A new not-for-profit organisation, the Energy Efficiency Partnership for Buildings, is launching this week to create the largest network of potential Green Deal providers, financiers, product and service suppliers in a hub of expertise to represent industry's views on the practical implementation of Green Deal, ECO and wider energy efficiency opportunities in the UK.
The Energy Efficiency Partnership for Buildings (EEPB) has received the backing of a group of founding members including npower, Strutt & Parker, Centrica, Kingfisher, Enact and Knauf Insulation.

It is a relaunch for what was formerly the Energy Efficiency Partnership for Homes, a network set up in 1999 which brings together more than 1,300 individuals from 760 organisations in voluntary cooperation across all parts of the energy efficiency supply chain.

On 1 April 2012, the new EEPB also became a wholly owned subsidiary of the National Energy Foundation, linking it with one of the longest established bodies of energy efficiency expertise in the UK. The National Energy Foundation is an independent educational charity based in Milton Keynes which focuses on reducing the use of energy in buildings.

Dr David Strong, chairman of the EEPB, said: 'The creation of the EEPB comes at a very significant time. Organisations across all parts of industry, all parts of the product and delivery sectors, and all parts of the private and public sector are seeking to collaborate and find answers to how we make the most of the new energy efficiency policies coming through from Government. Similarly, a broad group of Government departments will benefit from the expertise our members can offer.

'Our priority working groups will be looking at how we overcome market barriers and unlock opportunities from Green Deal and ECO, especially for SMEs. We will be organising a lot of constructive dialogue and interaction with policy makers to develop practical solutions to all the current issues of concern.'

The EEPB has already been asked by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) to continue facilitating and coordinating the four Green Deal advisory forums. It will also be helping to advise DECC on the implementation of the Government's Microgeneration Strategy.

John Walker, chairman of the National Energy Foundation, said: 'The National Energy Foundation is delighted to welcome the EEPB into the group, as it complements perfectly the work that we have pursued for more than 20 years in reducing the use of energy in buildings.

'The focus of the EEPB in the coming year on effective implementation of the Green Deal also dovetails with several of our high profile programmes such as SuperHomes and Unlocking the Green Deal, and our work with Green Deal providers.

'The previous partnership for homes has been given significant support from the Energy Saving Trust for many years, and I am grateful for their help in ensuring a swift transition to the Foundation in time to start the substantial programme of work ahead.'