Measures being trialled include subsidised loft clearances and incentives for residents

Energy saving measures to encourage homeowners and landlords to retrofit their houses are to be trialled ahead of the government’s Green Deal programme.

The measures being trialled by businesses and local authorities are outlined in a report from the government’s behavioural insights team – with evaluation of the trials being carried out before the national roll out of the Green Deal.

Some of the trials outlined in the report include:

  • A subsidised loft clearance service which decreases house-owners workload to make efficiency improvements relating to insulation.
  • A randomised controlled trial to investigate the effect of behavioural feedback on consumer energy use.
  • A trial testing the impact of offering rewards to residents for purchasing energy efficiency measures.

High street names – including Homebase and B&Q – will team up with local authorities on some of the trials.

Energy secretary Chris Huhne said: “The Green Deal’s going to be a real hit and will be a fantastic way for people to upgrade their draughty and energy-wasting homes.

“It’s great that high street names are getting involved at this early stage to road-test these exciting ideas about how to make it easier for people to take up the Green Deal and insulate their homes from rising energy prices.”

The Green Deal ensures houseowners can invest in energy efficiency improvements at no upfront cost with improvements being repaid through anticipated savings on energy bills.

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