New standard gives confidence over green deal installations

BSI has launched a new standard in support of the government’s Green Deal initiative which will enable households and commercial properties to improve their energy efficiency.

The Green Deal financial mechanism involves identifying opportunities for energy improvements using qualified advisors, energy efficient products and approved installers.

Developed by industry and sponsored by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC), PAS 2030 - Improving the energy efficiency of existing buildings - Specification for installation process, process management and service provision will give property owners confidence in the competence of Green Deal installers and the quality of their work. The standard will also enable installers to take advantage of the major commercial opportunity created by the scheme, which is expected to create 65,000 jobs and £15 billion worth of business opportunities.

PAS 2030 will provide a framework against which Green Deal installer services can be assessed and audited and compliance to the standard will be a requirement for all Green Deal installers whatever their affiliation, background or size.

The evolution of PAS 2030 brings together the views of an expert working group including government, trade associations from the construction, building, energy and manufacturing sectors, business and consumers. The document specifies requirements for installation methods, equipment, tools, product and material suitability, skills and competence of the people undertaking such installation.

Dr Scott Steedman, Director (Designate) of Standards at BSI said: “BSI’s Green Deal Installation Standard, PAS 2030 not only provides installers with the ability to demonstrate their competence but is designed to provide assurance for the public that the quality of work will be at the appropriate level.  We were delighted to have worked with DECC in delivering the first Green Deal standard which will help encourage adoption of the scheme and the best possible result for the UK with this energy efficiency initiative.”

BSI is one of a few pilot organisations which has been selected by UKAS to trial and offer an accredited service to Green Deal installers and advisors enhancing public trust in the scheme. The company is also one of a number of commercial entities currently developing associated training and other services to promote greater understanding of the benefits associated with the Green Deal and to encourage take up of the scheme.

For further information or to buy a copy of PAS 2030 - Improving the energy efficiency of existing buildings - Specification for installation process, process management and service provision – please visit www.bsigroup.com/PAS2030.

The British Standards Institution (BSI, a company incorporated by Royal Charter), performs the National Standards Body activity (NSB) in the UK. BSI, together with other BSI Group Companies, also offers a broad portfolio of business solutions other than the NSB activity that help businesses worldwide to improve results through Standards-based best practice (such as certification, self-assessment tools, software, product testing, information products and training). The product launched today, namely PAS 2030 is provided by BSI as NSB.