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It’s not easy going green. If you asked, I’m sure most homeowners would be open to the idea of installing energy-efficient solutions in their homes, reducing energy costs and doing their bit for the environment. Unfortunately, I’m sure a clear majority of those asked would also shut the door in your face once you explain what the initial cost will be.
Short-term mentalities and tight purse strings have always been a barrier for energy efficiency solutions.
High-profile initiatives have already been actioned by the government in an attempt incentivise the uptake of these measures with consumers. The Green Deal (remember that?) was once hailed as transformational home improvement programme. But that only lasted two years before being scrapped after failing to turn enough heads.
The latest attempt to boost the energy efficiency of the UK’s housing stock is the Each Home Counts Review. The review, put together by Dr Peter Bonfield, was ordered to offer a clear and tangible way to make the investment in energy efficiency and renewable energy measures commonplace. It is an action plan of sorts, that considers the roles that consumers, installers and the wider construction industry must play to make this happen.
In the review, Dr Bonfield recommends “a new approach, underpinned by strong standards and enforcement”. This, he believes, is necessary as:“there have been too many instances of poor quality installations being made by companies who do not have the skills, quality levels or core values required to operate responsibly in this market.”
The review asserts that consumer confidence is vital and one of the key ways of achieving this is through raising the standards of installers. The establishment of a new quality mark is being implemented to create an environment of trust, where consumers can rely on the quality of advice they receive and on the performance of the solutions they get installed.
All installation companies that wish to use the quality mark must adhere to a consumer charter, a code of conduct and codes of practice to commit to high levels of customer service, operational standards and installation quality.
It is likely that there will be a few kinks that need to be ironed out before the framework is effective and we understand how the quality mark works alongside other marks and competent person scheme operations. However, if the measures are successful, Each Home Counts could well be the push that galvanises the energy efficiency sector and provide the green light for installers who want to profit from the opportunities this market.