A FLEDGLING green heating company has become only the second in the North-East to gain new accreditation.

Natural Warmth, which specialises in installing environmentally-friendly heating and hot water systems in homes, has been awarded certification by the BRE (Building Research Establishment Ltd) under its Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS).

MCS is designed to recognise best practice in companies utilising small-scale renewable energy technology.

Chris Roberts, BRE associate director who carried out the assessment at the Darlingtonbased company, said: “What we are looking for is companies which have in place the necessary procedures and quality control to deliver quality, carbon-saving installations time and time again.

“Installations must be done properly to make sure the maximum amount of carbon is saved. Poor quality installations don’t do that – and that is what we are all after.”

Only 88 of the certificates have been awarded nationally for heat pump installation companies, with just two in the North East.

Natural Warmth managing director Steve Heslop said: “To be in business for just a year and already achieve BRE accreditation is a big boost.

“What it means in practice is that as well as the possibility of getting Government money to help pay for the installation, anyone coming to us for advice on low carbon heating systems, underfloor heating, environmentally-friendly insulation or rainwater collection systems, have a copper-bottomed guarantee of the best possible advice and service.”