4 minute read
Energy Forecasts are for continued high prices
We are all aware of the significant increases in energy costs over the past 12 months. However, the past two months or so have seen unprecedented volatility in wholesale energy costs with new record highs being set on a constant basis. Gas as a main component in electricity production was already seeing large price increases as world markets started to re-open post pandemic and demand for power escalated.
While post pandemic demand led to record new highs, this pales in comparison with the impact Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has had on the cost of energy. Russia has historically been an extremely important player in energy terms, supplying 40% of Europe’s Natural Gas. This has led to a devastating effect on wholesale gas markets as Europe searches for ways to replace the vastly reduced gas supply out of Russia.
Never has the cost of electricity and gas held more significance for your business, and the focus shifts to what can be done to minimise cost increases.
Avalon Energy are an energy consultant and broker with a long track record in the industry dealing with procurement and energy efficiency services. Their services include:
• Energy Procurement • Fixed v Flex contracts & Market Knowledge • Meter optimisation • Solar Panels • LED lighting upgrades • Energy Monitoring • Energy Upgrade grant applications
Energy forecasts are still predicting continued high prices. Reducing your consumption on site is the optimum way to keep costs to a minimum.
Avalon Energy are offering HAI members an initial free site inspection, a preliminary conversation around your needs and a “no commitment necessary” billing review and proposal for energy efficiency upgrades through to installation and grant application. For more information, please contact nick@avalonenergy.ie, www.avalonenergy.ie.
A Building Standards Advisory and Guide has been issued by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
The chain of custody of a construction product is only as strong as its weakest link. It is necessary for all those involved in the supply chain to adhere to their legal obligations under the Construction Products Regulation (CPR). It is also important that all in the supply chain are fully aware and informed of the performance requirements for aggregate concrete blocks regarding their end use in the construction of works or a building.
A Guide to the marketing and use of Aggregate Concrete Blocks to EN 771-3 in Ireland is published on the DHLGH website at: www.gov.ie/en/publication/45415-a-guide-to-the-
marketing-and-use-of-aggregate-concrete-blocks-to-en-771-
3-in-ireland/.
This guide aims to facilitate clearer communication within the supply chain regarding the declared performance of essential characteristics, having regard to national provisions in Ireland. Through clearer communication within the supply chain, specifiers, designers, builders, builders’ merchants, certifiers and end users should be more informed when specifying and choosing aggregate concrete blocks that are:
• fit for intended use
• suitable for the conditions in which they are to be used.
Appropriate specifications and choices will help secure compliance with the Building Regulations.
DON’T GET LEFT BEHIND - GET CURRENT AND STAY CURRENT
Updating your ERP system might feel like it’s a task for tomorrow. After all, if it’s not broken, why fix it? However, this could lead to your business being left behind. By implementing the latest updates today, your business can take full advantage of the latest innovations and developments available that give you the tools to stay ahead of your competitors. Here are five reasons why you should ensure your system is on the latest version. 1. Enjoy the full benefits of digitisation For a business to stay successful, it’s essential to streamline its operation and improve customer service. From instant processing of documents to real-time tracking of deliveries and stock, ‘going digital’ improves processes by removing timeconsuming, cumbersome, or repetitive tasks. 2. Restricting your online options may limit your business The recent global pandemic accelerated digital trade and consumers expectations of being able to buy online. While sales from traditional stores will always continue, eCommerce sales from your website allow consumers to shop 24/7 via a computer 180mmx130mm-K8-Hardware-Journal-ie-AD-KCS 2022.pdf 1 07/09/2022 12:06:40or mobile device. 3. Outdated IT infrastructure creates unnecessary security and operational risk Running your business solution on the premises means that your hardware and the operating systems used to run it could be outdated and be at risk of failure - especially if you haven’t upgraded it in the last few years. 4. Can your business afford to miss out on innovate new features? Most ERP providers can - and should - keep up a continual level of investment in new features. Product development and ongoing investment help you thrive in today’s challenging marketplace. 5. Avoid increased expense and risk Holding off on upgrades can be a false economy, having to do two or more upgrades all at once pushes a larger cost into one period, as your teams have more to incorporate simultaneously. Give your business the right tools to stay ahead - it is time to get current and stay current with K8 the right ERP solution for your business. For further information contact KCS at 01 5457100 and www.kerridgecs.com
