The Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) Richard Phillips BRE Global
Benefits of Microgeneration Systems When correctly designed, manufactured and installed micro renewable systems can: Provide a useful proportion of a building s energy demand Help reduce CO 2 emissions Help achieve higher sustainability ratings (e.g. for BREEAM and CSH) Help satisfy planners and home owners expectations for sustainability Be good value for clients and taxpayers money Enhance the reputation of the industry Encourage uptake
Why MCS? Replacement needed for Clear Skies and PV schemes More robust Protect reputation of the industry UKAS accreditation Independent Protect consumers by providing robust criteria for: Quality of products Quality of installations Mitigate Risks
Risks Things can go wrong! Little knowledge amongst homeowners Poor performance can Increase running costs Cause discomfort Reduce, or even reverse, emissions savings Poor design and installation can: Be unsafe Reduce system performance Damage the building envelope Any of the above could turn a positive vision into a negative image
The Microgeneration Certification Scheme MCS Mark: MCS mark owned by Secretary of State (DECC) Mark licensed to Gemserv (MCS administrator) Sub licensed to Certification bodies Certification bodies issue mark to certificated companies
The Microgeneration Certification Scheme UKAS DECC Gemserv MCS Steering Group Technical Working groups etc Stakeholders: Industry Trade assoc.s Consumer groups Grant bodies DECC Certification bodies Scheme documents & standards etc UCAS Etc. etc. Certificated companies
The MCS Installer Scheme Certification of companies not individuals Scope Design, supply, installation, set to work, commissioning and handover of microgeneration systems Assessments conducted in two parts: Office Assessment MCS 001 Quality control Membership of an OFT approved consumer code of conduct (e.g. REAL) On-site Installation Assessment Technology specific installation standard (MIS 300X) Estimate of annual energy performance Certification is maintained through surveillance assessments (usually annually)
MCS Simply Explained Say what you do, Have written procedures do what you say, Follow your procedures prove it. Get MCS certification
Office Assessment Quality manual appropriate to the business Don t be intimidated! A small business probably doesn t need a complex quality manual (but a large one might) Feedback suggests a good quality manual improves the business Needs to be a controlled document Formal approval & sign-off = ownership Issue number and date Singing from the same hymn sheet
Office Assessment Assesses procedures for a number of activities including: Who is responsible for each activity Document control e.g. keeping up with changes in regulations and standards Customer contracts Very important Equipment and calibration Training and competence Written procedures ensure quality and consistency Full requirements are detailed in MCS001 Annex A, Table 1
On-site Assessment Technology specific installation standards Assessment of competence to install, not the installation itself Proof of knowledge and competence Needs to be a recent installation completed by the installer
The MCS Product Scheme Scheme covers: Solar Collectors (MCS 004) Solar Photovoltaic Modules (MCS 005) Micro and Small Wind Turbines (MCS 006) Heat Pumps (MCS 007) Biomass (MCS 008) Heat-led Micro-cogeneration Packages (MCS 014) Fuel Cells and Micro Hydro are in preparation Scope Not exceeding 50kW for electricity generators Not exceeding 45kW for heat
The MCS Product Scheme Product approval is generally in two parts: Technical evaluation Review of test reports Checks on the validity & completeness Establish build status of product(s) Factory production control Quality management system Consistency of manufacture of certificated products Annual surveillance Change control
Product Testing Acceptance criteria for test reports described in MCS 011 UKAS or equivalent test laboratories Testing must be in scope of accreditation Unaccredited independent test laboratories or manufacturers own testing facilities: Assessment of laboratory by certification body Confirmation of correct equipment, procedures & competence etc. at the time of testing Witness testing
Certification Contractors and products that meet the relevant requirements will be MCS certificated Listing on websites e.g. www.greenbooklive.com www.microgenerationcertification.org Eligibility for FITs etc. Use of MCS and Certification Body marks Differentiation
BRE Global Certification Scheme Current status: Scheme operating for: Solar Thermal Solar PV Micro-wind Heat pumps Biomass Micro-CHP Other standards under development Full UKAS accreditation achieved 410+ installers Certificated by BRE Global Business improvements 500+ products approved Further information: www.greenbooklive.com/microgen
Summary MCS in place to underpin and enhance confidence in the industry by setting minimum requirements for: Standard of installations Product performance Installer and product schemes established Annual energy calculations Consumer code of conduct Minimum performance requirements Initial assessment followed by surveillance A number of certification bodies now operating MCS Robustness of the schemes needs to be maintained
THANK YOU Richard Phillips BRE Global Bucknalls Lane Garston Watford WD25 9XX 01923 665183 phillipsr@bre.co.uk www.bre.co.uk
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Outline Brief 10 Nursing Homes All in need of refurbishment High hot water & heating requirement Concern about rising energy costs Mixed fuel types Gas & Electric Vulnerable customers / priority groups Budget constraints Home Insulation Wind Power Solar Energy Heat Harvesting Energy Advice
Initial Scope Mark Group met the client to agree Aims of the project To identify key problem areas Order of priority Budget More added to scope because of LCBP potential funding Project risks/ Feasibility Communication to the Residents Home Insulation Wind Power Solar Energy Heat Harvesting Energy Advice
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Before During After
Results Post Install Funding from LCBP programme received in accordance with the offer Happy users who were involved all the way Happy client fuel usage reduction of ~30% Further 4 installs ordered and planned further LCBP funding offers approved Other properties at survey stage Home Insulation Wind Power Solar Energy Heat Harvesting Energy Advice
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Outline Brief Modern Secondary School High electric usage and costs Concern about rising energy costs Budget constraints Educational opportunity Home Insulation Wind Power Solar Energy Heat Harvesting Energy Advice
Initial Scope Mark Group met the Headmaster to agree Aims of the project To identify key risk areas Budget LCBP funding / Feed-in Tariff Power Purchase Agreement Project plan Communication to the Pupils and Staff Home Insulation Wind Power Solar Energy Heat Harvesting Energy Advice
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Access?
Plant Room Access?
Solution Design
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Before
During
After
Results Post Install Funding from LCBP/FIT received in accordance with the offer Happy Headmaster green electric supply of 35,000 kwh s Educated pupils / staff integrated lesson plans Other schools at survey / planning stages Home Insulation Wind Power Solar Energy Heat Harvesting Energy Advice
Summary Mark Group provided client with: The best technology solution to meet their needs A full service from inception to completion Assistance with funding application A positive outcome Home Insulation Wind Power Solar Energy Heat Harvesting Energy Advice
Thank You Questions and Answers www.markgroup.co.uk Home Insulation Wind Power Solar Energy Heat Harvesting Energy Advice