New energy efficiency scheme launched

Tradespeople across Warwickshire are being urged to sign-up for key accreditation so they can offer their services under the new Green Homes Grant Scheme.

More than 100,000 jobs will be supported in green construction across England under the Government’s new £2 billion scheme which goes live at the end of September.

The scheme will give over 600,000 homeowners in England up to a maximum of £10,000 to install insulation, heat pumps, draft proofing and more to help households cut energy bills.

Tradespeople must register for TrustMark and/or Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) accreditation to be involved in the scheme.

TrustMark, which was established in 2005, is the Government-endorsed quality scheme covering work a consumer chooses to have carried out on their home.

All heat pump installers must be registered with MCS in order to carry out work under the Green Homes Grant.

Households will be able to choose from approved tradespeople, but only approved and accredited installers will be able to be commissioned, to ensure high standards are maintained.

The aim is to help families save up to £600 a year on energy bills, with the green home improvements ranging from the insulation of walls, floors and roofs to low-carbon heating.

Cllr Izzi Seccombe, Leader of Warwickshire County Council, said: “This is great news for Warwickshire. Alongside the obvious environmental benefits, it will generate a considerable amount of work and I want to be sure that Warwickshire’s tradespeople are well-placed to take advantage of the opportunities as we carry on our road to economic recovery.”

Business and Energy Secretary Alok Sharma said: “Green home improvements will save people money on their energy bills, help to cut carbon emissions, and create new work for many thousands of builders, plumbers and other tradespeople.

“Our TrustMark scheme will guarantee that building work is completed to a high standard by accredited tradespeople, ensuring consumers are fully protected.”

For further information on accreditation rules for the scheme, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/news/quality-assurance-at-heart-of-new-2-billion-green-homes-grants