More than half of UK homeowners are interested in installing double glazing, new research from the Energy Saving Trust has found – with that number predicted to rise under the Green Deal.
The exclusive Energy Saving Trust survey of more than 2,000 UK adults revealed that 22 per cent of householders have purchased double glazing in the last 12 months – with 52 per cent saying they are considering doing so.
The figures also expose a north–south divide in the provision of upgraded windows – those in the North East are most likely to already have the double glazing (71 per cent do), while those in London are least likely (49 per cent).
Energy Saving Trust experts predict demand for green upgrades will be boosted by the Green Deal, and the organisation is inviting glazing installers to step up and get registered to take advantage of this opportunity.
The Green Deal, which launches this month, is an innovative financing mechanism which lets people pay for energy-efficiency improvements through savings on their energy bills.
Energy Saving Trust is an independent, trusted organisation which is UKAS-accredited to provide Green Deal Installer certification at a fixed price. Energy Saving Trust is the only consumer-facing organisation providing Green Deal Installer certification, making it a recognised brand for consumers.
All installers approved by the Energy Saving Trust are given a FREE listing on the organisation’s website – trusted by tens of thousands of consumers every day – and are licensed to use the Energy Saving Trust Certified Installer logo.
Anglian Building Products, the commercial division of Anglian Windows Ltd, one of the UK’s largest double glazing providers, has recently achieved Green Deal Installer certification through the Energy Saving Trust.
John Fairweather, of Anglian Building Products, the commercial division of Anglian Windows, said: “Green Deal offers opportunities for UK business, and we were delighted to achieve certification through the Energy Saving Trust.
“We look forward to working with the organisation to grow our business, and found the process to be both thorough and professional and easy to navigate.”
Tom Lock, certification manager at Energy Saving Trust, said: “The Green Deal is a great opportunity for installers across all sectors.
“Getting certified is an essential first step to working under the Green Deal – and the Energy Saving Trust is one organisation making sure that only trusted tradesmen can operate as part of the scheme.
“Part of the Energy Saving Trust’s role is to register Green Deal installers, who can then use our trusted backing to boost their business. Getting certified provides reassurance to members of the public, and can help turn consumer interest into actions.
“Energy Saving Trust has information on which areas of the UK already have high levels of double glazing and which areas have many homes in need of an upgrade. With this knowledge and information, and our expert help, we can help businesses flourish under the Green Deal.”
Energy Saving Trust’s IPSOS Mori survey, conducted between 28 September and 2 October 2012, found double glazing is the most popular green upgrade in which UK householders are very interested (22 per cent), followed by insulation (21 per cent) and an energy monitor (14 per cent).
Green Deal enables private firms to offer consumers energy efficiency improvements to their homes, community spaces and businesses with no upfront payments. Costs are recouped – as savings accrue – through a charge in instalments on their energy bills, with money passed on direct to Green Deal providers by energy companies.
Energy Saving Trust – which has been advising householders on energy efficiency for 20 years – provides Green Deal certification services which are suitable for all types and sizes of business.
