Tue, 19 Dec 2023 07:37:16 +0000 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/ Lussumo Vanilla 1.0.3 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12649&Focus=210648#Comment_210648 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12649&Focus=210648#Comment_210648 Tue, 07 Oct 2014 13:06:44 +0100 Triassic
The Government will offer an extra £100m in subsidies for those who want to insulate their property or make other improvements that will improve energy efficiency and reduce their bills, the energy secretary has announced.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/energy-bills/11145427/Green-Deal-7000-home-improvement-scheme-could-make-a-comeback.html]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12649&Focus=210652#Comment_210652 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12649&Focus=210652#Comment_210652 Tue, 07 Oct 2014 13:38:11 +0100 Triassic
An advert for the government’s “green deal” misled householders by implying that energy savings were guaranteed under the scheme, the advertising watchdog has ruled.

The television ad and an advertorial in the national press also failed to make it clear that consumers could be charged an assessment fee, and the Department of Energy and Climate Change (Decc) did not provide sufficient evidence to prove that average property prices increased by 14% – and 38% in some areas – under the initiative, the Advertising Standards Authority said.]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12649&Focus=210653#Comment_210653 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12649&Focus=210653#Comment_210653 Tue, 07 Oct 2014 13:44:58 +0100 gravelld
In reality, the scheme can only be used for a subset of measures anyway. There are a number of caveats not generally mentioned:

- You must choose exactly two measures. Just one measure required? Nah, sorry!
- Replacement external doors - you have to have at least two! Just one need doing? Tough!
- CWI. Just got a couple of walls to do? If you have less than 50% of the surface area it won't be funded
- Secondary glazing - only over single glazing!

All this suggests government are simply not interested in carbon reduction, at least as it pertains to domestic properties.]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12649&Focus=210656#Comment_210656 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12649&Focus=210656#Comment_210656 Tue, 07 Oct 2014 13:51:59 +0100 SteamyTea Are they still penalising early payment?

Have they renegotiated with the Green Investment Bank?]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12649&Focus=210657#Comment_210657 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12649&Focus=210657#Comment_210657 Tue, 07 Oct 2014 13:52:26 +0100 Triassic http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12649&Focus=210658#Comment_210658 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12649&Focus=210658#Comment_210658 Tue, 07 Oct 2014 13:58:59 +0100 gravelld Posted By: TriassicMaybe the Government should have restart the scheme selling rolls of loft insulation for £1. The insulation can't be used for much else and you don't have to have an assessment to buy it and most people are capable of fitting it.

It's telling how the rate of increase of insulation measures has slowed since CERT was replaced with ECO (https://energyprofessional.wordpress.com/2014/07/31/dukes-energy-efficiency/ ) a similarly complex "scheme".

Supply side subsidies, while they are open to a bit of abuse, are preferably imo. But the main "abuse" depends on what your goal is: if it's carbon reduction, then who cares if someone wants a metre of rockwool in their loft?]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12649&Focus=213025#Comment_213025 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12649&Focus=213025#Comment_213025 Wed, 12 Nov 2014 11:20:28 +0000 Peter Clark On one occasion (having pressed 2) I managed to get the person on the phone to acknowledge that she worked for British Gas - "but it is the green deal". On another occasion when I persisted in asking which company they worked for, the phone was put down.
Recently I pressed 2 (again) and got called back. I told the young woman that I wanted the calls to stop and that yes they could send a 'surveyor' to my house. She assured me that having pressed 2 there would be no more calls.

The 'surveyor' visited a few days later, and during the visit I got a call, and pressed 2 to get called back.
I asked the surveyor if the 'solar panels' were PV or thermal. he looked a bit confused, but quickly recovered and announced that he did not know technical details - "but I can find out for you".
I then asked about this loan... - "Oh, it is not a loan, not really". "Anyway" I said, "what is the APR", he got confused again and eventually said "it is about 6%, I think"!!
I did not agree to pay £270 and get a proper survey.

They did not call back, but I continue to get nuisance calls. So the situation is that that they will not speak to me, but they insist on continuing to plague me with unwanted phone calls.

I am signed up to the TPS and the online one.

I received the distinct impression that BG were very keen to sell me a boiler, but they did not particularly want me to have 'solar panels' - am I being paranoid?

