Manufacturers of renewable technologies will have to verify their technologies’ performance if a new consumer code comes into effect.

Lord Hunt, the Minister for Sustainable Development, has announced a steering group to update Defra’s ‘Green Claims’ Code.

The code is a guideline which helps businesses advertise their green products and services and helps protect consumers from bogus or exaggerated claims.

The code was last updated in 2003, however the uptake in green marketing and products means the code is in need of revision. It is hoped the updated code will address come alleged gaps in current guidelines and boost consumer confidence in buying green.

Lord Philip Hunt said: “Consumers are often confronted with all sorts of ‘green’ claims by companies and products. Working with industry and updating the ‘Green Claims’ Code will support business to ensure that their claims are genuine and meaningful. It will also reassure consumers that when a green claim is made, they can feel confident it is truthful.”

Current steering group members include:

Advertising Standards Authority
Advertising Association
BERR
BRC
CBI
Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM)
Chartered Institute of PR (CIPR)
COI
Consumer Focus
DFT
Forum for the Future
Institute for Practitioners in Advertising (IPA)
ISBA (Voice of British Advertisers)
OFT
Sustainable Development commission