National Recognition for local firm
NEWS RELEASE
NATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR LOCAL FIRM
FIRST IN THE TEES VALLEY!
A Darlington-based company, which designs and installs low carbon home heating and hot water systems using heat pumps, has become one of the first in the Tees Valley to win accreditation from the Government-contracted body that seeks to raise industry standards.
Natural Warmth has been awarded certification by the B.R.E. (Building Research Establishment Ltd) under its Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) – this is designed to recognise best practice in companies utilising small-scale renewable energy technology.
Chris Roberts is the BRE Associate Director who carried out the assessment:
“What we are looking for is companies who have in place the necessary procedures and quality control to deliver quality, carbon saving installations time and time again,” he said.
“Installations must be done properly to make sure the maximum amount of carbon is saved, poor quality installations don’t do that - and that is what we are all after!”
The certificate is a powerful third party endorsement of the work being done by Natural Warmth – but there are real benefits for customers:
“People should know that this is part of a Government-backed scheme,” added Mr Roberts. “As a result, anyone seeking to install heat pumps from an accredited company like Natural Warmth might be able to access money from grant schemes that have been set up.”
Only 88 of these certificates have been awarded nationally for heat pump installation companies, with just two in the North East, so it marks a significant development in the fledgling company. Steve Heslop is the Managing Director:
“To be in business for just a year and already achieve BRE accreditation is a big boost. We are one of the first in the Tees Valley working with heat pumps in this sector of the industry to gain the accolade.
“What it means in practice is that as well as the possibility of getting Government money to help pay for the installation, anyone coming to us for advice on low carbon heating systems, underfloor heating, environmentally-friendly insulation or rainwater collection systems, have a copper-bottomed guarantee of the best possible advice and service,” explained Mr Heslop.
“That is a big plus in an industry which is relatively new to this country and where not everyone operates as a specialist – as we do. As a result, the quality of advice you get can vary. Our BRE MCS mark assures anybody interested in reducing their carbon footprint that we will give top quality, impartial advice that is right for their home.”
“Natural Warmth is all about being a customer-focused, low carbon company working in the high end of the market,” he added. “If we can’t reduce a householder’s carbon footprint while saving them money, we will say so!”
One of the BRE’s main areas of activity is in the preparation, monitoring and accreditation of national and international standards and building codes. So for Natural Warmth to win certification for reaching those standards, so soon after starting out, is a major breakthrough.