Energy firms first local authority contract

Edited by the Buildingtalk editorial team Aug 8, 2007

UK wide energy assessors Christopher Rodgers has secured one of the first local authority energy assessment contracts in the UK, with West Lancashire District Council.

Christopher Rodgers will begin the contract for 1,300 instructions in the next 14 days and now has 300,000 confirmed EPC instructions across the UK.

The contract marks West Lancashire District Council out as one of the most progressive councils in the country, embracing the move to more energy efficient homes and reducing carbon emissions.

It's predicted that approx 90 per cent of the UK's housing wasn't built with energy efficiency in mind and this accounts for 27% of the UK's carbon emissions Alex Rodgers, head of operations at Christopher Rodgers Home and Energy comments: "As a business operating within West Lancashire we're delighted that we're able to work with the District Council to push the green agenda and lead the way for other councils and housing associations".

The news is also proof that The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government Ruth Kelly (in her previous role), has delivered on her promise to find sufficient energy assessment work after the June 1st delay.

Alex continues: "The delay to the introduction of HIPs and EPCs caused significant disruption, particularly to those who were waiting to start employment as energy assessors on June 1st and so it's encouraging to see this promise become reality.

This has given some much needed certainty and employment, in what is essentially a new industry".

Cllr Val Hopley, Portfolio Holder for Housing at West Lancashire District Council comments: "We are thrilled that our bid to take part in the Department of Communities and Local Government's pilot project has been successful.

West Lancashire District Council is committed to a greener and more energy efficient future.

Taking part in this scheme provides an excellent and cost effective opportunity to provide a significant number of our homes with Energy Performance Certificates and to help develop our strategy for dealing with the official role out of issuing Energy Performance Certificates.

However, as this places a financial burden on the Council as Landlord, I hope that the Government will recognise this in our subsidy allocation for next year.

"Reducing carbon emissions is an issue of great importance and we look forward to working alongside Christopher Rodgers to lead the way in promoting energy efficiency for social housing stock".

The contract win is also a boost to the local economy as more than 20 additional energy assessor jobs have been created.

Christopher Rodgers has been preparing for the introduction of HIPs and EPCs for the last eighteen months and is the preferred supplier to many of the country's largest organisations delivering HIPs.

Christopher Rodgers expects to increase its turnover to GBP25m during 2008 and currently has a 100 strong team of energy assessors.

This will increase to 250 during the next 12 months.