What is the Green Deal?
"we are launching a revolution in energy efficiency" - Chris Huhne Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change.
The Energy Bill introduced to Parliament includes provision for the new "Green Deal" as part of its ambitious targets to reduce carbon emissions in the UK by 80% before 2050. which will revolutionise the energy efficiency of UK homes and businesses.
The Government is creating a framework to enable private firms to offer the general public energy efficiency improvements to their homes and businesses with no upfront cost. Instead these 'Green Deal Installers' and 'Green Deal Providers' will recoup payments through a charge in installments on the energy bill.
The Government have suggested that the Green Deal will supply every household with energy improvements using a Green Deal finance allowance of up to £10,000
This Green Deal finance will be used to retrofit their homes with insulation and supply other devices which will help to improve energy efficiency and minimise heat loss which is one of the main reason for climate change.
Why is the Green Deal Needed?
“In Autumn 2000, more rain fell on England and Wales than at any time for 230 years. 10,000 homes and businesses were flooded.” Chris Huhne Energy & Climate Change Secretary.
The Green Deal will enable many homeowners and businesses to improve their energy efficiency without consuming so much energy and wasting so much money. Nearly half of the UK's carbon emissions comes from the energy we use to heat our homes, and our businesses, industry and workplaces. At a national level, the UK needs to become more energy efficient and must reduce its greenhouse gas emissions (The Climate Change Act 2008).
The Energy Saving Trust has suggested that improving insulation via the Green Deal could save the average UK household around £265 per year on their energy spend.
What's Next?
The Green Deal will be available in three steps. Firstly a Green Deal Advisor will visit the property and provide an energy efficiency assessment. Second, a Green Deal Installer or Green Deal Provider will then fit insulation and/or other energy saving products that are covered in the Green Deal. And finally, the homeowner or business will repay the costs of installation through their energy bills.
It is understood that all types of insulation will be included within the green deal as well as replacement windows, doors and draught exclusion although no details have been confirmed on what will, and will not, be included.
Whos Involved?
Green Deal Advisor
It is understood that the role of a Green Deal Advisor will be to provide energy assessments of properties and produce an Energy Performance Certificate. This Energy Performance Certificate will supply the Green Deal Advisor with the ability to give recommendation on how to reduce energy spend and heat loss with both behavioral changes and home improvements. The Green Deal Advisor will also confirm that a home or business is eligible for improvements under the Green Deal.
Once recommendations are in place, funding must be sought from a Green Deal Provider.
Green Deal Provider
It is the role of the Green Deal Provider to offer a Green Deal Plan to customers. The Green Deal Plan allows them to finance work that has been recommended by the Green Deal Advisor.
Green Deal Installer
Once the Green Deal plan is in place the recommended work must be carried out. The Green Deal Provider may undertake the installation or share the work amongst other organisations (Green Deal Installers) but the customers contractual relationship is always with the Green Deal Provider
Contact us today on 0845 601 1361 to learn more about the Green Deal.
Related Services
Home energy advice & home energy audit reports
The energy we use every day at home produces almost 35% of the carbon dioxide emissions in the UK, the main greenhouse gas which is attributed to causing climate change. In addition, rising energy costs have lead many homeowners to look at how they can reduce their energy consumption.
Through simple changes to our behaviour and basic home improvements, such as insulation and efficient heating systems, savings of up to £250 - £500 a year could be made on your energy bills, whilst also reducing your impact on the environment. Our network of qualified home energy advisers offer independent advice that could quite literally save you £1000s over the next 3 - 5 years. Order the home energy advice service online or call 0845 601 1361 for more information.
Renewable energy audits
If you’re thinking about investing in renewable energy technology and need some independent advice, Green Assess can help. We offer advice on all types of renewable energy sources; including the requirements and practicalities of installation.
Government grants are available for certain types of renewable energy technologies. Our qualified advisers can recommend the types of renewable technologies that would be most suitable for your style and size of property, and also advise on estimated repayment periods and any potential grants.
Green Assess advisers are independent, which means that we’ll advise on the best solution for you, unlike advisers acting on behalf of renewable energy manufacturers who will only recommend their own company’s products.
Contact us on 0845 601 1361 for more information.
Insulation grants - cavity wall & loft insulation surveys
Getting loft and cavity wall insulation installed can reduce the energy your home loses by as much as 60%! So not only will you be helping the environment by reducing your CO2 emissions, you could also save up to £265 per year.
Because the government and energy companies want to reduce the CO2 emissions that we produce, they have pledged £1bn in insulation grants to help people get their homes insulated. Everybody gets at least 50% off (no matter how much you earn) and those over 70 or in receipt of certain benefits can get loft insulation installed for free.
Contact us on 0845 601 1361 for more information regarding our insulation grant services and to see how much grant you could qualify for.
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