Last week saw the launch of a new energy saving service from B&Q which is designed to help customers learn more about energy efficiency and specifically what can be done to cut household energy costs.
A household name in DIY, B&Q is to target the growing renewable energy and energy efficiency market by offering a new range of products designed to meet the needs of energy conscious customers. From solar thermal and solar PV panels to loft insulation, boilers and cavity wall insulation, B&Q is aiming to market itself as a one-stop shop for products and advice.
The products will be launched under the iQE umbrella; a new brand which has been developed by a consortium of academics and manufacturers who have experience and knowledge in energy efficiency.
“We’ve been working with experts in energy efficiency and invested in new products, services and training. This is because we want to ensure that B&Q is the best place to come for energy saving advice,” explained Martyn Phillips, chief executive officer of B&Q UK & Ireland.
The launch of the service follows 18 months of research which looked at various ways in which B&Q could help the British public tackle rising energy costs through energy efficiency. As well as an online portal – One Planet Home – dedicated to saving energy and money – a dedicated call centre will field calls from customers interested in conserving energy and eco advisers will be on hand in store to offer advice.
As part of the B&Q Energy Saving initiative, ten stores will trial the service from October by offering energy saving products. In the first quarter of 2013 the service will be rolled out to further stores.
As a company B&Q has set a target to reduce its carbon emissions by 20% by the end of 2012 – rising to a whopping 90% by the end of 2023.
To learn more about the energy efficiency scheme visit www.diy.com
