The Green Deal needs more than just cash backing, the UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) has warned.
While welcoming news announced by the Department of Energy and Climate Change of a £125 million cash-back offer to stimulate Green Deal demand, the UKGBC said longer-term measures need to be put in place to ensure the ultimate success of the scheme.
The incentive will be available to householders in England and Wales from January 2013, but risks creating a bubble of initial demand that cannot be sustained.
A further £40 million has been made available for local initiatives to boost energy efficiency and reduce fuel poverty.
Paul King, CEO of the UK Green Building Council commented: 'We welcome the Government's announcements today, which will be helpful in raising the profile and demand for energy efficiency at a time when escalating energy prices are at the front of people's minds. The cash-back scheme will play a vital role in getting the Green Deal moving.
'But ultimately, if we are to reach 14 million leaky homes and transform attitudes to energy efficiency in the housing market we will need structural incentives. That's why we're working with our members and the wider industry to put forward proposals on ways that Government can drive the market for home retrofit, without costing the earth. We need to see a clear commitment to this kind of longer-term strategy in the next Budget.'
