The Builders Merchant Federation has attacked a system which allows the big DIY sheds to sell 'loss leading' loft insulation.
The Carbon Emissions Reduction Target (CERT) is a statutory obligation placed on energy suppliers by the government to deliver energy efficiency improvements in housing.

The scheme has been running for a while but made headlines, earlier this month, when B&Q and British Gas used CERT funding to sell loft insulation for just £1.

CERT funding is restricted to top-up insulation for private individuals who are improving their own home.

The offer is therefore not available to professionals for any work not on their own house, new builds or property developers.

The BMF is campaigning against the practice as they believe it's 'deeply flawed logic' as B&Q has admitted there is nothing stopping professionals buying the insulation.

Chris Pateman, managing director of the BMF, does not blame the big DIY chains, the energy companies or the tradesmen but feels CERT is leaving merchants with stock they can't shift.

He told diyweek.net: "The reason this scheme is currently restricted to DIY sheds is the mistaken belief among energy companies this is their route to the home owner, who is the intended recipient of this benefit.

"There is therefore supposed to be some element of policing at POS to ensure sales are made exclusively to members of the public. Which is, of course, a complete nonsense in reality."

A spokeswoman for B&Q admitted there's nothing to stop traders buying the insulation at POS but they wouldn't get their trade discount and they're limited to 15 packs per purchase, which would be 45 rolls.

However, according to B&Q's own figures £25 would be enough to insulate an average home so buyers are only limited to almost enough rolls to insulate two properties.