INDUSTRYNEWS
LITTLE FOR GLAZING IN GREEN GRANT SCHEME
» THE GOVERNMENT HAS
released more details of the
Green Homes Grant Scheme
almost one month after
it was announced by the
Chancellor. The announcement
adversely affected many home
improvement companies
as consumers cancelled or
postponed orders until the
launch of the scheme, which
is set for September and will
be available in England only,
with an estimated 600k homes
benefiting.
In the detail, the glazing
element is relatively low priority
with only those upgrading from
single glazing to double or triple
glazing or if installing secondary
glazing, being able to claim
funding under the scheme.
The scheme also covers
upgrading to energy efficient
doors but at present there is no
detail as to what this means and
which products will be eligible.
The amount of Government
assistance for glazing cannot be
more than the value of the initial
measures which will need to be
completed first and which are
different types of insulation and /
or low carbon heating.
The biggest glazing challenge
for homes is to have modern
energy efficient windows - those
that are C rated or above. There
are currently tens of millions of
double glazed windows in the UK
that have been installed pre-2002
that need replacing because they
are inefficient. The Green Homes
Grant Scheme does not tackle this
issue. Instead it leans towards, loft
insulation, cavity wall insulation
and cheaper, easier options.
The other reality in the
scheme’s details is that it is very
limited in terms of suppliers.
Only installers who are accredited
to PAS2030 will be allowed to
carry out work under the scheme.
It is estimated that of the 15,000
window and door installers in the
UK, less than 5% (under 500) are
PAS2030 registered. FENSA can
accredit installers to PAS2030,
and the GGF recommends all
glazing home improvement
companies who wish to qualify
for work under the Green Homes
Grant Scheme, register with
FENSA who will support GGF
members with any additional
assessment requirements.
www.ggf.org.uk
CLEARVIEW-UK.COM » SEP 2020 » 19