THE Government is taking the right approach by asking Green Deal assessors and installers to work to defined standards, according to the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).

Responding to the publication of new Green Deal details, the FMB said a guarantee that Green Deal work would be done to a high standard was the only way to ensure the safety of consumers and deliver the necessary energy savings.

The FMB believes the Green Deal is not only an opportunity to make major carbon savings from Britain's building stock but that it is also a chance to make further progress on driving up standards in the building industry.

As part of the process the FMB is working with the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) with the intention of becoming a Competent Person Scheme operator and will also be exploring opportunities to help construction SMEs gain access to the Green Deal market.

Brian Berry, FMB director of external affairs, said: "Shoddy installations have the potential to endanger lives and this must be avoided at all costs.

“Equally, consumers have to be confident they are getting a good deal when they sign up, which is why each package of improvement measures has to deliver the expected energy savings.

“Good products and the correct installation are all part of this but the consumer may still be put off by the cost of more expensive measures or the length of time it takes to pay back the Green Deal provider, especially as the cost of guaranteeing the work is, ultimately, passed on."

He added: "The Government has acknowledged there will be a cost attached to the accreditation process for businesses that want to help deliver the Green Deal but in order for businesses to invest, they need some confidence in the size of the market.

“For a start, the Government should explicitly link its energy-efficiency plan to its overarching strategy for cutting emissions by 80% by 2050. This could be done using the Energy Bill, which is currently being debated by MPs.

“While ministers should not lose sight of consumer protection issues, they must also start to focus on additional incentives that will make the Green Deal as attractive as possible so that it can get up and running successfully from day one.”