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.

More than half of UK homeowners are interested in installing double glazing according to the research, with that number predicted to rise under the Green Deal.


The survey of over 2,000 UK adults revealed that 22% of householders have purchased double glazing in the last 12 months – with 52% saying they are considering doing so.


The EST'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%), followed by insulation (21%) and an energy monitor (14%).


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% do), while those in London are least likely (49%).


 EST predicts that 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 a finance mechanism which lets people pay for energy-efficiency improvements through savings on their energy bills.


 EST is an independent, UKAS-accredited organisation which can provide Green Deal Installer certification at a fixed price.


All installers approved by the Energy Saving Trust are given a free listing on the organisation’s website, and are licensed to use the EST 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, EST certification manager, 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."


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.


Installers interested in working with the EST should visit the website at http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/Organisations/Business-services/Green-Deal-certification or contact greendealcert@est.org.uk