A warning against 'fly by night' firms that form part of the UK's £112 billion low carbon economy has come from energy efficiency technology supplier Sabien Technology.
'There is bound to be a lot of interest in the sector for companies hoping to turn a fast buck,' said Sabien chief executive Alan O'Brien. 'Across the industry we're encountering examples of firms with no discernible track record pushing inferior technology,' he added.
The company cites examples of start-up companies offering low quality, re-packaged technologies claiming unproven and unrealistic savings and using aggressive sales tactics. It also points out that a recent Which? report revealed that eight out of 10 new solar panel suppliers coming to the 'green tech' market were making claims that could not be substantiated.
As a result, Sabien predicts, we could soon see a tightening of legislation to prevent mis-selling.
'We are now beginning to see the resurgence of old primitive prospecting techniques of exceptionally aggressive sales people across all technology sub-sectors, cold calling businesses and government departments and claiming savings figures which are not proven or achievable,' O'Brien warned. 'Suppliers need to be properly accredited and qualified, marketing and installing proven technology - within the commercial energy efficiency sector we are seeing outdated technology being repackaged to resemble the latest cutting technologies,' he added.
One of the most common deceptions is claimed savings figures which are not proven or achievable: 'All too often we're finding that any savings achieved are at the detriment of the plant, building and ultimately the comfort levels impact the occupants. Likewise, sub-standard project management and installations which are the unfortunate hallmark of so many inferior firms looking to make a fast buck inevitably result in additional costs incurred by the client to remedy,' he concluded.