The GGF recently received the results of Dods’ Green Deal Survey of MPs and the outcome revealed some surprising statistics. The most alarming stats were;
- 21% MPs are not familiar with the Green Deal
- Only 49% MPs will promote uptake of the Green Deal in constituencies
- Just 30% understand the Green Deal funding structure
The research was conducted on behalf of Dods Green Deal Dialogue Group which includes members GGF, VELUX and Land Securities. The survey of 100 MPs was conducted between January and February 2012 and included 80 men and 20 women from across the UK and spanning the three major political parties.
On the promotion of the scheme, the survey found that more than a fifth (21%) were unlikely to promote the scheme, 20% said they were neither likely nor unlikely to champion it while 11% were still unsure though 49% stated they would promote the scheme to their constituencies.
The results also reveal a lack of familiarity among MPs with the Government’s flagship green policy. Only 59% said they understood the concept behind the Green Deal while 21% admitted they did not. This figure increased to 35% for those MPs that did not know how the scheme would be paid for with only 30% saying they had grasped its funding structure.
Unemployment and rising energy bills were deemed by MPs to be of greatest concern to their constituents and the majority of those surveyed believes that the Green Deal has the potential to generate jobs and cut homeowner energy bills.
Two thirds (66%) said the scheme is likely to boost local business opportunities, 52% said it will create jobs and training opportunities for the unemployed and 38% said it will help regenerate areas and communities. Although 59% believe the Green Deal will help homeowners save money, only 40% said it will do the same for businesses, highlighting the need for more work to be done to promote the scheme’s use for commercial buildings.
The Green Deal Dialogue Group findings follow in the footsteps of research conducted by the Government that suggests scheme take up will be low, with popular energy efficiency measures such as loft and cavity wall insulation falling instead of increasing when it launches and replaces existing schemes.
Nigel Rees, GGF Chief Executive, commented, “The outcome of this poll must be very disconcerting for the Government. While the Green Deal continues to become more complex, the level of understanding will not improve. If Members of Parliament cannot understand the scheme, then how can we expect homeowners to understand it? Furthermore, the complexities will mean the Federation, its members and businesses throughout the construction industry will find it a very difficult scheme to promote and support. The Green Deal must be easy to understand with visible benefits for all concerned.”
In the next five months prior to the launch of Green Deal the GGF will continue to engage with MPs at further Dods’ Green Deal Dialogue roundtable discussions and with businesses at a dedicated business summit in order to ensure that the impact on the Glass and Glazing industry for businesses both small and large is mitigated and that industry and jobs are not negatively affected.