NICEIC Group has been accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) to run a Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) for installers. The Scheme is designed to register businesses undertaking environmental technologies installation work in dwellings in the United Kingdom.
The initial scope of accreditation includes Solar Thermal Hot Water and Heat Pumps, with plans to extend the scope throughout 2009 to include Solar Photovoltaic (PV), Combined Heat and Power (CHP), Biomass, Rainwater Harvesting, Micro Wind and Micro Hydro Turbines. The Scheme will also allow businesses to self-certify their work in compliance with Building Regulations.
“I’m proud that NICEIC Group is one of the first organisations to gain UKAS accreditation for the Scheme,” says Emma McCarthy, chief operating officer for NICEIC Group Limited. “We can now offer a one-stop-shop for installers of environmental technologies by combining this with our Building Regulations Competent Persons Schemes which covers plumbing, heating, ventilation, energy efficiency and electrical work. This will help reduce costs for installers and they will be able to gain access to grant funding to pass onto their customers when installing environmental technologies.”
MCS is designed to evaluate installers and products against robust criteria for microgeneration technologies, providing greater protection for consumers. The Scheme will underpin the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform’s (BERR), Low Carbon Buildings Programme. Grants will be available to applicants using both products and installers certified under MCS or equivalent schemes.