Builders Merchants Federation welcomes Green Homes Grant in Hemel Hempstead

The Builders Merchants Federation (BMF), which represents manufacturers of building materials and merchants across the county, hopes the Government’s new Green Homes Grant will create more jobs in this sector.

Around 80 per cent of the building products manufactured by its members, used in the construction of homes and buildings, are made in the UK.

Louise Polston, London and South East regional chairman of the Builders’ Merchants Federation, (BMF) said: “We hope the Green Homes Grant will give renewed impetus to help people and companies move towards a low- or zero-carbon future in their homes and workplaces in Hemel Hempstead.

“With 80 per cent of building materials manufactured by our members in the UK, and the products sold through builders merchants at the heart of their local communities in the area, this is an important sector, which will be key to the recovery of our local and national economy.”

Total membership of the BMF stands at 751 members, who together have combined sales of £38 billion and employ over 180,000 people in the building materials industry.

Mr John Newcomb, BMF CEO, added: “Investment and innovation are happening every day across our members’ businesses in the area.

“The sector makes a significant contribution to the economy and it’s important for us to reinforce the message of its value and importance.”

The Green Homes Grant is expected to support 100,000 jobs in green construction and is part of a wider plan to upgrade the nation’s buildings as the UK aims to reach zero net emissions by 2050.

The BMF is working in partnership with TrustMark, the Government endorsed quality scheme, to ensure quality in the programme’s supply chain.

£2 billion has been earmarked for home upgrades, with a further £1 billion dedicated to improving the energy efficiency of public buildings.

The grant will fund up to two thirds of the cost of home improvements up to £5,000 and will cover projects such as insulation of walls, floors and roofs to replacing windows with double or triple glazing.

Low-carbon power options are also covered by the grant – which could save householders up to £600 a year on energy bills.