Month: December 2015

23
Dec
2015

Uncertainty Over Green Policy

The Uncertainty Over Green Policy Impacts On Insulation And Energy Efficiency

The government’s decision to suspend the issuing of finance packages under the green deal scheme is taking a toll on the energy efficiency industry.

Some of what appears in manifesto is often forgotten about or swept under the carpet when a party enters government and this is evident when it comes to improving the energy efficiency of homes in the UK.

This appears to be the case even if the government insists it is committed to delivering on its pledge to improve the energy efficiency of a million households that are classed as fuel poor in the UK.

The uncertainty over when new policies will be put in place has led to a slowdown in the industry while everyone waits to see if any new financing packages will be introduced to give fresh impetus to the sector.

It has to be remembered that improving energy efficiency in homes is an important part of reducing unnecessary energy consumption which contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Providing finance for home insulation then suspending it actually does more harm than good in the long term as it simply leads to work being cancelled or delayed.

According to figures from the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC), Green Deal and ECO schemes saw a fall of 15% between July and August of this year.

Posted by admin in Home Insulation, Thermal Insulation
02
Dec
2015

Solid Wall Insulation Needs Boost Says Report

A report from construction advisor Peter Handsford has called for more incentives to encourage homeowners to invest in solid wall insulation.

The government has set a target of insulating a million homes by 2020, yet it remains a long way from reaching it with just 97,000 homes having solid wall insulation fitted since the scheme was introduced back in 2013.

At this rate the target is unlikely to be met and Handsford’s report recommends reducing Stamp Duty on Green homes to encourage owners to invest in insulation and see additional financial benefits in doing so.

The report ‘Solid Wall Insulation – Unlocking Demand and Driving up Standards’ also recommends reducing the amount of VAT payable on retrofit work so that it is more affordable.

Alongside its recommendations for kick starting the industry, the report highlights the need to introduce procedures to protect consumers and maintain standards in the industry.

One of the biggest challenges for the industry is convincing homeowners and landlords to invest in green energy efficiency improvements like cavity wall insulation and solid wall insulation. Financing towards schemes has helped but there is at present uncertainty about when funding is made available.

New rules on energy efficiency aimed at landlords who are renting out property will at least provide a boost to the industry in the next few years.

Posted by admin in Home Insulation, Soundproofing, Thermal Insulation