Green Deal could create jobs boost across the Marches
Thousands of jobs could be created and supported across the Marches through the Green Deal energy efficiency programme which is a 'prize worth going for', delegates at an event in Shropshire heard.
The Green Deal, which will see property owners able to install energy efficient measures without paying an upfront cost, will also benefit the region's supply chain economy as well as improve housing stock and the health of the community, the Marches Environmental Technologies Conference was told.
The Green Deal is a Government funding mechanism will allows householders and businesses make energy saving upgrades to their properties such as renewable energy boiler installations, double glazing, insulation and heating controls. The work will be paid for over a payback period with the charge added to the property's energy bills.
Mark Pembleton, of Shropshire Council's economic development team, told the metnet conference that there was opportunities for businesses in Herefordshire, Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin with the Marches LEP working on a response to how the Green Deal could be rolled out in the region.
Plumbers, electricians, gas installers and other trades had been invited to attend the metnet conference to hear a briefing on how they could become involved in the Green Deal.
Mr Pembleton said: “We believe that the Green Deal is not just about supply chain, jobs, training and skills but about people's health, better planning and improving housing stock.
“There are some challenges, we have 16 small market towns in Shropshire and one size does not fit all. There are lots of housing in the private sector in rural areas which are old and draughty, and many which are off the gas grid.
“But there are opportunities, there could be 10,000 jobs potentially from the Green Deal, that's a lot of jobs in Shropshire, Herefordshire and Telford and that's a prize worth going for. There could be up to 100,000 homes which could benefit. We have some fantastic small companies who are already doing this type of work, they will start to employ more people. In the Marches, there are a lot companies which could diversify into other markets.”
The conference also heard how the Green Deal would be delivered in Birmingham, in a partnership between Birmingham City Council and Carillion Energy Services, based on a model which could be rolled out to other local authority areas.
Project manager at metnet, Patricia Head, said: “We were delighted to welcome so many delegates to our annual conference where we were able to offer real guidance and advice on how companies could become involved in the Green Deal, but also update them on waste sector legislation and how they could access assistance through the GrowthAccelerator programme.
“The Green Deal will not only have an important environmental impact, but it should also encourage growth in the environmental sector with business opportunities particularly for tradespeople like plumbers, electricians, heating engineers and companies offering environmental consultancy, renewables, energy efficiency lighting and insulation.”
Delegates also heard from guest speaker futurologist Robin Mannings as well as taking part in an interactive presentation from networking guru and business coach, Kevin Parr.
Funded by the ERDF, metnet is a partnership between Herefordshire Council, Shropshire Council, Telford and Wrekin Council and Worcestershire County Council administered by Shropshire Council.
