What is the Code of Practice?
The Code of Practice for providers of domestic energy efficiency
advice is a part of the long term framework for energy efficiency
in homes.
Domestic energy efficiency advice is defined as:
"‘Specific to individuals and their
circumstances, and aims to improve energy efficiency and achieve
affordable warmth".
This involves organisations and individuals in gathering information
from customers, diagnosing their problem, explaining options to
solve the problem(s) and recommending further action that customers
can take to improve energy efficiency. Organisations that are
only involved in giving energy efficiency information are not
covered by this Code of Practice.
The Code of Practice has been developed so that consumers can
be assured of accurate and relevant energy efficiency advice and
information
Who is the Code of Practice
for?
Domestic energy efficiency advice is provided across the UK
to a greater or lesser extent by a range of different organisations.
This Code of Practice applies to any organisation that wholly
or in part provides domestic energy efficiency advice to customers. A Speficier category of membership allows 'Umbrella' organisations, who contract out their energy efficiency advice service to a third party, to show their support for the Code of Practice.
It does not apply to organisations that are only involved in
giving energy efficiency information. There are certain exemptions
in the Code of Practice for one person organisations (due to organisational
issues).
How does the Code
of Practice work?
The Code of Practice consists of:
The standards within the Code of Practice are designed to ensure
that an advice organisation/provider is well run and has its own
quality control mechanisms in place.
Any energy efficiency advice giving organisation wishing to be recognised as complying with the
Code of Practice will be expected to meet the standards in the ‘Heart’
of the Code and one or more of the five additional sections depending
on the way in which the advice is provided.
Any organisation that contracts out their energy efficiency advice service to a third party, and, although they are interested in energy efficiency advice, do not advice the public directly themselves, can sign up as a specifier to show their support for the Code of Practice.
The 5 additional
sections of the Code of Practice
As well as complying with the ‘Heart’ of the Code
of Practice, organisations also have to meet one or more of the
following additional sections
- Energy efficiency advice at point of sale: applicable to organisations
that give advice about specific products at the selling stage
of the supply process e.g. retailers and manufacturers.
- Advice given - installation of energy efficiency measures: applicable
to installers.
- Face-to-face advice, not in the home: applicable to organisations
that give advice on their own premises, at exhibitions, trade
shows and presentations.
- Advice provided in all non face-to-face situations: applicable
to organisations that give telephone, written and electronic advice.
- Energy efficiency advice in the home: applicable to organisations
that provide home visits for the purpose of giving energy efficiency
advice.
Please see the guidance notes below for further information about
any of these sections.
What
is the Energy Efficiency Partnership for Homes?
The Energy Efficiency Partnership for Homes is a partnership of
organisations with a mission to create a long term framework for
implementing energy efficiency in homes.
This will provide economic benefits, help the UK meet its climate
change targets and eliminate fuel poverty caused by energy inefficient
homes.
The Partnership is facilitated by Energy Saving Trust.The Code
of Practice has been developed by the Energy Advice Providers Group
of the Partnership.
Visit www.eeph.org.uk
or call the helpline on 020 7222 0101 for more information
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