{"id":6640,"date":"2022-07-07T15:05:47","date_gmt":"2022-07-07T14:05:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gpsj.co.uk\/?p=6640"},"modified":"2022-07-11T19:57:52","modified_gmt":"2022-07-11T18:57:52","slug":"equans-pioneers-a-diversity-charter-for-the-heat-network-industry","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gpsj.co.uk\/?p=6640","title":{"rendered":"EQUANS pioneers a diversity charter for the Heat Network Industry"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u2018If we are to diversify how we heat our homes and buildings, then we must diversify our industry!\u201d <\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Charlotte Large, Strategy, Policy and Innovation Director for EQUANS UK & Ireland<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

EQUANS, part of the ENGIE Group, has led the introduction of a diversity and inclusion charter for the Heat Networks Industry Council (HeatNIC); supporting growth in the sector as it strives for low carbon heating solutions.<\/p>\n

The HeatNIC comprises heat network operators and energy firms that deliver heat to almost 500,000 UK customers as an alternative from gas-boiler heating.<\/p>\n

The new diversity and inclusion charter, which was led by EQUANS, sets out HeatNIC\u2019s ambition to promote diverse, inclusive workplaces through proactive action and will be an essential step in ensuring the successful and fast-paced growth of the sector.<\/p>\n

District heating currently accounts for around 2% of all heat generated in the UK. However, the Government\u2019s Heat and Buildings Strategy sets out the government\u2019s intention to scale up low-carbon heat networks and create a step-change in low-carbon heat network market growth. To meet this unprecedented growth, as many as 35,000 new direct jobs in the sector will need to be created by 2050.<\/p>\n

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Charlotte Large<\/p><\/div>\n

This growth of low carbon heat networks and the transition to net zero heating will require a skilled workforce, specialised in the installation, operation and maintenance of low carbon heat generation, systems, and networks.\u00a0 But in addition to the technical work force, it will need expertise in a wide range of areas including commercial, legal, communications and customer service.<\/p>\n

Charlotte Large, Strategy, Policy and Innovation Director for EQUANS UK & Ireland, and chair of the HeatNIC Jobs & Skills working group, said:<\/strong> \u201cIf we are to diversify how we heat our homes and buildings, then we must diversify our industry. It is critical that we recognise bringing more diversity and a wider range of people with different backgrounds, skills, and perspectives into the industry, makes us more creative, more efficient, and will ultimately help us to be successful in delivering the net zero transition.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Heat Networks Industry Council members have committed to the terms of the charter and are actively working to ensure an inclusive and diverse workforce.\u00a0 We hope that the wider sector will join us in this commitment.\u201d<\/p>\n

Michael Lewis, CEO of E.ON UK and Co-Chair of HeatNIC, said<\/strong>: \u201cAs co-chair of HeatNIC I am delighted to see the members make this commitment to diversity and inclusion through the charter. The heat sector is fundamental to meeting the UK\u2019s Net Zero ambitions with 35,000 new jobs expected to be created in the industry. It is critical that a diverse and inclusive workforce is at the heart of decarbonising heat in the UK and facilitating the growth of the industry.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe seven commitments in the charter are an excellent way for members to embed, monitor and promote diversity and inclusion at all levels in their organisation and I congratulate the members for demonstrating leadership in this area.\u201d<\/p>\n

The D&I charter will be adopted by signatory companies, which will have to honour seven commitments, comprising:<\/p>\n