In its response to a recent consultation on the forthcoming Green Deal scheme, the HVCA has highlighted its concerns over various aspects of current Government policy.

In particular, it draws attention to the fact that, in order to be effective, assessors appointed under the regime will have to be highly qualified individuals with a broad range of skills, covering the fabric of a building, its engineering services and the impact of its occupants on energy consumption.

The Association goes on to point out that the requirement for assessors to have professional indemnity insurance cover could prove extremely costly, with the result that few small and medium-sized firms will be likely to enter the market. It also highlights a lack of clarity as to how such policies would be policed, especially where an assessor has ceased to trade.

The proposed approach to third-party assurance and the enforcement of compliance with assessments are further causes for concern.

“Our members will be reluctant to expose themselves to yet another accreditation process – viewing it as just one more administrative burden – and so will be deterred from participating in the Green Deal, to the detriment of the viability and credibility of the regime and achievement of national carbon reduction targets,” said HVCA head of sustainability David Frise.

And he went on to suggest that existing accreditation schemes – such as the Government-endorsed TrustMark register of competent and reliable firms operating in the residential repair, maintenance and improvement market – could readily be adapted to meet Green Deal requirements.

With regard to product performance, Mr Frise warned that energy-saving equipment will only deliver on its potential provided that it is correctly integrated into a building’s existing system, and that its operation is fully understood by its users.

“Reports such as the Energy Savings Trust’s Getting Warmer – which was derived from heat pump field trials – indicates that, all too often, this is not the case,” he said.

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