One in 10 Green Deal companies have had their certifications revoked due to non-compliance of the Green Deal Code of Practice, the Department for Energy & Climate Change (DECC) has revealed.

Responding to a written question posed by a member of the public, Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Climate Change Amber Rudd stated that "around 10% of Green Deal assessor organisations and 12% of Green Deal installers have had their authorisations as a Green Deal participant removed for non-compliance issues against the Green Deal Code of Practice".


Ms Rudd confirmed that no Green Deal providers have had their authorisation removed.


Following the announcement, Greenworks Training Academy is encouraging industry to invest in quality training, backed up by manufacturer and distributor support, which it says is key to restoring consumer confidence in the Green Deal.


Marcus Jefford, from Greenworks Training Academy said: “Consumer confidence in initiatives like the Green Deal isn’t just important to keep the schemes alive, it’s about the public’s perception of renewable and energy-efficient technology in general. Until homeowners perceive the benefits and trust that it will make a difference to their bills the industry will struggle to make real traction. This is why it is so important to stamp out substandard Green Deal installations and assessments.


“Unfortunately, there will always be cowboys in the building industry. However, the right training should show installers not just how to save the customer money, but how they can make a healthy business out of it too, evidencing that there is no need to cut corners.”


Another important way to help installers provide a quality and trusted service is to work closely with reputable manufacturers and distributors, Mr Jefford said.


“The support you can receive from them can be invaluable in informing customers about the benefits, as well as ensuring you are getting the best deal too,” he explained.


“We must work together to ensure that we have the right product, training and knowledge necessary to improve consumer’s trust in the industry. Without this it will be very difficult to make a significant difference to the energy consumption of UK homes.”