Stiebel Eltron UK
THE GREEN ALTERNATIVE TO HEATING
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German renewable energy giant Stiebel Eltron has major designs for the UK heating market. With a new UK head office and management team its top of the range heat pumps have a big role to play in slashing energy bills and carbon emissions. The company launched its UK operation in February 2008 at the Wirral International Business Park, headed up by managing director, Mark McManus. |
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The company is looking to build on its established track record in renewable energy products across Europe. Armed with a new range of products and services Stiebel Eltron UK is keen to drive a high profile campaign highlighting the role of heat pumps in helping the UK become greener.
A vital dimension to Stiebel Eltron’s UK operation is finding new installer partners to help further expand its fast growing heat pump business. “It’s all a bit chicken and egg,” explains McManus. “We’re currently working regularly with 56 installation companies and we’re aiming for 100 by the end of this year.”
The company is aiming to build partnerships with installation businesses around the country, from one-man bands through to national operations. Based on the simple premise of a mutually beneficial relationship, Stiebel Eltron believes it can grow its business by helping its installer customers to grow theirs. As well as delivering in-depth training both in the UK and Germany, the manufacturer’s level of support extends to system design and commissioning, business advise and, in some circumstances, even the provision of credit. “We take on quite a financial risk,” admits McManus, “but we do so on the understanding that as they grow, they’ll grow with us and become bigger customers. Later this year we will be launching an ambitious new package of services, which will include leasing schemes and extended warranties for our customers which will help to drive the UK operation to the next level.” Although there is no minimum size of business, potential partners are expected to meet certain criteria. CITB approval for working on unvented systems or the employment of refrigerant trained engineers, for example, will both be considered plus points. Companies will also be expected to have the right facilities in place to be able to service heat pumps correctly. “Basically, we’re looking for people with the right technical background,” says McManus. “They could be heating engineers, electrical contractors, plumbing contractors or heating and ventilation specialists. Provided they have the right aptitude, we can ensure that they get all the product training they need. We can help installers improve their green energy skills and help them become accredited for government grants schemes such as the Microgeneration Certification Scheme.”
| This year the Stiebel Eltron launched two free advice services. The Eco Design Service is aimed at architects and developers. It will focus on helping achieve excellent level BREEAM (BRE Environmental Assessment Method) ratings, now a widely accepted standard for best practice in sustainable design. “We can take a set of architectural drawings and redesign them to make the project as eco friendly as possible,” says McManus. “Critically, we are running the advice service alongside BREEAM so there is independent recognition of each building’s green credentials.” |
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In addition, the company has also set up a free one-stop shop advice service. This is aimed at property owners from the domestic, private and public sectors. The service gives guidance on a range of issues related to installing renewable energy products. This includes: complying with legislation, applying for ‘green’ grants, to taking advantage of tax breaks. Stiebel Eltron also offers to undertake a free survey of any premises in the UK and producing a report. This report will examine the heat loss and heat demands of the building and detail a set of recommendations. “The service is being launched in response to widespread ignorance of green legislation and increasing Government pressure on the public and private sector to meet green targets,” explains McManus.
