The centre, which is in Farnborough, Hampshire, is open now, but there will be an official launch to mark Earth Day in April.

It’s all about showcasing renewable energy home heating technologies like heat pumps, underfloor heating and solar panels - and training engineers to install them.

The centre will be open to the public and include an accredited training room as well as a range of fully kitted-out zones, to show how alternative home heating solutions work in real life.

Adam Foy, managing director, energy efficiency at City Plumbing, said: “We are very excited to deliver accredited training courses to our installer base in England and Wales - and help our customers make the transition to low carbon technologies.

“Our industry-leading energy efficiency team has been in place for over a decade, offering an indemnified design service along with impartial advice on technologies and manufacturers. 

“As the market evolves, we are looking to support our installers through their journey and this partnership, and the Energy Efficiency Centre are crucial steps in this process.”

In good news for plumbers wanting to upskill, the partnership has secured government funding through the BEIS Home Decarbonisation Skills Training Competition to reduce the cost of courses to installers until the end of March 2023.

Foy added: “This funding allows us to offer installers based in England subsidised heat pump training and qualifications through a range of locations, with funding available to SMEs.”

Griff Thomas, managing director of GTEC Training, said: “Thanks to the partnership between GTEC and City Plumbing, installers will be able to access everything they need to enter this growing market; from purchasing the latest heat pumps and associated equipment, to undertaking our industry-leading training.”

The Energy Efficiency Centre is the first step in an ongoing, industry-wide campaign to raise the number of heat pump installers in the country.