Thank you all very much for your comments - over 200 to date from bankers, councils, DEAs, energy suppliers, estate agents, environmental lobby groups, insulation companies, trade associations and retailers. Extracts are given below:  

“Thanks for your emails, I agree with much of what you have had to say. You are sending a clear message to Government and indeed to all political parties that the time is now to act on transforming our homes for the future”. 

“I completely agree on the importance of getting the private sector – particularly lenders - actively engaged with energy efficiency delivery, including PAYS.   

“ The last few years don’t give me much reason for optimism about the role estate agents will play – the opportunity has been there, but they haven’t shown any appetite to get involved.  However if they do, I’ll be the first to cheer”. 

“It is incredibly frustrating that after so many meetings, discussions, presentations, roadmaps and customer journeys about how we turn the advice from EPC’s into action, little progress has been made and we seem no nearer putting in place a simple referral mechanism”. 

“You appear to be a “man on a mission”. This is a breath of fresh air to me as the vast majority of the industry players appear to have given up. Keep up the good work”. 

“You make a number of operational and management criticisms (about councils) with which I fundamentally agree.  I just wish more political leaders listened to us”. 

“Watching with interest, Nigel. I saw this coming as soon as I read the consultation. I'd hoped Council's wouldn't risk undermining both their own credibility and that of the HEA scheme itself, but I'm thinking their choices are forced through a combination of tough budget decisions and deadlines”  

“The solution (re HEAs) suggested makes perfect sense. Canvass by phone and/or paper advertising, book appointments and use advisers who know what they're talking about.” 

 “I agree. The home improvement agenda is not providing good value for taxpayers’ money. Let’s hope the next Government sorts it out”. 

“Fantastic stuff. I love it. Keep up the good work”. 

“We know the message is not getting across to consumers. Things have to change. Please keep me advised of developments” 

“I know that you have devoted a lot of time and energy to this project and the change of heart must be very frustrating”. 

 “I agree that action on EPC’s has to be a vital part of the package. Keep on keeping on!” 

“Nobody can say that you are not trying!” 

“We’re keen to see your work succeed. Please keep us advised”. 

“We agree it is a mammoth task to persuade owners of buildings to improve energy efficiency. Keep up the pressure!” 

“We need to expand the EPC market and encourage homes to be improved. Good luck in your endeavours.”  

“Thanks for this. Is there anything you want me to do?” 

“I am conscious that we have not yet met to go over ideas. Lets get together – there are some knotty (and nutty) issues around (re EPCs) which need to be sorted.” 

“Have you been invited to the EST / CLG meeting on 13th May? Is that an opportunity to make noises about 'lots of talking' but no resources?” 

“We’d be very interested in the outcome of your proposed calling programme. Please keep us posted.” 

“I do wish you all the best with your work”.

“It is a pleasure to hear from someone wanting to make a real difference”

 

How can Government and industry make it happen? 

The scale of the challenge is unprecedented. The need for action urgent but no consensus exists on what needs to be done and how it can be best delivered.  The public and private sector have a joint responsibility to work together to improve the energy efficiency of existing homes. However, they are not doing this. Things have to change and every one needs to play their part. 

Government cannot do everything. There will be public spending cuts and councils need the private sector’s help to promote energy efficiency.  And less must be expected from central Government by way of legislation. This will antagonise homeowners not incentivise. We need more carrot than stick. 

Industries that have historically not worked together now need to do so in partnership. Councils, energy suppliers and insulation companies with banks, retailers and estate agents to provide innovation, diversity and competition that stimulates growth in 'green' services and provides leadership for others to follow. 

Stakeholders such as quangos, trade associations and environmental lobby groups will need to compromise. Differing interests and concerns need to be accommodated. Closed minds, opened. Differences overcome. And, we need joined up thinking, openness and transparency to provide cost effective delivery instead of duplicated work and costs.  

And key to it all will be sales and marketing by highly skilled, energy efficiency professionals who evangelise, inform, educate, inspire and incentivise consumers to improve the energy efficiency of their homes and adopt low carbon lifestyles.  

We have no choice. Carrying on as we are is not enough. We must improve. We cannot give up. A way forward must be found for the benefit of homeowners and tenants, their children, future generations and the environment.

More after the election.