The Tyndall Centre's VERD project has issued an interesting report to coincide with the official launch of the Green Deal. Essentially the report reiterates what may of us know already - energy efficiency is seldom the primary motivating factor in home refurbishment (when was cavity wall insulation ever sexy?). Specific events, such as the need for a boiler replacement, or major life-stage changes, such as building an extension, prove to be the trigger for associated energy efficiency improvements in many cases. George Chrissochoidis, a co-leader of the project, said "Decisions to renovate are rooted in the need to improve the quality of life at home, rather than any burning desire to be energy efficient".
This doesn't mean that home renovators won't take up Green Deal offers as part of their improvement package but it does rather fire a shot across the bows of Green Deal providers. They are either going to have to be seen as trusted contractors for multi-faceted projects that include Green Deal elements or they are going to have to dovetail (as subbies?) with renovation contractors. Reputation will be all.
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