Green Deal competence standard published
BSI has launched a new standard to prevent cowboy firms from cashing in on the Green Deal, the government's flagship energy-efficiency scheme
PAS 2030 outlines requirements to ensure the correct installation methods are used and the most suitable products are offered, as well as specifying the skills and level of competency expected of workers.
The publicly available specification was created by BSI and DECC in a bid to ensure that companies installing energy-efficiency measures, such as cavity-wall insulation, are competent.
The specification will help to boost consumer confidence in the Green Deal and the firms that offer installation services, according to Dr Scott Steedman, director (designate) of standards at BSI.
“PAS 2030 not only provides installers with the ability to demonstrate their competence but is designed to provide assurance for the public that the quality of work will be at the appropriate level,” he said.
Under the government scheme, which is due to launch in October, property owners will be able to install new technologies or materials to improve the energy performance of their buildings with no upfront costs. The measures will be paid for by a loan that will be paid back from savings achieved from reduced energy bills and will remain attached to the building if it changes hands.
While primarily aimed at homeowners, the initiative will also be open to organisations that own their premises and DECC has announced it will fund a £10 million competition in May to support the creation of new technologies designed to create energy savings in existing non-domestic buildings.