ECA Round Table supports professional standards for Green Deal installers
The Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA) has brought together industry and consumer experts from across the country to help establish standards for the forthcoming Green Deal.
Paul Reeve, head of environment at the ECA who chaired the meeting, was joined by representatives from organisations including DECC, the Energy Saving Trust, the Association for the Conservation of Energy and the Renewable Energy Association, the British Property Federation and leading consumer body ‘Which?’. All parties backed calls to make domestic and commercial customers aware of standards they can expect from Green Deal installers and assessors.Participants at the Round Table were updated on the work being carried out through the British Standards Institution to develop an assessors and installers’ code of practice. This will require all installers to meet key standards, with specific requirements contained as an annex to the code. The UK Accreditation Service will accredit certification bodies, with an installer seeking to work under the Green Deal needing to be certified by a certification body.
Reeve said, ‘We need to ensure credible standards are applied to installers and assessors if the Green Deal is to succeed. Reputable contractors need to take a lead. We have the know how and customer experience to help this initiative succeed. Customers deserve a cost effective experience when they interact with the Green Deal, and they need the work to be carried out by people who are up to the job.
Trade associations such as the ECA can put customers in touch with professionals who will carry out the work competently and ensure lasting energy performance.’
The roundtable preceded the announcement (16 Sept) that the Energy Bill, which will enable the introduction of the Green Deal, cleared the House of Commons with cross party support.
