Industry Today - Are you into it?
New Users - Register click here
To prepare for the Green Deal UKAS is working with selected certification bodies, including BM TRADA Certification, to develop the requirements for Green Deal standards for window and door installation.
Posted via Industry Today. Are you into it? Follow us on Twitter @IndustryToday
BM TRADA Certification has been selected to be part of a UKAS pilot programme to determine the requirements certification bodies will have to meet to become accredited to certify installers to eventual Green Deal scheme requirements. The Green Deal is a government initiative to make existing buildings more energy-efficient and will cover both domestic and commercial buildings. BM TRADA is seeking accreditation to certify installers of energy-efficient windows and doors,
As Product Certification Manager Simon Beer explained, 'This is an important achievement for BM TRADA. The pilot programme, which will cover a number of different Green Deal measures, was only open to a limited number of certification bodies and we had to demonstrate to UKAS that we had schemes and processes in place that could be translated into realistic Green Deal requirements.'
Within its application to UKAS, BM TRADA included the procedures for its Q-Mark Survey and Installation and Competent Persons Schemes. Mr Beer added, 'although the requirements of the Green Deal have yet to be finalised, these two schemes collectively contain many of the elements we believe are likely to be required.'
BM TRADA has been working closely with the Double Glazing and Conservatory Ombudsman Scheme (DGCOS), its strategic partner in the Competent Persons Scheme, to run joint seminars explaining the principles behind the Green Deal and the potential impact on installers. 'As a result, a number of companies have already expressed a commitment to undertaking a certification process with us. These companies have signed up with us now, not only because they will be able to gain immediate benefits from our Survey and Installation and Competent Persons Schemes, but also in readiness to be part of the UKAS pilot scheme.'
And Mr Beer warned, 'The timescales for this are very short, as the Green Deal is expected to go live in October 2012. We have taken a proactive stance and through mailings and seminars have already been providing installers with timely and relevant information to enable them to be prepared. The government is putting major efforts into this initiative and we believe that if it rolls out as intended, there could be few opportunities to sell replacement windows and doors outside the Green Deal.'
Because of UKAS' involvement, Mr Beer anticipates that the requirements are likely to be strict, with no concessions. 'All installers will need to have their processes vetted both at head office and for installations. Given the number of installers that are likely to want to be involved from the outset, this will be no small task for the certification bodies. It would be wise for installers to weigh up the implications and consider starting the process now, with one of the certification bodies on the pilot programme, even though they may have to modify procedures to meet the emerging requirements.'
Contact Information
Jean Kloos
BM TRADA Group
Stocking Lane
Hughenden Valley
High Wycombe
Bucks
HP14 4ND
BACK TO TOP