Residents fail to trust tradesmen for energy-saving advice (From Your Local Guardian)

Residents fail to trust tradesmen for energy-saving advice

7:10am Saturday 13th June 2009 in

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A poll of 2,362 people from across the UK found just 14 per cent of south east residents would trust the advice of the tradesperson already doing work in their house, if they offered to install energy efficiency measures.

Philip Sellwood, chief executive of the Energy Saving Trust, said: “If the national target of an 80 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions by 2050 is to be met it is vital we tackle the lack of energy efficiency in our existing housing stock. We simply must act now.

“Latest figures show that £24bn is spent on repair, maintenance and improvement works on the UK housing stock and some of this work represents a missed opportunity to make green improvements for south east residents.

He said real cost savings - in terms of labour and minimising disruption - are on offer to householders who employ tradespeople to install energy-efficiency measures when they are in doing other work.

“We need new training schemes and quality marks for the housing sector to help householders identify skilled tradespeople with the expertise to make green improvements,” he added.

If you are a householder who needs more information on how you can implement some home improvements contact EST on 0800 512012 or visit energysavingtrust.org.uk

• Find out about more local green groups at greenguardian.co.uk