The Department for Climate Change (DECC) has confirmed that secondary legislation designed to deliver the Green Deal may not now be laid before parliament until just before the summer recess, rather than the previously proposed “early 2012″. Will the October 2012 launch now also be delayed?
Even if the launch goes ahead, it looks likely that the introduction will be phased with the Green Deal going ahead as planned for domestic properties, but delayed for non-domestic buildings, although the business launch will apparently be not far behind.
This is a concern for businesses (in a time of double-figure price rises for energy), who will now have to wait longer before investing in energy-saving improvements at no up-front cost. However, property lobbyists have been arguing for a phased introduction, to allow for better clarification of the plans for business properties and many will welcome the proposed phasing. Commercial properties involve additional complexities which need to be addressed, such as obtaining consent to carry out improvements.
The Green Deal is a real step forward for energy efficiency and will be a job creator. The government hopes to see 14 million homes insulated by 2020 and it is estimated that 2.8 million businesses will also benefit. It is a worthwhile scheme and it is worth getting it right.
