The Green Deal

All About the Green Deal Initiative

Improvements to a building that helps with energy saving can be a smart investment that also makes a property more comfortable to live or work in. Finding the money to pay for this type of work may not always be easy though. This is why property owners should consider the Green Deal initiative, which is a UK Government-backed scheme aimed at assisting homeowners and businesses make energy-saving improvements.

Who is Eligible?

The Green Deal scheme is open to any home or business premises in England, Wales, and Scotland fitted with an electricity meter. This applies to all types of meters, including prepayment styles.

Type of Improvements

The types of improvements allowed as part of the scheme will vary from property to property. However, the type of work that can be carried out typically includes wall and loft insulation, double glazing, draught proofing, and heating installation. To find out what improvements they can make to their property as part of the Green Deal, a home or business owner must have their property assessed. This has to be undertaken by an approved Green Deal assessor, who will carry out an inspection of the property and provide details of the improvements that can be made, as well as the likely energy savings implications this will have. Assessors will generally charge a fee for undertaking an inspection and on completion of the work will provide a Green Deal Advice Report, which is valid for 10 years.

How the Scheme Works

The scheme basically works by offering home and business owners the opportunity to have the improvement works identified during an assessment carried out, with none or only some of the installation costs paid upfront. Instead, the cost of the work is paid for through an additional charge on their electricity bill over the course of a number of months. The intention is that the energy savings made on electricity bills will go some way to cover the costs of the repayments. Green Deal Providers are advisers that can assist property owners in terms of the financing of improvement works and understanding the repayments to be made.

Benefits for Businesses

Businesses can take advantage of the Green Deal by making improvements to their own premises. However, for some types of companies there can be additional benefits by actually becoming involved in the Green Deal initiative. Commercial organisations that work in manufacturing, supplying and installing energy-saving measures in properties can apply to participate in the scheme. Some of those that can consider this include double glazing, central heating, lighting, and insulation companies. Green Deal accepts organisations of all sizes that meet the required standards and companies that join have the opportunity to increase their workload and improve their profits by taking advantage of the jobs that come to them through the scheme. Being part of the initiative also allows them to display the Green Deal Approved mark of quality.

Home and business owners should definitely look to the Green Deal as a convenient way of arranging and paying for energy-saving improvements in their property. Tradesmen, companies, and others that work in this industry can also seek to become involved in the scheme to make the most of the business opportunities and benefits it provides.

A&D Plumbing Services can provide comprehensive plumbing services to help all your appliances run as smoothly and efficiently as possible.

For more information, get in touch with us today 01206 205 940.