The firm joins Preston-based Forrest and Shropshire-based Dodd Group among big social housing repairs firms to have been approved.

Nearly 270 specialist installers have been approved to carry various elements of Green Deal upgrade work, but few of the big name contractors have actually been certified ahead of the launch of the “hard” launch of the Green Deal at the end of January.

Last month the new Energy Company Obligations was launched with the goal to make up to 14m homes more efficient through insulation, draught proofing, double glazing and other measures to reduce the energy usage.

Kier Services is now certified to carry out installer work as part of its maintenance business under the Green Deal initiative.

Scott Murray, head of energy at Kier, said, “Kier has a great track record in providing repairs and maintenance in the housing sector, maintaining in excess of 300,000 homes – together with success in delivering similar government backed energy efficient and funded schemes such as the Community Energy Saving Programme (CESP) and CERT.

“As these current initiatives are phased out, Kier aims to be at the forefront of the Government’s new flagship initiative, not only helping to reduce carbon emissions by fitting energy efficiency measures, but by working with customers to consider changes in their behaviours to help combat the challenges of fuel poverty.”

NICEIC offer certification to any business wishing to become a Green Deal installer or advisor. The certification process ensures standards are maintained by any business undertaking Green Deal work for consumers.

Green Deal approval involves checks of all quality procedures within an organisation in addition to an ability to carry out the work. By going through these rigorous checks customers can have confidence in the firm they select to carry out the work.

Green Deal Project Manager at NICEIC, Nick Wright, said: “We are delighted to have worked with Kier on this important initiative. Green Deal installers will be responsible for carrying out the work which will see millions of homes across the UK upgraded to improve energy efficiency.

“It is vital that all firms carrying out this type of work have the correct and appropriate procedures in place. Consumers need to have confidence in the firms they employ to make Green Deal a success.”

Green Deal approved installers are listed here.