It seems beyond comprehension that around one fifth of MPs in the House of Commons are not familiar with Green Deal – the government’s major energy saving initiative. How many members of the Lords are ill informed too?
What’s more, it is said that only 49% MPs will promote uptake of the Green Deal in constituencies and just 30% understand its funding structure
So David Cameron’s efforts to save the Green Deal will be crucial according to the Green Deal Dialogue Group. Research was conducted by Dods on behalf of group members VELUX, Land Securities and the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF).
The results reveal a lack of familiarity among MPs with the Government’s flagship green policy. Only 59% said they understood the concept behind the Green Deal while 21% admitted they did not.
This figure increased to 35% for those MPs that did not know how the scheme would be paid for with only 30% saying they had grasped its funding structure.
Unemployment and rising energy bills were deemed by MPs to be of greatest concern to their constituents and the majority of those surveyed believe that the Green Deal has the potential to generate jobs and cut homeowner energy bills.
Two thirds (66%) said the scheme is likely to boost local business opportunities, 52% said it will create jobs and training opportunities for the unemployed and 38% said it will help regenerate areas and communities. Although 59% believe the Green Deal will help homeowners save money, only 40% said it will do the same for businesses, highlighting the need for more work to be done to promote the scheme’s use for commercial buildings.
The Green Deal Dialogue Group findings follow in the footsteps of research conducted by the Government that suggests scheme take up will be low, with popular energy efficiency measures such as loft and cavity wall insulation falling instead of increasing when it launches and replaces existing schemes.
Amongst the comments on this research, Nigel Rees, GGF chief executive, says; 
“The outcome of this poll must be very disconcerting for the Government. While the Green Deal continues to become more complex, the level of understanding will not improve.
If MPs cannot understand the scheme, then how can we expect homeowners to understand it? Furthermore, the complexities will mean the Federation, its members and businesses throughout the construction industry will find it a very difficult scheme to promote and support.
“The Green Deal must be easy to understand with visible benefits for all concerned.”
More information: www.ggf.org.uk