-
· New
‘TrustMark’ scheme will protect 300,000 low-income households a
year supported through the Energy Company Obligation
(ECO)
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· Scheme is
investing £3.6 billion into upgrading peoples’ homes to reduce
emissions as the UK commits to becoming a net zero emissions
economy
-
Quality mark can also help further protect around one
million homeowners a year who improve the energy efficiency of
their homes
Home energy improvements which cut emissions and bills for over
300,000 low-income families every year will only be done by
trusted tradesmen, under new government plans.
The Government’s new quality scheme, delivered by
‘TrustMark’, will increase protection for low-income
and vulnerable households,helped with free energy-saving measures
like insulation and new boilers, under the Energy Company
Obligation (ECO).
Emissions from buildings account for nearly 25 per cent of
overall carbon emissions, which the Government is committed to
reducing. Just weeks ago, the UK became the first G7 economy
to put into law a commitment that Britain will reach net zero
greenhouse gas emission economy by 2050.
Energy and Clean Growth Minister , said:
“Driving up the energy efficiency of Britain’s homes is key to us
reducing emissions from households, saving people money on their
bills as we legislate to become a net zero emissions economy and
end our contribution to global warming entirely.
“This new scheme will guarantee low-income households the peace
of mind that workmen installing energy efficiency measures in
their homes are trusted tradesmen.”
Around 15 per cent of households take an energy efficiency
measure each year, with over one million installing additional or
replacement loft insulation and over one million upgrading to
double glazed windows.
The new ‘Each Home Counts’ quality mark will help reassure
households having work done on their homes that the companies
have met the appropriate standards for installing insulation
and new central heating systems in their homes.
Consumers who want energy efficiency measures installed on their
own homes will be able to search the ‘TrustMark’
website for trusted and certified tradesmen.
The measures, which the Government is consulting on, will enable
consumers to search the ‘TrustMark’ website for accredited
tradespeople, checking their installers are recognised before
they start work on their homes.
The new mark builds on the well-established
Government-endorsed ‘TrustMark’ scheme, which vets
businesses. It ensures they meet industry standards, have good
technical competence and trading practices, and have a commitment
to providing good customer service.
Customers can already access free and impartial advice on
reducing their energy bills, making their homes warmer and
planning green home improvements from Simple Energy
Advice.
Energy efficiency industry is worth £20.3bn in Great Britain,
employing nearly 150,000 and selling exports worth over £1bn
every year.
Notes to editors
- The ECO3 Improving consumer
protection consultation can be accessed here
- The Government commissioned Each Home Counts
Review acknowledged the importance of consumers
receiving trusted, impartial advice on energy efficiency. The
Review also made recommendations on how energy efficiency
advice could be improved.
- BEIS has worked closely with industry through an Industry led
Each Home Counts Implementation Board and technical steering
group to develop new standards.
- The latest English Housing Survey (EHS) is
available here.
