On Saturday 27 March the government announced the withdrawal of the Green Homes Grant, the much-trumpeted £1.5bn programme to retrofit 600,000 homes in England. After failing to meet more than a fraction of the target, the scheme will close within days.

Unspent money will be allocated to a separate insulation fund run by councils.

“We’re disappointed by this – though not particularly surprised” said Futureproof project manager, Ian Preston. “But we shouldn’t forget that the Green Homes Grant was only one scheme among several. Opportunities remain for contractors to work on other government-funded retrofit schemes and the Futureproof Skills & Certification scheme programme can help prepare for these.”

The Futureproof Skills & Certification programme offers three key elements that are essential conditions for government-funded retrofit schemes and these are:

•             Whole-house retrofit training developed by The Green Register

•             Full support and certification in PAS2030:19, in a single measure

•             Trustmark registration

For details, and to sign up, click here.