Is this scandalous?

This company has been given the franchise in the North East for rolling out the UK government's domestic energy efficiency initiative. They sell gas for a business, how can they be expected to do a good job?

Well, thanks for listening, I feel marginally better. Must go, there is an automated phone call coming in ...

Peter]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12649&Focus=213034#Comment_213034 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12649&Focus=213034#Comment_213034 Wed, 12 Nov 2014 12:45:36 +0000 SteamyTea http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12649&Focus=213045#Comment_213045 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12649&Focus=213045#Comment_213045 Wed, 12 Nov 2014 14:17:58 +0000 adrian hollister http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12649&Focus=213090#Comment_213090 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12649&Focus=213090#Comment_213090 Wed, 12 Nov 2014 21:54:24 +0000 atomicbisf
For example replacing the boiler was estimated to save £55 a year for us.

So unless money is poured into the scheme in the form of top up grants, which is what is happening here and in some other areas, I think it's going to be a non starter.

Ed]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12649&Focus=213100#Comment_213100 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12649&Focus=213100#Comment_213100 Thu, 13 Nov 2014 06:48:51 +0000 SteamyTea You have two problems, same as me. Firstly you don't use much. Bet some of your neighbours use double what you do.
Secondly, energy prices are low at about 5% of household income.

Being a bit cynical, and I try not to be, was the Green Deal a bad attempt to get some housing out of fuel poverty.
By reducing the amount of fuel people use, it could be argued that they are no longer in fuel poverty, even though they pay the same. It is just split between loan and fuel now.]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12649&Focus=213101#Comment_213101 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12649&Focus=213101#Comment_213101 Thu, 13 Nov 2014 06:55:13 +0000 borpin Posted By: Peter ClarkThey did not call back, but I continue to get nuisance calls. So the situation is that that they will not speak to me, but they insist on continuing to plague me with unwanted phone calls.There is a consultation in process to increase the penalties and make it easier for the ICO to prosecute. Get on to your MP and ensure they support this when it comes to Parliament. You can also report these calls to the ICO. Takes time but may eventually result in them being 'fined'.]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12649&Focus=213144#Comment_213144 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12649&Focus=213144#Comment_213144 Thu, 13 Nov 2014 13:24:39 +0000 atomicbisf
I've looked up the average gas usage per meter in the area and it is about 13500 kWh/yeah. The housing is mainly two and three bedroom semi detached houses built for the council from the 1930s to 1950s. I would think a D rating. And house of 82 square metres would be fairly average.

So without extra money, which fortunately is on offer here, I don't think it's going to make much sense. The main exceptions I can think of are homes without mains gas or for the elderly/those in poor health who are at home most of the time and need higher temperatures.

Ed]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12649&Focus=213153#Comment_213153 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12649&Focus=213153#Comment_213153 Thu, 13 Nov 2014 16:07:25 +0000 DarylP
That was the original 'target audience', old solid-walled off gas properties...
Shame it didn't work out...

Cheers]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12649&Focus=213157#Comment_213157 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12649&Focus=213157#Comment_213157 Thu, 13 Nov 2014 18:02:54 +0000 atomicbisf Posted By: DarylPatomicbisf,

That was the original 'target audience', old solid-walled off gas properties...
Shame it didn't work out...http:///forum114/extensions/Vanillacons/smilies/standard/cry.gif" alt="" title="" >

Cheershttp:///forum114/extensions/Vanillacons/smilies/standard/smile.gif" alt="" title="" >

Fortunately Bath and North East Somerset council have got some ECO funding from the government to provide as a top up to the Green Deal - up to £7000 for wall insulation or £3000 for other upgrades. This should still make it worthwhile, but without I don't think it will work for most people.

