Speaking on Sky News yesterday (January 22), Mr Barker said the country faces a “massive dilemma” because of spiralling fuel costs, but he says policies are in place to ease the pain.
The Fuel Poverty Advisory Group says the rise in fuel bills is forcing people to spend more than 10 percent of their annual income on heating their homes, putting them in the category of fuel impoverished.
Mr Barker adds The Green Deal – a scheme to encourage people to fund energy-efficiency improvements to their homes with little or no upfront costs – would kick start this retro-fit market when it’s launched later this month.
“Ecobuild 2013 will be the perfect venue for installers who already retro-fit and want to know more about the latest industry developments,” said Tom Broughton, brand director.
“The Green Deal Terrace, Solar Hub, Practical Installer, The Future Materials Gallery or our extensive lighting area will all offer installers much food for thought.”
Ecobuild is the world’s biggest showcase for sustainable design and construction and is returning to London’s Excel exhibition and conference centre from 5-7 March.
With 1,500 displays, 150 conference and seminar sessions and more than 1,100 expert speakers, plus dozens of interactive and educational attractions, Ecobuild has become as essential date in the diary for suppliers, installers and specifiers.
Go to www.ecobuild.co.uk for more details and to register.