Opinions seem to be divided about this.
The Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) insists that the Golden Rule ensures that householders utilising the Green Deal should not incur higher energy bills than they would have if the property was without the Green Deal. However they hedge their bets when faced with changes in consumer behaviour because after all, the government can't legislate for that. So they say.
So it might be a good deal for homeowners, especially those who are not considered to be 'low users' (people who have already undertaken efficiency changes in their behaviours).
But what about the construction industry? Will it see any benefits and when?
The FMB chief executive, Brian Berry, was quoted on EnergyLiveNews as saying that:
“A survey of our members reveals that 70% of FMB building companies do not believe that the Government’s proposals are technically, functionally or economically feasible to implement for most domestic extension projects.”Does the FMB member response underline a lack of understanding about building in an energy efficient way? I am curious as to why the proposals are not technically or functionally feasible.
I think the UK Green Building Council's blog takes a balanced view of the situation and its worth reading their piece on it. The recent media hoopla about the so called 'conservatory tax' is naturally inflammatory. But as the UKGBC points out,
At a basic level, they are something of a quid pro quo, the likes of which are common in building regulations. When households undertake something like an extension or loft conversion, they are increasing the energy footprint of their properties. These news rules are therefore built around a premise that if you’re doing something fundamental to your house that makes it more power hungry, you should do something that redresses the balance – such as improve their insulation, upgrade an old boiler or add better heating controls.Seems sensible. But the Green Deal isn't just about the new proposals made by Andrew Stunnell at DCLG. Is the rest of the sentiment behind the legislation that contentious?
What you think? Are you a builder or otherwise part of the construction industry? Do you think you stand to benefit commercially from the Green Deal? Let us know @SMART_Build4
Best wishes,
