External Advice

Finding the right contractor can be difficult. Below are some trusted external resources you can use to search for contractors and seek further advice. Our Climate Action team can help point you in the right direction for advice, funding and further information. Contact them at: energysaving@kingston.gov.uk. 

TrustMark

To make sure retrofit works are carried out by competent, skilled tradespeople TrustMark offers an overview of local providers and registered businesses. TrustMark is the Government Endorsed Quality Scheme that covers work a consumer chooses to have carried out in or around their home. TrustMark also provides a detailed Guide to Retrofitting your Home.

Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS)

We recommend that you choose a solar panel and low-carbon heating systems,  such as heat pumps, installers that are Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) accreditation certified.

Additional information when looking for a contractor: 

Ecofurb

To help assess the energy efficiency of your home, identify works and can help with quotations from accredited contracts, you can access the Whole House Plan web tool called Ecofurb. This tool can be used for free to prepare an indicative whole house plan.

VAT exemption for energy efficiency works

VAT is exempt for the cost of purchasing and installing domestic energy efficiency improvements. The exemption is applied for by the contractors who supply and install energy efficiency and heating equipment. Ask your contractor and/or suppliers to confirm VAT is exempt when asking them for a quote. More information can be found on the Government website. 

PAS 2035

PAS 2035 is a Government British Standard for domestic energy retrofits, which outlines best practices for energy retrofits focusing on a Whole House Approach to retrofit. This is a requirement of installers who are installing energy efficiency measures through public funding, such as ECO4. Go to the Trustmark website for more information.