Are they really keen on green?

Evidence that reveals construction firms to be backing away from green skills investment (27 April, page 15) is a worrying reflection of the industry’s lack of confidence in the government’s green policy.

To redress this balance, we need clarity on precisely how the assessors, providers and installers will work together to deliver the Green Deal. We also need consistency - the speed and scale of the cut to the feed-in tariff was so unsettling to the industry because it was inconsistent with the government’s rhetoric. A clear, consistent approach to the Green Deal, with clear launch dates, deadlines and targets will help restore some lost confidence.

Most of all, we need commitment. I believe that as a funding framework for energy efficiency programmes, the Green Deal has true potential. But to succeed, the government needs to convince people of its commitment to the scheme.

The Energy Bill Revolution campaign is a very real call to arms for the government to demonstrate this commitment by putting its money where its mouth is, and injecting carbon tax funds into the deal.

Neil Donald, managing director, SIG Energy Management