New DECC figures show take up of the government’s Green Deal scheme is increasing and creating opportunities in the building sector. As of the end of February nearly 2,000 Green Deal assessments have taken place and £26.9m worth of contracts have been agreed by energy companies to fund energy efficiency works.
The news comes in the week £244m was allocated to The Green Deal Finance Company to provide the finance for energy efficiency measures through the Green Deal. Businesses in the south west have the chance to quiz the Chief Executive of the Green Deal Finance Company at the Renewable Energy Marketplace on March 19th in Exeter. The event also includes presentations from British Gas, Scottish & Southern Electric, Devon & Cornwall Housing Association and Sustain on tenders and work coming up under the Green Deal scheme.
Energy and climate change secretary Edward Davey said, “we’re seeing clear signs of a promising new market gathering momentum. In little more than a month, there have been 1,803 Green Deal assessments and that shows genuine interest from consumers.’
In the south west there are 2 Green Deal Providers, 3 Green Deal Assessor Organisations and 39 Green Deal Installers. This compares to the national figures of 40 Green Deal Providers, 77 Green Deal Assessor Organisations and 629 Green Deal Installers.
Merlin Hyman, chief executive of Regen SW says “this an important opportunity for the building sector in the south west and Regen SW is working hard to ensure local business get the maximum possible benefit from the Green Deal.”
Small to medium sized businesses in the south west can benefit from the £8m Ready for Retrofit programme, delivered by Regen SW in partnership with the Energy Saving Trust. The programme can help businesses understand the Green Deal and the cost of engagement.