NEWS | DIGEST IN BRIEF Net zero offers great economic potential Expansion of the net zero economy offers great potential for regions across the UK to boost growth and reduce regional inequality, according to a new report. The study, carried out by CBI Economics for the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit, says almost 20,000 net zero businesses are contributing 71bn to the UK economy. It finds that the North East, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the South West are among the areas with the highest concentrations of net zero economy firms as a proportion of total businesses. It also found that the net zero economy was 1.7 times more productive, in terms of GVA per employee, than the national average for the UK economy. Building services pay rises outstrip other sectors Skills shortages are putting employees in strong position, finds Hays salary survey Pay increases in building services firms have outstripped those for construction and property as a whole, according to the latest Hays Recruitment salary survey for CIBSE Journal. The annual survey, carried out in autumn 2022, shows an average salary increase of 5% over the previous year for building services companies, compared with 4.4% for the wider construction and property industry. However, Electrification accelerates in light of war in Ukraine Electrification of the transport and heating sectors continued to accelerate globally in 2022, with record numbers of electric vehicles and heat pumps sold contributing to growth, according to a new report by the International Energy Agency. The Paris-based organisations annual global electricity market report says demand rose by almost 2%, which it described as resilient amid the global energy crisis triggered by Russias invasion of Ukraine. It also says that renewables and nuclear energy will meet more than 90% of the additional electricity demand until 2025. Redrow to fit ASHPs in new homes Volume housebuilder Redrow has said all new homes on its future developments will be fitted with air source heat pumps (ASHPs). The move pre-empts the governments proposal to ban gas boilers from new-build properties from 2025. It also follows new research, carried out for Redrow by Opinium, that shows living in an energy-efficient home is more important for 74% of UK adults than it was a year ago. Heat pumps will be fitted in combination with electric, ground-level underfloor heating in Redrows new schemes. The company is working in partnership with heat pump manufacturers Mitsubishi, Vaillant and Daikin, with each offering its own training centre and facilities for installers. Matthew Pratt, CEO of Redrow, said: We are committed to further improving the energy efficiency of our homes while maintaining our reputation for best-in-class build quality and design. We will shortly go above and beyond regulatory requirements, future-proofing our homes and helping our customers lower their energy use. GEYSER SKY Reversible heat pump with natural refrigerant Ideal for boiler replacement High comfort thanks to the variable speed technology Propane (R290), future proof refrigerant No Ozone layer impact & close to zero global warming potential Meets the highest seasonal efficiency standard Visit: www.swegon.com/uk to find out more 8 March 2023 www.cibsejournal.com the survey also shows that building services employees are putting a strong emphasis on work-life balance, even at the expense of pay. A third (33%) of building services engineers said they would consider a lower-paid job for a better work-life balance alone, while 17% said they would sacrifice salary for a role with more purpose and a better work-life balance. Four out of five (80%) told Hays that an organisations purpose is crucial when considering a new role, and even more (83%) put a high value on sustainability. When quizzed on the top benefits they seek, additional time off for wellbeing was cited by 24%, the same proportion as availability of statutory paid maternity/paternity leave and a company car or vehicle allowance. Only 24% of building services engineers are currently offered hybrid working, while 51% are based fully in the workplace, according to Hays. A more flexible, hybrid approach would tempt 40% of employees in the sector to move organisation, while 21% would be tempted by the chance to work remotely one day a week.