NIA responds to the Conservatives’ plan to exempt new starter homes from ‘zero carbon’ regulations

The NIA has expressed its surprise and concern at reports that the Conservative party intends to remove the requirement for new homes for first time buyers under the age of 40 to meet the zero carbon standard that is supposed to apply to all new homes built from 2016.

Neil Marshall, Chief Executive of the NIA commented: “if this proposal goes ahead it will mean that these new homes will be less energy efficient resulting in the occupants facing much higher energy bills which is a major concern given rising energy prices.  In addition it would be a further blow for home energy efficiency where installation rates for existing homes have plummeted since 2013 under the Green Deal and ECO.  We would therefore urge a rethink.”

The UK Green Building Council has  also responded to this news  

NIA responds to Caroline Flint’s speech at Labour Party Conference

Following the speech today by Labour's shadow energy and climate change secretary, Caroline Flint, announcing its ambitious new energy efficiency strategy the National Insulation Association (NIA) has welcomed the proposals.

Neil Marshall, Chief Executive of the NIA commented: “We welcome the proposals to introduce a long term plan and targets for energy efficiency and to designate it as an infrastructure priority. This is something we have been campaigning hard for as it will provide the industry with much needed certainty and stability to allow for effective investment and business planning.  In addition, we are encouraged by the proposal to provide 1 million Interest Free Loans which has the potential to kick start the Green Deal market and the proposal to provide a comprehensive package of measures to all low income households which will future proof these properties against fuel poverty.

“Whilst we will want to consider the detail of the announcements further, we look forward to working with Caroline Flint and her team in formulating a detailed implementation plan following the publication of the Labour Party Green Paper. 

“However, we also believe that there is scope to go further, faster.  Additional funding would enable the 6 million low income households to be treated more quickly and this could be forthcoming from the National Infrastructure Fund.  In addition, we believe that the Interest Free Loans for Green Deal would benefit from being supplemented by additional long term demand drivers including council tax and stamp duty incentives.”

Marshall added: “There are over 7 million homes that have inadequate Loft Insulation, over 5 million that require Cavity Wall Insulation (CWI) and almost 8 million homes that need Solid Wall Insulation (SWI) and therefore these proposals to strengthen energy efficiency policies and programmes are welcomed.”

NIA welcomes Liberal Democrats' commitment to Energy Efficiency

Following the announcement of the 5 new laws for a greener Britain that will be included in the Liberal Democrat manifesto, Neil Marshall, Chief Executive of the National Insulation Association (NIA) commented: “We welcome and are encouraged by the proposals to introduce new regulations to address energy efficiency, including a new heating and energy efficiency bill and a national programme to raise energy efficiency standards for all British households.  This is very much in line with the recommendations from industry in its report ‘A housing stock fit for the future’ launched on 24th June 2014.”

He added: “We still have over 7 million homes that have inadequate Loft Insulation, over 5 million that require Cavity Wall Insulation (CWI) and almost 8 million homes that need Solid Wall Insulation (SWI). We therefore need to be strengthening our energy efficiency programmes and accelerating the pace of delivery.  We require a long term structured plan to achieve this and transform the nation’s housing stock and we look forward to working with all political parties in bringing this about.”