PRO INSTALLER AUGUST 2013
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PRO BUSINESS
Green Deal backed by industry experts
The companies have been vocal in their support for the policy and offered advice to householders and tradesmen in the potential energy and financial savings that can be made under the policy.
More than 40,000 energy saving assessments have been performed as part of the Green Deal policy since it was launched in October 2012 by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC). However, there is still a long way to go for the Green Deal to facilitate its target of 14 million homes being accredited by 2020. Thomas Farquhar, marketing manager at Easy Green Deal said making more homes in the UK comply with the Green Deal was a long term aim and that the market for it could yet grow exponentially. Farquhar was keen to stress that if more tradesmen took the steps to get Green Deal certified, it could lead to more awareness among customers as well as potentially improved profits for certified tradesmen. NAPIT director of standards, David Cowburn concluded: “Considering that 46% of properties in England currently have a band D EPC rating, these statistics from
Regulators will share reform plans with business
A new scheme gives businesses a stronger voice in influencing how regulators change the way they work.
Under the new Accountability for Regulator Impact scheme non-economic regulators that are planning a significant change in policy or practice – for example, by updating guidance or inspection regimes - will assess and quantify the impact of that change on business.
They will then share and discuss these assessments with trade associations and other business representatives before carrying out the proposed changes. The measure is part of the government’s drive to make sure the enforcement of regulation places minimum burdens on industry while delivering essential protections and creating a level playing field on which companies can compete fairly. Business Minister Michael Fallon said: “Promoting transparent and accountable decision making is a vital step in forging a new partnership between regulators and law-abiding companies. It will boost confidence, raise standards and help eliminate unnecessary red tape.” Julia Evans, chief executive of the National Federation of Builders (NFB) and chair of the Trade Association Forum, said