Up Close with Low Carbon Exchange: Collaborating for a Greener Future

As Regional Specification Manager for the South at Aico, I recently made a visit to Low Carbon Exchange (LCX) in Weston-Super-Mare for an exciting collaboration opportunity.

LCX is more than just your average training facility. It’s a hub for skilled professionals to equip themselves with the knowledge to help decarbonise homes. Recognising the gap in skills across various trades, they established a cutting-edge training academy in 2022,  providing accredited training in renewable technologies from Solar PV to Air Source Heat Pumps.

Aico and LCX share values to help create safer, healthier, and more sustainable homes. That’s where our partnership with LCX comes in. We identified a common ground in our client base and principles, especially where Registered Social Landlords (RSLs) are concerned. LCX works closely with RSLs, sharing knowledge on retrofitting, advocating for renewable technologies, and even promoting energy-efficient building materials.

I had the pleasure of delving into the benefits of our HomeLINK Connected Home Solution for RSLs, showcasing how the solution streamlines processes and provides actionable insights on everything from damp and mould to energy efficiency and fuel poverty.

We also created bespoke training boards, packed with information on British Standards and fire protection legislation. These boards, along with our partnership, aim to train and promote best practices in fire detection, especially crucial for retrofit clients installing solar panels.

In addition to this,  we are looking towards the future, planning Continued Professional Development (CPD) training alongside LCX. Together, we’re building a comprehensive solution for the retrofitting challenges that lie ahead.

Paul Matthews, Training Academy Manager at LCX said of the partnership “It was truly a pleasure to welcome to Aico to the Low Carbon Training Academy. Aico’s unwavering commitment to ensuring safer, more comfortable homes aligns seamlessly with our mission, laying the foundation for an exciting collaborative journey. Together, we anticipate fostering a collective effort that empowers individuals and organisations to spearhead the charge towards a greener, more sustainable world.

In just one year, our Training Academy has experienced remarkable growth, emerging as a stronghold in the field. We take pride in having upskilled over 50 individuals through our accredited NICEIC & LCL Awards courses, and we’re enthusiastic about far exceeding this achievement in 2024. This partnership not only signifies the strength of our partnership with Aico but also enhances the learning experience for every individual who walks through our doors.”

My visit to LCX was the start of a new collaboration empowered by cutting-edge technology and fuelled by shared values, working hand-in-hand to create homes that are not just safe, but sustainable. This is just the beginning of an exciting journey, and I can’t wait to share more about our progress.

If you would like to know how your Regional Specification Manager can support you, please visit: www.aico.co.uk/find-a-regional-spec-manager/