After 10 years developing under the wing of the National Energy Foundation, the Ground Source Heat Pump Association becomes a stand-alone trade association.
As an independent charity based in Milton Keynes, the National Energy Foundation has been operating successfully for 25 years on projects aimed at improving the use of energy in buildings. Part of its remit is to provide secretariat services and support the growth of fledgling organisations (with similar aims) until they’re able to ‘fly the nest’.
The Foundation was involved with the formation of the Ground Source Heat Pump Club in 2004, a gathering of UK-wide, like-minded pioneers for this low-running cost, low-carbon renewable heating technology. Since then, NEF has provided an effective secretariat service through the club’s formation as a trade association in 2006 to the GSHPA’s recent independence in 2014 when it was incorporated as a company limited by guarantee.
The move to independence comes at a time when the ground source heat pump industry has developed sufficiently to make full use of the GSHPA as its stand-alone trade body. Going forward, the association will develop it role by supporting policy development with the government, promoting the establishment of recognised installation standards and marketing the significant advantages of ground source heat pump technology to the supply chain and end-users.
Simon Lomax, Chairman of the GSHPA, said: “At this key point, with the emergence of the Renewable Heat Incentive expected to stimulate demand for the technology, the GSHPA is well-prepared for its new life as a stand-alone trade association. I would like to thank the Foundation for its past support and wish it every success for the future.”
Kerry Mashford, Chief Executive at the National Energy Foundation, added: “We’re delighted to have supported the association from small beginnings to self-sufficiency, and we wish it well going from strength to strength in the future.”
The Ground Source Heat Pump Association (GSHPA) encourages the growth and development of the ground source heat pump installation industry in the UK and helps to set and safeguard standards.
www.gshp.org.uk