History and Progress of the Scheme
In 2006 the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform, BERR (now the Department of Energy and Climate Change, DECC) launched its Microgeneration Strategy, aimed at rapidly advancing microgeneration within the UK. The Strategy raises awareness of microgeneration technologies and the role they can play in reducing carbon emissions and energy bills, addresses the barriers to entry into the marketplace and generates consumer confidence in the effectiveness of these products and services, both from a technological and cost perspective.
One key output from the Microgeneration Strategy was the establishment of the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS), designed to independently certify microgeneration products and services in accordance with consistent standards. The MCS places a requirement on products and installers to be certified in order to carry the MCS ‘mark', and installers to sign up to a Code of Practice in line with the Office of Fair Trading's Consumer Code of Approval Scheme.
BRE Global was appointed by BERR (now the Department of Energy and Climate Change, DECC) in 2006 on a two year contract to develop the Scheme and act as the initial Certification Body to certify products and installers to the developed Scheme standards. In November 2008, following the completion of the development phase, the Scheme began a new phase to operate as one that is funded and regulated by the microgeneration industry itself, rather than government.
The Scheme is led by a stakeholder Panel, comprised of representatives from the industry including certification bodies, government departments, trade associations and other interested parties.
The development of new standards for the Scheme is undertaken by Technical Working Groups, to ensure that the Scheme stays up to date with technology and skill set developments. To date, standards have been developed for:
- Solar Heating Collectors
- Solar PV
- Micro Wind
- Heat Pumps
- Biomass
- Heat-led Micro-CHP
Work is underway to finalise standards for hydro turbines, combined heat and power and fuel cell products.
Any eligible organisation is able to apply to become accredited by UKAS or equivalent to act as a Certification Body under the MCS. Certification Bodies will certify products and installers against the Scheme standards, enabling those products and installers to carry the MCS ‘mark'.
The role of Licensee is undertaken by Gemserv, an industry-independent organisation appointed by DECC to manage and coordinate the MCS, and ensure the Scheme continues to progress the microgeneration industry both in the UK and internationally.
The MCS has replaced the product and installer registration schemes (Clear Skies and PV programme).
The MCS underpins DECC's grant scheme, the Low Carbon Buildings Programme, and grants will be available to applicants using both products and installers certified under MCS or equivalent schemes. Other initiatives, such as the proposed stamp duty land tax relief for new zero carbon homes, are also likely to use MCS in the future.