Introduction

The Sustainable Energy Association (SEA), with support from TrustMark, BSI and
the BRE, have written this helpful tips paper to support manufacturers and
innovators of energy efficiency and low-carbon heating products. The purpose of
this work is to highlight challenges in getting innovative products installed under
government schemes, and to help provide options for engagement with the key
stakeholders involved. There is a particular focus on providing helpful tips
regarding engagement with the PAS 2035/2030 standard and the Standard
Assessment Procedure (SAP), which are now fundamental requirements of entry
into most government-funded schemes.

At present, the market for energy efficiency and low-carbon heating products is
supported by the availability of grant funding. Many large-scale retrofit projects
are driven by government policy. This means that suppliers of new products and
solutions are in an emerging market and are, therefore, reliant on such schemes
to demonstrate the benefits of their products at scale and subsequently gain
acceptance to the wider market. The schemes offering this funding (including, but
not limited to, the Energy Company Obligation (ECO), Home Upgrade Grant (HUG),
and Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF)) have regulations or rules and
standards in place, to ensure that measures and products are installed correctly
and do not cause unintended consequences when interacting with other
measures. While such controls and protections are obviously necessary, these
requirements may pose challenges to innovators, and present barriers to market
for the solutions that we will need if we are going to meet our ambitious carbon
reduction targets.

We hope to work with the relevant organisations to make improvements to the
processes over time, but in the meantime, here is a collection of useful
information that may help overcome these barriers.

This document outlines the challenges faced by industry to get innovative
products into government schemes; the major stakeholders, systems and
standards that play a part in the innovation process; who/what they are; and why
they are important. The document ends with several tips and best practice
suggestions to help you get started on your journey.

Be prepared though, there is not a streamlined and well signposted methodology
for businesses to utilise to get their products certified and ready for government
schemes; industry support is lacking, and the process requires time, cost and
effort. More information on this can be found in the SEA’s report, ‘What Next for
Heat and Buildings?’.

Read the paper: Helpful Information and Tips for Manufacturers and Innovators on Gaining Access to Government Energy Efficiency Schemes.