Still relatively young, having only been launched in mid-1999, the initiative has grown and diversified and achieved recognition at a much higher level than anticipated by this stage of its maturity.

During 2001 major steps have been taken as Benchmark encompasses more and more areas of the domestic heating industry. Through its intrinsic link with the Central Heating Information Council, its influence has grown such that there is even a named reference to the Benchmark log book in the new Building Regulations Part L, where the log book is referred to as a ‘commissioning certificate’ for the purposes of the new regulations.

Initial research amongst gas boiler manufacturers has shown that there is a lower incidence of warranty call outs if work is carried out to manufacturers instructions - the aim of the initial Benchmark Code of Practice, so results are definitely showing that Benchmark is having a positive effect of the quality of work being undertaken.

Some of the major oil boiler manufacturers have agreed a validation process and a log book and Benchmark will be launched in the oil sector early in 2002.

The first meeting took place in late 2001 to bring the hot water storage sector on board and work will continue to formalise this in early 2002. Plans are well advanced for the inclusion of gas water heaters, and a Sub-Group has been established for the Gas Fire sector, which has already produced a validation process and a log book, which will be introduced from January 2002.

The validation scheme for chemical water treatment in primary circuits was introduced in 2001 and all four members have completed this successfully. Attention has now turned to scaling in secondary circuits. And a Sub-Group has been established with manufacturers and distributors in the instrumentation sector and the first meeting of this group has already produced a draft validation scheme.

During the year, further excellent progress was made on the training front, with an updated training element for all members training courses now underway and a validation process for members courses agreed and being implemented.

On the issue of broadening the membership of Benchmark, whilst delayed, the membership scheme for specifiers will gain momentum in early 2002 as will work on a support scheme for installers which will see installers sponsored by manufacturers, installer bodies and the Energy Efficiency Trust initially forming a strong installer grouping under the Benchmark umbrella.

CHIC and Benchmark Director Alan Johnson is understandably delighted with the progress made in 2001: "The momentum of 2000 has been maintained and the initiative is growing and being taken very seriously by most people in the industry and many beyond, specifically in Government. The actual mention of the Benchmark scheme in the new Building Regulations Part L is a major boost for the scheme and exceeds our expectations. For many people who are 100% behind the Benchmark initiative, making it compulsory rather than voluntary is an important goal and whilst we are still some way off that situation, this is a major step in that direction. We are keen to turn the very high level of awareness of Benchmark in the industry - currently standing at nearly 90% - to the same very high level of support, but we recognise the reality that unless things are compulsory, many people will want to pay lip service to them, especially if they involve a little extra effort."

Having said that, levels of support are impressive, with anecdotal evidence suggesting that more than 50% of log books are being completed and left with consumers. All major manufacturers are supporting the initiative and there is growing grass roots support from installers indicated by the continuing support of professional and trade organisations. In addition, this year Benchmark has received a large number of enquiries from installers asking how and when they can join the scheme, and that has to be encouraging.

"The new web site (www.centralheating.co.uk) is a major boost to our activity and received more than 35,000 hits in 2001, which is impressive as so many of those have come in the last few months," continues Alan Johnson. "We undertook a major upgrade of the site in mid-2001 and the benefits accruing have been amazing, with traffic to the site much improved since the changes were made. These changes included the addition of much more information and a number of vital new links to other relevant sites. In particular we are delighted with the number of visits to the site by consumers."

With the initiative now in its third full year, the anticipated benefits of the scheme are beginning to feed through and the prospects for it in 2002 look even more exciting as the new areas of the industry come on board.

- - ends -

EDITOR'S NOTE:

For a photo of Alan Johnson - print or jpeg - call or email Steve Paddock

For further information, please contact:

Alan Johnson, Director - 01799 543660

or

Steve Paddock, Market Link PR - 01905 726575

(Email: stevepaddock@marketlink-uk.com)

Date of issue: 20th December 2001

End of Quote:

Gas-News Editor – I am not the Editor referred to above and Steve has assured me Alan is not starting a fan club.