NIA applauds £3 billion green jobs plan to boost employment

The Green Homes Grant could have a huge impact on reducing emissions from existing homes while making homes more affordable to run

The National Insulation Association has welcomed the Chancellor’s summer economic statement which announced a £3 billion green jobs plan to boost employment while accelerating the transition to net zero by 2050.

According to the NIA, the £2 billion of funding for a Green Homes Grant scheme is a major boost for jobs which could have a huge impact on reducing emissions from existing homes while making homes more affordable to run.

A solid foundation of a customer care and technical competency is already established to support the scheme and credible, financially viable companies are ready to invest in new sustainable jobs to support its successful and impactful delivery. 

The NIA  believes it is vital that the interests of the consumer are put at the heart of the scheme from inception. Those in receipt of the grant should receive outstanding levels of customer service and the highest possible standard of quality installation, using accredited and guaranteed systems and products.

Getting the scheme design right and learning lessons from the past will maximise the number of sustainable jobs created, says the NIA, while benefiting customers and contributing to the longer-term challenge of bringing all homes up to EPC Band C by 2035.

The NIA looks forward to continuing to work with colleagues across industry and the Government over the coming weeks to develop a successful scheme that improves the energy efficiency of homes across the country.

Derek Horrocks, Chairman of the National Insulation Association, said: “The NIA has been active in encouraging a Home Upgrade Grant scheme such as this in recent months. As we recover from the crisis and accelerate the low carbon transition, improving the quality of our homes will have wide-reaching benefits, but it is essential that the scheme firmly locks in quality rather than just quantity. Industry is ready and willing to ensure that both are delivered at the same time.”