"We decided to organise a series of conferences, as we realised that while certain sectors are awake to the huge potential of Green Deal, there is also a high degree of confusion and even companies that aren’t even aware of its existence," says Clare Johnson, director of Pilot Navigation.
She explains that the groups currently most aware of the benefits Green Deal offers are landlords and domestic energy assessors; while housing associations and installers seem to have less knowledge.
The first seminar took place in Yorkshire recently.
"We enjoyed a very positive feedback from this event and issued certificates confirming seven hours for CPD purposes to those people who attended," says Clare.
In addition to being a sponsor, Terraco will be hosting a seminar at its head office in Uckfield, East Sussex, in February, while other conferences are taking place in Birmingham in November; Southport in December; and Alton, Hampshire, in January.
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"Our intention is to help clarify the widespread confusion around the Green Deal, give delegates a clear picture of what it’s about, what the practical next steps are, and how the finances will work," says Clare. "The series is making its way around the country, so most people should be able to attend one close to base."
The conferences will be drawing on a pool of highly-regarded experts on the Green Deal including:
Phill Ferreira, Business Development Manager at Terraco
Phyllis Boardman, who is working with the DECC on the implications of the Green Deal for SMEs
Graham Jack, a chartered architect who has been involved with the Code for Sustainable Homes and BREEAM
John Barwise, previously Head of Environmental Policy and Research at the University of Surrey and BBC Environmental Correspondent in the Northwest and now a registered environmental auditor
Bill Edrich, CEO of Yorkshire Energy Services
Emma Kovaleski, Manager to the CEO’s office at Yorkshire Energy Services, who has been working alongside DECC as part of the Green Deal Pioneer group
Neil Whitfield, a Director of NW Training, a specialist training provider with the PVC building products and glass industries. His expertise lies in the assessment of competency and measuring it against the performance criteria of the relevant awarding and in line with national occupational standards.
"The events are interactive, so are being run in small groups to encourage maximum participation," says Clare. "We're also sending out regular newsletters to keep interested parties up-to-date with the latest developments surrounding the Green Deal."
Adds Phill Ferreira: "We are delighted to be collaborating with Pilot Navigation on this innovative and informative series of seminars. The Green Deal is a key initiative in the UK, yet its awareness is not as high as it should be and these events will help to spread the word."
For more information about the seminars, visit: www.greendealinteractive.co.uk
