Trading Standards Launch New Green Energy Guide for Installation Businesses
With the UK Government committing to a net zero carbon UK by 2050, the green energy sector is set for an enormous boom over the coming years. In support of this, the Government have stated they want to see the creation of around a quarter of a million ‘green jobs.’ They have also announced £3.9 billion of funding for heat decarbonization and energy efficiency measures under the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme.
To reach the net-zero goal, existing housing stock will have to be re-energised to reach these targets and decrease our reliance on fossil fuels. With the major governmental funding, it is highly likely the home renewable energy sector will grow rapidly, due to the huge opportunities for businesses that install green energy technologies.
But while opportunity knocks, there are also great challenges to overcome. The scale of the work required is large, and the sector is already complex. Both existing businesses and new entrants into the market may be unsure of the legal requirements which they must follow. As the sector expands, this lack of knowledge could cause problems both for the traders and their customers, which will also undermine efforts to protect the environment.
That is why Business Companion has launched a new information guide for green energy businesses about the steps they must follow in order to keep their customers satisfied, and to ensure that they follow the law. The goal of the guidance is to help businesses raise the quality of their work, which in turn will improve outcomes for both consumers and the environment.
The resource, created by trading standards experts in partnership with the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), includes an overview of the main green energy technologies available in the UK and potential issues surrounding their installation. It also delves into details of the various certification bodies and Consumer Codes which traders are required to sign up to by law. There’s information about the financial incentive schemes available to UK householders and breakdown of the relevant aspects of consumer protection law. There’s also practical advice from experts in the field about commonly arising problems and how they can be avoided.
Endorsed by the UK Government, in addition to the written materials, the guidance also consists of handy infographics, checklists, a podcast and a video for busy traders who are looking for accurate, easily digestible information all in one place. Using the resource, existing businesses and newcomers will be able to ensure their customers get the best service while the law is adhered to.
Adrian Simpson, a green energy expert who contributed to the guidance, said:
“The road to Net-Zero is not a fad, it’s here to stay and will form an important part of our lives until 2050 and beyond.
“A carbon-free future requires competent, reliable and highly skilled tradespeople. We hope the guide will attract a new generation of reputable installers.”
To read the guidance and watch a video on the subject, click here.
