New national body launched for Green Deal expertise
8th May 2012

A new not-for-profit organisation, the Energy Efficiency Partnership for Buildings (www.eepb.org.uk) has been launched to create the largest network of potential Green Deal providers, financiers, product and service suppliers in a hub of expertise to represent industry’s views on the practical implementation of Green Deal, ECO and wider energy efficiency opportunities in the UK.

The Energy Efficiency Partnership for Buildings (EEPB) has received the backing of a significant group of founding members, including npower, Strutt & Parker, Centrica, Kingfisher, Enact and Knauf Insulation.

It is a major relaunch for what was formerly the Energy Efficiency Partnership for Homes, an influential network set up in 1999 which brings together more than 1,300 individuals from 760 organisations in voluntary cooperation across all parts of the energy efficiency supply chain.

The EEPB has become a wholly owned subsidiary of the National Energy Foundation, linking it with one of the longest established bodies of energy efficiency expertise in the UK. The National Energy Foundation (www.nef.org.uk) is an independent educational charity based in Milton Keynes which focuses on reducing the use of energy in buildings.

Dr David Strong, chairman of the EEPB, said:

“The creation of the EEPB comes at a very significant time. Organisations across all parts of industry, all parts of the product and delivery sectors, and all parts of the private and public sector are seeking to collaborate and find answers to how we make the most of the new energy efficiency policies coming through from Government.  Similarly, a broad group of Government departments will benefit from the expertise our members can offer.

“Our priority working groups will be looking at how we overcome market barriers and unlock opportunities from Green Deal and ECO, especially for SMEs. We will be organising a lot of constructive dialogue and interaction with policy makers to develop practical solutions to all the current issues of concern.”

The EEPB has already been asked by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) to continue facilitating and coordinating the four Green Deal advisory forums. It will also be helping to advise DECC on the implementation of the Government’s Microgeneration Strategy.

John Walker, chairman of the National Energy Foundation, said:

“The National Energy Foundation is delighted to welcome the EEPB into the group, as it complements perfectly the work that we have pursued for more than 20 years in reducing the use of energy in buildings. The focus of the EEPB in the coming year on effective implementation of the Green Deal also dovetails with several of our high profile programmes such as SuperHomes and Unlocking the Green Deal, and our work with Green Deal providers.  The previous partnership for homes has been given significant support from the Energy Saving Trust for many years, and I am grateful for their help in ensuring a swift transition to the Foundation in time to start the substantial programme of work ahead.”

Michael Verity, Equity Partner at Strutt & Parker, said:

"Improving the energy efficiency of buildings is one of the most important tasks facing property owners and occupiers. Most of the jigsaw pieces are available but putting them together is the major challenge. I'm delighted to be part of EEPB which will have a vital role in delivery and pulling all parts together."

Steven Heath, External Affairs Director for Knauf Insulation, said:

“Knauf Insulation is very happy to become a founding member of the Energy Efficiency Partnership for Buildings. The Partnership will be a key actor in ensuring the Government’s proposed changes to energy efficiency programme delivery offer best value. Its timing has special relevance as the Green Deal, Government’s primary energy efficiency delivery mechanism, will no doubt throw up as many complexities in its delivery as in its conception. This is especially true of the nascent non-domestic sector. The Energy Efficiency Partnership for Buildings will be well placed to identify these complexities, offer solutions and act as a conduit for concerns between the energy efficiency supply chain and Government.”

David Titterton, Domestic & Obligations Director at npower energy services, said:

“RWE npower is backing the Energy Efficiency Partnership for Buildings because it provides access to a network of real value.  As one of the UK’s biggest renewable energy developers and operators, we aim to have a positive impact within the community and the energy sector. I believe the Partnership will be instrumental in making sure we all make the most of the opportunities available through Government’s new energy efficiency policies.”