Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers Federation (SNIPEF) News

Following First Minister John Swinney’s recent comments in The Scotsman describing hydrogen for heating as a “new prospect” and a “really exciting opportunity,” the Plumbing and Heating Federation cautions that hydrogen is “neither cost-effective nor efficient” for domestic heating. Instead, the Federation calls on policymakers to fast-track proven low-carbon options such as heat pumps, heat networks and comprehensive building upgrades....

The Plumbing and Heating Federation has raised concerns over the slow pace of heat pump installations following newly released Freedom of Information figures. Data from the Home Energy Scotland (HES) Grant and Loan Scheme and the Private Rented Sector (PRS) Landlord Loan Scheme reveal that fewer than 9,000 heat pumps have been installed since 2019. zero-emission heat by 2030 Fiona Hodgson, Chief Executive of the Plumbing and Heating Federation, said: “While it is encouraging to see...

John Doherty EngTech has been elected as the 100th President of the Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers Federation (SNIPEF), calling for more action to tackle the profession’s skills shortage and greater government engagement to advance the low-carbon home heating transition. Commenting on his election as President, John Doherty, said, "It is an honor to lead SNIPEF at this crucial time."  addressing skills shortage John Doherty adds, "Addressing the ongoing skills sho...

In response to the publication of the Scottish Government's 'Starting a National Conversation on the Heat Transition in Scotland,' Fiona Hodgson, Chief Executive of the Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers Federation (SNIPEF), said, "We welcome the start of this crucial dialogue by the Scottish Government and particularly applaud the increased commitment to incorporating industry expertise into establishing achievable targets." She adds, "This represents a significant step forw...

Fiona Hodgson, Chief Executive of the Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers Federation (SNIPEF), has expressed frustration over the Scottish Government's decision to delay the banning of gas boilers, highlighting the significant impact on the plumbing and heating industry and public confidence. Author's quote "SNIPEF has consistently questioned the government's unrealistic targets for phasing out fossil fuel boilers," Hodgson stated. "This delay, although not entirely unexpected aft...

Fiona Hodgson, Chief Executive of the Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers Federation (SNIPEF), said in response to the Prime Minister's announcement about the delay of several green commitments:  "In recent years, the UK's plumbing and heating sector has diligently retooled and upskilled to be green technology transition-ready. While this announcement offers industry and consumers a brief reprieve to help ensure the skills, infrastructure, and cost efficiencies are all in plac...