LONDON: B&Q, Homebase, and Carillion are among several companies taking part in a series of trials of the Government's Green Deal home energy-efficiency scheme.
The trials begin in September and examine different ways to overcome public reluctance to participate. The green deal is due to launch in the autumn of 2012. Legislation to introduce the scheme is contained in the Energy Bill, which is currently going through parliament.
Energy secretary Chris Huhne said: "there are currently too many barriers standing in the way of people upgrading their homes – the cost, the hassle, and the lack of trust in the people who install the kit."
B&Q and Sutton Council will consider offering a subsidised loft clearance service to test whether removing the 'hassle' factor of insulation motivates people to make efficiency improvements.
The unwanted contents of the loft clearance will be donated to local charities. B&Q will also test the impact of offering collective purchasing discounts to households that buy energy efficient products.
Meanwhile, Homebase and Carillion will team up with a local authority to test the impact of offering upfront rewards to residents who purchase energy efficiency measures. The offer will include a one-month council tax holiday, or vouchers to spend in-store.
