EACH HOME COUNTS

CWP welcomed the December 2016 publication of Each Home Counts (aka the Bonfield Review) and were pleased to see that the main goal of the review is the urgent need to strengthen consumer trust and confidence in the energy efficiency and renewable energy sectors, its products, services and companies.

The review’s key recommendation was the establishment of a new ‘quality mark’ for energy efficiency and renewable energy measures, underpinned by a robust framework of standards. The quality mark will require companies operating in the sector to adhere to a consumer charter, a code of conduct and codes of practice. Companies will also have to demonstrate their technical competence, quality performance and customer interfacing skills.

The review predicts that the uptake of the ‘quality mark’ will drive investment from big investors who are ”waiting in the wings” for a new quality framework to help them better manage risk. The review is clear on this, there will be no race to the bottom, and organisations with the quality mark will not be allowed to lose work to less conscientious competitors who are able to offer cheaper prices because of inferior work or less rigorous quality assurance.

If the timetable set out within the review is followed then the new quality mark could be implemented within the year and energy efficiency and renewable energy companies will do well to start planning for the new quality regime as soon as possible.

We will be keeping a watching brief on the development and implementation of the new quality mark. Our extensive experience in the field of renewable energy and sustainability related quality assurance, standards and certification, mean we are well placed to understand this process and also to advise energy efficiency and renewable energy companies seeking to adapt to the new quality framework and grow their business as a result.

Read more about our Standards & Certification Services here.
See our consultant credentials here.
Read the Each Home Counts review here.