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Energy efficiency is one means of tackling fuel poverty in rented accommodation.

Energy efficiency is one means of tackling fuel poverty in rented accommodation.

Trustmark’s energy efficiency event takes aim at fuel poverty

TrustMark, the Government endorsed quality scheme for tradespeople, is today launching a pilot in partnership with East Sussex Trading Standards, to improve the quality and energy efficiency of rented accommodation within Hastings and its surrounding area. Laura Bean from the not-for-profit company explains.

TrustMark, the Government endorsed quality scheme for tradespeople, is today launching a pilot in partnership with East Sussex Trading Standards, to improve the quality and energy efficiency of rented accommodation within Hastings and its surrounding area.

The initiative, Better Homes for Hastings, will kick off tomorrow with an event hosted in partnership with Hastings Borough Council. It will bring together private landlords, housing associations, tenants and businesses, including TrustMark registered businesses, in the Hastings area to promote the minimum standards of safety, comfort, health and energy efficiency that these properties should ideally meet.

The event, which will take place at East Sussex College Hastings between 12pm and 7pm on Friday 15 March and is free to attend, will not only educate tenants about their rights and encourage the comfort and health factors in rented accommodation, but will also address the issue of fuel poverty through the improvement of energy efficiency measures, which is a key concern in this region.

Private landlords, housing associations and letting agents will also have the opportunity to learn about the incoming regulations relating to energy efficiency standards in rental properties, as well as connect them with reputable businesses and tradespeople to help ensure their properties meet these requirements.

“We are really excited to be working in collaboration with East Sussex Trading Standards and Hastings Borough Council on this project,” says Trustmark CEO Simon Ayers, “And to have the opportunity to educate both landlords and tenants on the importance of improving the quality of rented homes, particularly when it is detrimental to good health.

“Tenants and landlords need to be confident that the tradespeople they employ to carry out any work on their properties meet the required industry standards – by using a TrustMark Registered Business they can be sure that the tradespeople have been vetted to ensure levels of technical competency, customer service and trading practices and are in accordance with Government Endorsed Quality.  Together, we will work to drive standards upwards and enhance the safety, comfort, health and energy efficiency of Hastings rental properties.”

“Housing is the third highest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in the UK,” says Andy Batsford, lead councillor for housing. “This event will bring together landlords and those involved in the improvement of residential energy efficiency to encourage the improvement of standards in the private rented sector, which not only benefits tenants, many of whom may be living in fuel poverty, but also the UK’s wider greenhouse gas reduction targets.”

The Hastings pilot is part of a series of events designed to help the Government meet ambitious targets for reduced carbon emissions and fuel poverty. A further project is planned for Cornwall during 2019.

Since 2005, TrustMark has been a champion of consumer protection and when a consumer sees the TrustMark logo they will know the business they are engaging with is technically competent and has made an additional commitment to customer services and trading practices.  This will be the case regardless of the type of work they require on their property.

 

Presentations at the energy efficiency event will include speakers from Southern Gas Networks on how gas heating can improve the EPC rating of a property, Warmworks Scotland on ensuring warm homes for all, Airflow on residential ventilation solutions and Retrofit Works on how a cooperative of local expertise can create the potential for transforming the region’s housing stock fit for the 21st century.

Better Homes for Hastings is a collaborative event between East Sussex County Council, Trustmark, Hastings Borough Council and the Shine (Sustainable Houses in Inclusive Neighbourhoods) project.

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Posted 14:31 Thursday, Mar 14, 2019 In: Energy Wise

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