cells or panels also absorb the sun's energy, but this time electricity is produced. Again, PV panels are designed to be attached to a roof or wall that is preferably south facing. As sunlight shines onto the panels an electric field is created that goes to an inverter inside the roof. The power distribution panel in the house will take the 'solar' electricity and use it in combination with that from the National Grid. Consumers will reduce their electricity bills significantly, as sunlight doesn't cost anything to run. Obviously savings will start to take effect once the initial cost of the system has been recovered. If the household doesn't use all of their PV generated electricity, it's automatically fed back to the National Grid. In April 2010 Government legislation in the UK increased the amount energy companies have to pay to buy back electricity, making the initial investment more attractive. Clearly the latitude of the property will impact how much energy is generated. So will the direction the panels are facing, the overall size of the PV array and any obstructions which block the light.

Naturally Stored Heat

Naturally stored heat (mainly from the sun) can be found in the soil, bedrock and groundwater. In order to extract the heat, 40mm geothermal pipe is installed into the ground, and fed with a fluid solution. 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. If consumers choose a ground source heat pump system to replace electric radiators, they'll find the new system much more efficient.

Progressive Evolution

As you go through a study programme, your knowledge of replenishable energy sources and new technology will grow. Naturally you'll be taught the necessary electrical skills, and the basics of domestic plumbing. You'll also look into the various energy efficient systems - how they work and how to install them. As solar energy and heat pumps will give you the most work, you'd be sensible to focus on those.

Courses in domestic green skills and qualifications are developing fast, to keep up with the increased demand caused by government incentives. You might be offered optional tutorials, for instance on rainwater harvesting to recycle water.

Work For Years To Come

By law, each house in Britain now needs an Energy Performance Certificate before it can be sold. This tells potential buyers how much energy is being consumed and where improvements could be made. Savings in some cases can run into thousands of pounds a year. The government will give out grants when certain systems are installed by properly qualified installers.

In real terms though, that's only the beginning. World leaders state that carbon emissions must be reduced, and consumers must turn to more renewable energy solutions. It will soon be socially, ethically and financially unacceptable to ignore renewable energy - and those with the right skills will find themselves in great demand.