Paul Fletcher, left, talks solar power on the roof of a Grange property. (Picture by Peter Frankland, 0873488)
ENERGY efficiency specialist E-Si has formed its own academy.
The E-Si Academy, which was started in September, has a simple mission – to train people to save the planet, according to chief executive Paul Fletcher.
‘The main focus of the academy is very much in-house at the moment, but eventually we want to take our knowledge out there into the community to make them more aware of renewable solutions, by way of talks and workshops with architects and the general public.
‘Every single employee in the business, which is 15 at the moment, is taking part in the training.
‘So it’s not just about embracing the apprentices, but also experienced plumbers and electricians who are not aware of the technologies and need a bit of help to get to grips with them.
‘It makes the team feel part of something and empowers them, knowing that they are making a difference.’
Mr Fletcher said he had found it difficult to find the staff equipped with the skills and experience needed to install and service modern renewable technologies such as solar power, heat pumps and heat recovery installations.
That was the main thinking behind setting up the academy.
‘My research has shown that there are not enough trained engineers on the planet to save it, no matter if that’s renewable technology or other technology.’
He said the importance in investing in renewable energy solutions was not just for the benefit of the environment, but also the global economy.
‘Fossil fuels are running out and although they are damaging the planet, our economy is predominately tied to oil.
‘This means the economy also suffers, because the higher the cost of oil, the harder it is for the economy to sustain itself, so what we are seeing with the credit crunch is part of that issue.
‘The answer to this problem of course is renewable energy. Our mission is revolution, which is at the heart of the construction industry, and if we can do that and change the world then it will become a better place.’
One property that E-Si and its academy are working on at the moment is trying to achieve that.
A house in the Grange is having its top floor renovated, including the installation of a renewable heating system.
The second phase of the renovation will see the system replicated throughout the rest of the home with air source heat pumps and solar electric cells.
‘The result will be the most energy efficient town house in St Peter Port,’ said Mr Fletcher.
Article posted on 25th November, 2009 - 2.30pm
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