UK TRADESPEOPLE MORE KNOWLEDGEABLE ON ENERGY EFFICIENCY THAN EVER, WITH TWO THIRDS OF ALL JOBS FOCUSED ON ENERGY-SAVING
Posted by: electime 7th January 2025
• Tradespeople say two thirds of the jobs they carried out this year were focused on energy-saving.
• More UK tradespeople are investing in energy efficiency training to build their businesses.
A new survey by leading retailer for the trade Screwfix has found that UK tradespeople feel more confident in their energy efficiency knowledge than ever, helped by an 8 per cent rise in training courses being completed in the last year.
The survey also revealed that two thirds (66 per cent) of all jobs conducted by the nation’s tradespeople over the past year have had an energy saving focus. Up from just over half (54 per cent) in 2023** as more homeowners are motivated to make the switch to energy saving products, to help them save money on energy bills.
With rising consumer demand for energy saving solutions, tradespeople are committing to further training so they can offer customers the best-informed advice and product choice.
More than 600 tradespeople took part in the survey, with 25 per cent of those completing in-person training and a further 15 per cent completing training online that was focused on installing energy efficient products or renewable energy technology. As a result, 90 per cent of tradespeople say they now feel ‘very knowledgeable/somewhat knowledgeable’ when it comes to advising customers on energy efficiency – compared to 84 per cent in 2023.
Earlier this year, Screwfix launched its Voice of the Trade report – which revealed that more than 75 per cent of tradespeople felt upskilling would have a positive impact on their business. However, almost 40 per cent were unable to upskill due to lack of time.
Energy efficiency jobs
The survey also revealed that tradespeople are being asked to undertake a range of energy saving jobs. Lighting continues to top the list at 54 per cent, followed by the installation of new radiators (37 per cent). In 2024, smart thermostat installation (33 per cent) and central heating maintenance (29 per cent) have overtaken loft insulation (23 per cent) as the next most popular job.
When asked which potential government-led incentives would encourage more homeowners to invest in energy efficient measures, 61 per cent of tradespeople said energy efficiency grants for home improvements – the same as in 2023. The removal of VAT on labour also remained a popular choice, rising to 35 per cent this year from 33 per cent in 2023.
Green Star to aid effective solution choice
To support tradespeople, Screwfix added the Green Star mark making it easier to identify products that offer at least one sustainable feature. Green Star products, from energy saving lighting to smart thermostats, taps and TRVs, can all help to lower impact on the environment. This can range from being manufactured from recycled materials or designed to help homeowners reduce their energy bills.
Jack Wallace, Marketing Director at Screwfix, said: “As energy price concerns continue to worry consumers across the UK, increasing numbers of tradespeople are responding by arming themselves with the training and knowledge needed to deliver an informed service for their customers.
“With two thirds of tradespeople saying that the jobs they take on are now focused on energy saving – a figure that has almost doubled in the past two years – it is clear that energy efficient solutions are fundamental to build business and deliver added value.
“These findings also align to the findings of our Voice of the Trade report, which revealed that whilst tradespeople overwhelmingly saw the benefits of upskilling – they were being held back by lack of time and support. This is why we’re calling on the UK government to consider policy changes that support tradespeople upskilling, particularly in areas of sustainability and low carbon technology.
“Screwfix has an important role to play in ensuring we offer unbeatable value for the innovative product solutions that tradespeople need, to help them get their energy efficiency jobs done quickly, affordably, and right first time. To help them, we’ve also invested in the number of products we offer with a Green Star badge, which has doubled to 3,000, making it easier than ever to choose a product that can make a difference.”
For more information, please visit www.screwfix.com
