Huhne says Green Deal is a massive economic opportunity

Liberal Democrat Energy and Climate Change Secretary, Chris Huhne announced today that by 2015 up to 100,000 Green Deal workers could be employed in the effort to upgrade and insulate Britain's homes. The Green Deal, a Liberal Democrat manifesto commitment, is the Government's new and radical way of making energy efficiency available to all, whether people own or rent their property.

Commenting, Chris Huhne said:

"I want Britain to say goodbye forever to leaky lofts and chilly draughts. At a time of increasing gas prices energy efficiency is a no-brainer.

"It's also a massive economic and job opportunity which could help Britain's economy turn the corner. With up to 100,000 green jobs up for grabs over the next five years, and even more in the long term, this is about growing our economy in a way that's good for jobs, the environment and energy security."

The Green Deal, which is expected to be available from Autumn 2012, will be open to homes and businesses and will involve a 3-step process:

Step 1 - An independent energy survey of the property, giving clear advice on the best energy efficiency options.

Step 2 - Green Deal finance to be provided by a range of accredited providers, which will be repaid through savings on energy bills.

Step 3 - Homes and businesses will then receive their energy efficiency package. Only accredited measures will be installed by appropriately-qualified installers, overseen by Government, giving consumers confidence that the deal they are getting is high-quality and will save them money.

As a result of changes announced by Chris Huhne in June 2010, 3.5 million more homes are likely to be insulated by 2012. This is a substantial increase on the two million measures installed from 2008 - 2010 and will help grow the market in the build up to the Green Deal.

It is estimated that there are 14 million insulation measures like loft, cavity and solid wall to be carried out in Britain's homes.

Were all 26 million households to take up the Green Deal over the next 20 years, employment in the sector would rise from its current level of 27,000 to something approaching 250,000.