BSI has revealed in a survey this week (25 June) that only a fifth of homeowners plan to participate in the Green Deal due to come into effect this autumn. http://bit.ly/LCa3qS.

Responding to this, Vince Matthews, head of marketing at SIG Energy Management, said: "The news from the BSI that only one in five homeowners are set to participate in the Green Deal raises two key questions: why there is such a lack of interest in the Government's 'flagship' green policy, and whose job it is to rectify this problem?"

He argued that while the Government has been criticised for its "apparent lack of preparedness" for the Green Deal, industry must also step up to help generate interest and consumer buy-in for the scheme. "The onus for creating demand and desire is on us just as much as it is the Government. The industry needs to offer support and guidance, show we understand the customer journey and have the requisite skills to provide trustworthy advice and an integrated service from start to finish. Only by doing this will homeowners have the understanding and desire to get behind the Green Deal."

Mr Matthews also said that he believed a major barrier for uptake of the scheme is the 'hassle factor' and the fear of disruption associated with having improvement works carried out. "We, the industry, need to educate consumers - whether they be private homeowners or social landlords - that most providers are eager to make the Green Deal work, and will go the extra mile to ensure a customer's project goes smoothly."

He outlined ways in which installers can minimise disruption caused by improvement works, including offering advice on preparation for installations or providing removals services as part of the installation package. "Ultimately, however, we also need to communicate to consumers that the benefits of increased comfort and reduced energy bills far outweigh any perceived hassle," he added.

BSI is running a half-day seminar in Milton Keynes entitled the Green Deal Event on 26 September. For more information and to register click here http://bit.ly/Lid8Yz