The Federation of Master Builders is warning that rogue builders must not be allowed to take advantage of the retrofit revolution which would see energy efficiency improved on 26 million existing homes.

Brian Berry, Director of External Affairs at the FMB said: “The extra demand created by the Green Deal must not fill the order books of cowboy builders.

“It is important that those charged with carrying out the energy efficiency improvement work are recognised as competent in order to safeguard householders as well as reputable builders.

“The FMB believes a registration or accreditation scheme is necessary to determine the approved installers and to prevent the work going to rogue traders, who would risk standards and thereby undermine the scheme.”