New green energy guide for business launched by Trading Standards

The UK Government has committed to a net carbon zero by 2050. As part of their drive to meeting this crucial goal, the government wants to see the creation of 240,000 ‘green’ jobs and have announced £3.9bn in funding for heat decarbonisation and energy efficiency initiatives under the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme.

As the UK heads towards the net-zero goal, housing stock across the country will need to be re-energised to meet these targets and reduce the reliance on fossil fuels.

With nearly £4bn funding available, the next few years are likely to see the home renewable energy sector boom, due to the significant opportunities for businesses that install clean energy technologies.

However, the scale of the work needing to be carried out presents some challenges, both to existing businesses and new entrants to the sector.  It is a complex and rapidly growing sector, and some traders may be unsure of the legal requirements to which they must adhere. This could cause issues for themselves and their customers, while damaging efforts to protect the environment.

With this in mind, Business Companion has published a new, free information guide for green energy installation businesses detailing the steps they must take to follow the law while protecting their customers. The resource is designed to help businesses raise the quality of their work, which ultimately improves outcomes for consumers and the environment.

The guide, produced by trading standards experts in partnership with the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), includes an overview of the main energy technologies available in the UK and potential issues surrounding their installation. Covering a series of essential topics for green energy installers, the guidance also includes details about microgeneration accreditation schemes and how to get a consumer code certificate. In addition, there is information about the financial incentive schemes available to UK households. All the different aspects of relevant consumer law are broken down, while excellent practical advice from experts in the fields is also included.

Created by experts and endorsed by the UK Government, the resource also consists of useful and simple infographics, checklists, a podcast and a video trailer. All highly useful for busy traders who are looking for accurate, digestible information all in one place.  With the help of the guide, established businesses and new entrants into the sector will be able to follow the law while ensuring their customers get the best service.

Adrian Simpson, Independent Consultant and former CTSI Lead Officer for Renewable Energy and Home Improvements, said:

“The road to Net Zero is not a fad, it’s here to stay and will form an important part of our lives until 2050 and beyond. A carbon-free future requires competent, reliable and highly skilled tradespeople. It’s been a privilege to put this guide together, which we hope will attract a new generation of reputable installers.”

To read the guidance and watch a video on the subject, click here.

Business Companion is a free online resource operated by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) with the support of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS). It hosts a wealth of information for businesses across a wide variety of sectors, providing accurate, reliable and up-to-date guidance on numerous aspects of consumer law.  

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