The Green Deal is financially “unattractive” and needs simplifying, according to the latest report from the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Excellence in the Built Environment.

The report, entitled ‘Re-energising the green agenda’, focuses on improving the energy efficiency of the existing domestic stock and acknowledges that “the Green Deal may not be strong enough to be of significant influence in meeting the UK’s carbon emissions targets”.

It proposes several recommendations for improving the green agenda:

  • Set clear, shorter-term targets for the construction sector; monitor and report on progress
  • Be clear on its priorities
  • Give the Green Construction Board more teeth
  • Set up an existing homes hub
  • Review the Green Deal
  • Consult on a new Green Deal for Registered Social Landlords
  • Make retrofit more financially attractive.

Tony Howard, CITB’s head of new business development, commented on the report, highlighting the importance of the installer’s role in achieving a low-carbon future.

“The report states that the success of the Green Deal depends on political will and strong leadership,” he said. “This is a valid point, however the scheme’s success also depends on skilled installers that can sell the benefits on the ground and deliver high-quality work.

“The recommendations for a stronger focus on local initiatives and a new Green Deal for Registered Social Landlords warrant serious consideration. But whatever direction the Green Deal takes, one thing will remain unchanged: the low-carbon market is going from strength to strength through financial pressures as property owners to try and reduce their own energy consumption, and with it, commercial opportunities are set to grow.

“As the report highlights, low-carbon building has the potential to create jobs at home and also to drive export of firms’ low carbon skills abroad. Firms without the right low-carbon skills and qualifications will miss out.

“CITB is working to help firms of all sizes obtain the knowledge and qualifications they need to compete for green building work, whether this be under the Green Deal and ECO, or through wider government-led or private sector opportunities. Firms should visit www.cutcarbon.info to find out what qualifications they need and how to get them.”