INDUSTRY NEWS IET INCREASES MATCH FUNDING SCHEME The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) has increased its match funding scheme to £2 million, in order to support and inspire more future engineers. The original target of £1 million, set as part of its 150th anniversary, has been met and the IET has agreed to continue matching donations for its Diamond Jubilee Scholarships, Engineering Horizons Bursaries and Education 4-19 programmes up to the value of £2 million. It’s no secret that there is a skills gap in engineering. This is attributable to a number of factors, including the way in which engineering is perceived by young people, accessibility and routes to entry, as well as how well-resourced teachers are in the classroom and beyond. The IET’s STEM programmes address all these factors and its Awards support aspiring engineers and technicians at a crucial time in their education. IET, theiet.org
RECOLIGHT CELEBRATES RECYCLING THIRD OF A BILLION LAMPS Recolight has announced a major milestone, having funded the recycling of a third of a billion fluorescent and LED lamps and luminaires since the WEEE regulations were implemented in 2007. This is enough waste to fill the Royal Albert Hall 12 times. Operating as a not-for-profit compliance scheme, Recolight’s funds are used to finance a free lamp collection and recycling service for all business end users. A free luminaire recycling service is provided for Recolight’s Producer Members. This way of operating goes above and beyond the strict legal requirements of the WEEE regulations. Nigel Harvey, Chief Executive of Recolight said, “Our Members and collection partners can be very proud that they have achieved this milestone. Their role is integral in making sure we meet the Recolight recycling targets and it is a testament to their dedication to improve lighting recycling in the UK.” The company’s waste lamp collection service continued almost uninterrupted throughout lockdown – although clearly the number of collection requests received dropped significantly. Recolight, recolight.co.uk
ACT NOW, SAYS PRIVA Time is of the essence if public sector institutions are to take full advantage of the UK Government’s £1bn funding pot for improving energy efficiency, says Priva UK. A manufacturer of intelligent building control technology, Priva is urging local authorities to move quickly to apply for a share of £1bn fund – the detail of which was published by BEIS in October. Application closing dates depend on the type of eligible organisation – ranging from 12 October 2020 to 11 January 2021. The Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, which will be administered and delivered by Salix Finance, will help councils install energy efficiency and low carbon heating measures, reducing energy bills and carbon emissions. The scheme is also expected to create up to 30,000 low-carbon jobs. Priva UK, priva.com
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