The Association of Plumbing & Heating Contractors (APHC) has expressed its views on the recently published Each Home Counts Review.
Originally the Bonfield Review, the Each Home Counts Review was published shortly before Christmas and outlines recommendations to improve energy efficiency in the UK and encourage the uptake of renewable technologies.
Commenting on behalf of APHC, its CEO John Thompson said: “On first impressions the review appears to focus on greater regulation and replacing the Green Deal scheme, but there doesn’t appear to be any details on incentives for consumers to adopt energy saving measures. Without such incentives I can’t see why the plumbing and heating industry will invest in an additional regulatory standard, particularly after the failings of Green Deal.
“I am also keen to learn how such a new standard will work in conjunction with existing competent person and energy efficiency schemes, as without knowing the full details there is the potential risk for there to be an additional, and perhaps duplicate, layer of requirements that installers will have to meet.
“In conclusion, APHC is keen to support a framework that improves quality and consumer protection, however we need to be sure that a new standard doesn’t duplicate current requirements, that consumers are properly informed and incentivised to use green technologies, and that the proper inspections and enforcements are implemented.”
The Each Home Counts Review of Consumer Advice, Protection, Standards and Enforcement for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy can be viewed here.