Ed]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12649&Focus=214826#Comment_214826 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12649&Focus=214826#Comment_214826 Mon, 08 Dec 2014 09:58:26 +0000 joe90 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12649&Focus=214827#Comment_214827 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12649&Focus=214827#Comment_214827 Mon, 08 Dec 2014 10:34:57 +0000 gravelld https://www.gov.uk/government/news/green-deal-home-improvement-fund-details-announced

Just as Byzantine as before.]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12649&Focus=214840#Comment_214840 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12649&Focus=214840#Comment_214840 Mon, 08 Dec 2014 15:57:55 +0000 SteamyTea http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b04th9fl

They are so nice to him on Y&Ys, wish they would make him own up to the total failure in his department with regards to the GD and associated schemes.]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12649&Focus=214843#Comment_214843 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12649&Focus=214843#Comment_214843 Mon, 08 Dec 2014 16:13:00 +0000 gravelld ]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12649&Focus=214847#Comment_214847 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12649&Focus=214847#Comment_214847 Mon, 08 Dec 2014 16:27:53 +0000 SteamyTea http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12649&Focus=214876#Comment_214876 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12649&Focus=214876#Comment_214876 Tue, 09 Dec 2014 08:36:29 +0000 Seret Posted By: Peter Clark
(having pressed 2)

Recently I pressed 2 (again)

pressed 2 to get called back.


That' why they keep bothering you. Their system will be dialling numbers from a big list, if you respond it will log you as a "live one" and the value of your phone number will go up substantially. They'll then sell it on to others. Same principle as never replying to email spam.

TPS is pretty useless for these kind of folks, by all means report them but your best bet is to not respond.]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12649&Focus=214886#Comment_214886 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12649&Focus=214886#Comment_214886 Tue, 09 Dec 2014 10:48:22 +0000 joe90 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12649&Focus=214889#Comment_214889 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12649&Focus=214889#Comment_214889 Tue, 09 Dec 2014 11:16:48 +0000 atomicbisf Posted By: joe90Despite all the comments above, my new house is steel and concrete construction with zero insulation value and the render in bad condition. Surely its worth getting the 67% contribution towards insulation and decent render finish? Lots of houses on this estate had this work done last time around and tell me they are pleased with the result, their houses certainly look better for it. If nothing else it will make the house look better for selling in the future.

I think so, but you'll probably have to jump through a lot of hoops to get it. They are certainly making my boiler replacement a palaver under the Green Deal. Had an initial assessment which seemed pretty good and thorough, taking about three hours and the assessor seemed to know what he was doing rather than just ticking boxes.

Then I had what I was expecting to be a visit for a quote for the actual work, only for the provider to have to do the whole thing again (but not as well) as he said they couldn't use the original assessment as it was not compatible with their system. Another three hours or so. Not a good use of public money either as the initial assessment was normally £150 but was paid for by the council as we're in a CSCO area, which seemed to have been almost completely pointless.

Ed]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12649&Focus=214890#Comment_214890 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12649&Focus=214890#Comment_214890 Tue, 09 Dec 2014 11:22:35 +0000 Peter Clark Posted By: Seret
TPS is pretty useless for these kind of folks, by all means report them but your best bet is to not respond

Thanks, I had been doing that for months, and am again, but I tried a new tactic - thought other people might benefit from hearing about it.]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12649&Focus=214940#Comment_214940 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12649&Focus=214940#Comment_214940 Wed, 10 Dec 2014 08:14:29 +0000 PeterStarck http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12649&Focus=215251#Comment_215251 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12649&Focus=215251#Comment_215251 Sun, 14 Dec 2014 21:22:22 +0000 CWatters
Apparently of the £120M made available in June around £90M of the vouchers allocated haven't been used yet. The Times points out that these vouchers expire at the end of January.]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12649&Focus=215255#Comment_215255 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12649&Focus=215255#Comment_215255 Sun, 14 Dec 2014 22:27:51 +0000 RedDoor I hope to be able to post that we've had a completed installation in the next 5 weeks otherwise I'll be asking for help on contract law and the small claims court.]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12649&Focus=215264#Comment_215264 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12649&Focus=215264#Comment_215264 Mon, 15 Dec 2014 08:46:11 +0000 CWatters http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12649&Focus=215265#Comment_215265 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12649&Focus=215265#Comment_215265 Mon, 15 Dec 2014 09:09:49 +0000 Mike George http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12649&Focus=215274#Comment_215274 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12649&Focus=215274#Comment_215274 Mon, 15 Dec 2014 11:58:32 +0000 atomicbisf
Still, I guess it doesn't make any practical difference to us.


Ed]]>