Energy Saving Trust highlights need for new standards and training in energy efficiency

Just under half of the British households surveyed for the Energy Saving Trust’s latest Green Barometer have never received energy efficiency advice from tradespeople working in their homes.  This is not surprising, given only 48% of roofing/loft conversion specialists claim to offer green suggestions.  The numbers are also low for builders (56%) and conservatory installers (62%).  Plumbers were found to be the most likely to offer green advice, with 81% claiming to do so.

The Energy Saving Trust wants new standards and training in energy efficiency for tradespeople to be introduced.  This would help ensure opportunities to make less expensive home energy efficiency improvements are not missed.  For example, solid wall insulation could cost £1,000-3,000 less if it is installed at the same time as other major renovations are carried out.

Of the 241 tradespeople asked, 55% confirmed they would offer more green advice if they had more information.  Many said clearer explanations of current environmental legislation and guidance on future changes to energy efficiency requirements are needed to help them do this.

However, awareness will also need to be raised among householders, as even where advice is offered, this is not always trusted.  Of the 2,362 households surveyed, only one in six said they would trust a tradesperson’s green advice.  More than half said they would suspect energy efficiency suggestions as attempts to gain more work.