Green Homes - What’s a one-stop-shop and how do you decide?
Luke Loveridge, CEO and founder of Propflo, recently hosted a webinar titled “What’s a one-stop shop and how do you decide?” where he discussed the concept of one-stop shops for energy efficiency and the decision-making process for choosing the right model.
The need for energy efficiency
Energy efficiency is essential for reducing carbon emissions and lowering energy bills, but the process can be complex. One-stop shops simplify this journey by providing a single access point for multiple services.
The UK faces a significant challenge with its £250 billion initiative to bring nearly 24 million homes up to energy efficiency standards by 2050. With the current pace of upgrades falling short, a streamlined approach is necessary. One-stop shops can help overcome the complexity of the retrofit process, making it more manageable and efficient.
What is a one-stop-shop?
A one-stop shop provides a single access point for multiple services related to energy efficiency, simplifying the process and creating efficiencies throughout the journey. This model makes information clearer for end users and offers market opportunities for businesses in the supply chain. A well-implemented one-stop shop can enhance user experience and increase the adoption of energy-efficient measures.
Key elements of a one-stop-shop
There are six main elements that make up the end-to-end journey of a one-stop shop:
- Analysis: For businesses, this could involve analysing a loan book, a portfolio of properties, or CRM data to understand risks and opportunities.
- Information, Advice, and Guidance: This ranges from basic content like blogs to comprehensive retrofit assessments costing over £600.
- Supply Chain: Options range from signposting resources and referral relationships with suppliers to having one prime contractor responsible for the entire process.
- Financing: This can vary from self-financing by the homeowner, grants, supplier financing options, referrals to financing providers, or embedded finance within the journey.
- Work Management: The degree of support for managing the work can vary from homeowner self-management to digital or telephonic support, or a dedicated project manager.
- Verification and Monitoring: This includes proof of works, new EPCs for linking to green financing, and smart home data to understand the real impact of the improvements.
Models of one-stop-shops
Three primary models of one-stop shops each offer different levels of service:
- Facilitation Model: Quick and easy with low risk, but generally has low impact on conversion and adding value.
- Coordination Model: Still relatively quick and low risk, with better conversion rates, but may not meet all needs for complex projects.
- All-Inclusive Model: Most seamless for the homeowner, typically involving a single delivery partner. This model has higher costs and contractual complexity but offers the highest impact and value.
Deciding on the right model
To choose the right model, consider your goals:
- Customer Engagement: Prioritise user experience, targeting insights, and engagement tracking.
- Growth and Revenue: Optimise for conversion rates and commission levels.
- Decarbonisation: Focus on understanding portfolio risks and opportunities, optimising conversion, and verifying work outcomes.
Things to look out for
When choosing a one-stop shop, there are several important factors to consider to ensure the best outcomes:
- Data Quality: Ensure accurate energy models to avoid discrepancies and build confidence. Different suppliers might use varying energy models, which can lead to inconsistent results. For example, two large banks using different suppliers could show vastly different energy ratings for the same property, impacting conversion rates and customer confidence.
- Supplier Vetting: Verify accreditations like TrustMark and FENSA to reduce risk. Make sure suppliers have the necessary credentials and provide insurance-backed guarantees and warranties. This reduces risk for both the business and the homeowner.
- Cost and Commission Models: Look for flexible pricing structures and the ability to pass on supplier commissions to homeowners. Understand the costs involved and ensure that the commission model aligns with your business goals.
- Wrap-Around Support: Consider the additional support offered, such as portfolio analysis, home management tools, and marketing assistance. Ensure that there is adequate support for homeowners to manage the retrofit process smoothly.
Propflo’s one-stop-shop
Propflo’s one-stop shop tools have been successfully integrated by several businesses providing comprehensive tools and support to help navigate this journey, ensuring successful and impactful energy-efficient upgrades.
If you are interested and would like to know more, please reach out via contact@propflo.co.uk to get a quote.
Q & A
Is EPC data any good?
It depends on the circumstances and what you’re using it for. Generally, EPC data has a decent methodology behind it and should be sufficient for many uses. Overlaying it with other data can make it more accurate, especially for costing purposes
When do you need a retrofit assessment?
This depends on the complexity of the retrofit and the uniqueness of the property. For simpler upgrades like solar panels, batteries, and possibly a heat pump, EPC data may be sufficient. For more complex projects involving external wall insulation or ventilation, a full retrofit assessment might be necessary for detailed, granular information.
What accreditation do suppliers need?
It depends on the sector they are in. For instance, most suppliers should have TrustMark accreditation, and for windows and doors, FENSA certification is essential. Other relevant schemes include HIES, which provides insurance-backed guarantees. Ensuring suppliers are accredited reduces risk and ensures quality.
Are there enough installers?
It depends on the type of improvements. For solar panels and battery storage, there is no shortage of installers. For heat pumps, coverage can vary by region, but there is national coverage available. External and internal wall insulation is more locally based, with potential variability in quality and regional availability
Create additional revenue by supporting energy efficiency
About Propflo
Propflo is an award winning data-driven AI platform that supports lenders and property businesses to comply with energy efficiency regulations, meet their climate targets, and then support their customers in their wider ownership journey.
Propflo was founded by proptech entrepreneur Luke Loveridge and geospatial and risk data scientist Dr Daniel Moyo. It also has world leading AI expert Mike Tipping as an advisor.
www.linkedin.com/company/propflo
Contacts:
Felix Schraff
comms@propflo.co.uk
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