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Launch of new eco house enables professionals to stay ahead of the green technologies game

Tuesday 18 October 2011

R&CC-1410-03

Businesses in the north east have a golden opportunity to upskill their staff in emerging renewable technologies with the launch of a fully-operational eco house at Redcar & Cleveland College.
 
The eco house, named The Greenhouse, is a leading light in the design, installation and maintenance of the most commonly used equipment in the sustainable technologies market, including solar panels, heat pump installers, and rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling systems.
 
The residential property, which is based on the Corporation Road campus, will enable students and skilled trades people who are undertaking one of the college’s eco skills courses to see how the latest equipment can be used in domestic situations, and the benefits they bring.
 

With sponsorship from leading supplier Viessmann, The Greenhouse and the college’s Renewable Energy Centre have been equipped with a range of power-saving equipment, which showcase how the latest technologies can be utilised in sustainable living.
 
They will enable plumbers and people from the building services engineering sector to enhance their qualifications and skills through a range of new two and three-day courses.   
 
Businesses from around the region were recently invited to view The Greenhouse and Renewable Energy Centre at a special launch event at the college, which was also attended by Redcar MP Ian Swales.
 
The opening also marked the launch of the National Skills Academy north east hub for environmental technologies, which brings together Narec, Redcar & Cleveland College, Hartlepool College of FE and City of Sunderland College.
 
Together they will transform the ability of businesses to access key training skills in the design, installation and maintenance of environmental technologies. 
 
College principal Gary Groom said: “Renewable industries are a vitally-important sector for future development and job creation in the north east, and beyond, as a part of the Government’s carbon reduction strategy and we’re delighted that Redcar & Cleveland College is involved as part of the north east hub.
 
“As a part of our involvement we have developed our new eco skills portfolio and The Greenhouse, which is packed with the latest renewable technologies offering opportunities for the delivery of the very best training for the domestic market to Microgeneration Certification Scheme standards.”
 
Student John Rooney went to Redcar & Cleveland College to retrain as a plumber after being made redundant. He offered to assist the eco skills team in fitting out The Greenhouse and Renewable Energy Centre in order to gain additional experience.
 
He said: “This unique classroom is unlike anywhere else and has given me an invaluable insight into the workings of these systems, right from the preparation work to the finished product. Having witnessed the benefits of renewable energy, I am aiming to branch out into this field and plan to return to the college to gain further qualifications.”

 

Nigel Jefferson, Head of UK Commercial Sales for Viessmann, said: “Viessmann trains more than 100,000 installers across the world every year, so our investment in both Redcar & Cleveland College and its students continues our commitment to education in the energy sector.
 
“Redcar & Cleveland College now features a full range of equipment to ensure students and tradesmen are given a full training programme on the latest materials available and we will continue to develop the college’s Renewable Energy Centre even further.
 
“We are extremely proud to be associated with Redcar & Cleveland College and look forward to a long and healthy relationship, delivering training in a dynamic sector of high efficiency and renewable heating products.”
 
MP Ian Swales said: ‘’I am really pleased to be involved in the launch of The Greenhouse.  It is great to see Redcar & Cleveland College embracing sustainable living and running courses to train future generations in the new technologies. ‘’
 
For more information about the new eco skills courses, call 01642 777216.
 

 

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