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In the publication, DECC confirmed that subject to Parliamentary approval, they will amend the ECO Order so that energy suppliers are credited with the full saving where glazing measures are installed. DECC expect this to come into effect from April 2014.
Nigel Rees, GGF Group Chief Executive commented, “This is quite promising news and let’s hope it is just the beginning of changes to the Green Deal and ECO to make it more advantageous for the replacement window industry.”
Though it is a positive step, the impact of this amendment is dependent on the Government’s decision on the funding and lifespan of ECO. The on-going debate between energy companies and the Government over the value of ECO will shape this decision, which is only one part of a number of revisions that DECC will be making to the scheme over the coming months, in the hope of encouraging far more consumers to install energy efficiency measures.
As part of this move to improve the scheme, DECC will shortly be consulting on further potential changes to ECO, including the future of the scheme beyond 2015. Although this latest amendment is unlikely to lead to any immediate significant benefits for the sector, if viewed as one part of an overall package to improve the scheme it could be seen as a positive move for the industry.
DECC received a total of 30 responses to this question in the consultation and the overwhelming majority were in favour of the proposal, with only 2 respondents disagreeing. Key points of note from these responses include:
- Many respondents welcomed the proposal on the basis that it would enable a ‘full’ score where ECO can be awarded, which will mean that the carbon score will be counted from below building regulations.
- A number of respondents commented that this would have the effect of reducing costs on Solid Wall Insulation (SWI) projects and would help to generate a wider demand from consumers, which would in turn benefit the Green Deal and ECO more widely.
- However, a number of respondents raised additional issues, or sought further clarification. One respondent disagreed with the proposal to award full scores and also raised concerns that insulation measures, primarily SWI, Hard To Treat Cavities (HTTC) and, Cavity Wall Insulation (CWI), are already subject to several restrictions which are not applied to other measures. The respondent argued that the proposal would have a negative impact upon the delivery of these measures. Another respondent disagreed on the basis that this change would bring no additional carbon savings or fuel poverty reduction.
- Additionally, 5 respondents suggested that glazing should become eligible as a primary 3 measure and argued that it would help stimulate the ECO market and advantage properties where solid wall insulation is technically difficult.
- Alternatively, one respondent proposed that in scenarios where a property has received SWI or HTT CWI, there should be a provision to allow glazing to become a primary measure.
Nigel Rees added, “The GGF will continue to lobby Ministers and work with Government officials for changes to Green Deal and ECO. We’ve clearly and consistently marked out where the problems lie with the scheme and offered some solutions to make it work for our industry.”
The full consultation response can be found here:
