NIA responds to Governments planned 400,000 new homes

The NIA shares its surprise and concerns with the Committee on Climate Change at reports that the Government intends to build 400,000 new homes in the next few years that may have to be retro-fitted with insulation and other energy saving measures to meet the UKs carbon saving targets.

Neil Marshall, Chief Executive of the NIA commented: “If this proposal goes ahead and new homes are not adequately insulated when built it will mean that these homes will be less energy efficient resulting in the occupants facing much higher energy bills which is a major concern given continued rising energy prices and unnecessary additional costs from retrofitting later.

Earlier this year government scrapped building standards that would have made new houses zero-carbon from next year, without indicating whether new standards would be forthcoming. In addition it would be a further blow for the home energy efficiency sector where installation rates for existing homes have plummeted as a result of cuts to ECO and the  Green Deal and Green Deal Hone Improvement fund being ended abruptly without putting in place alternatives.

Yesterday the Chancellor also announced further major funding cuts for the future Energy Company Obligation meaning there could be a 78% reduction in the number of households that will receive energy efficiency improvements over the next 5 years compared to the previous Parliament.  We would therefore urge a rethink in the energy efficiency policy for new homes"

The Committee on Climate Change published it Fifth Carbon Budget today highlighting that if the UK is to meet its targets by the 2030s, insulation would need to be installed in nearly all UK homes where it is cost-effective.

NIA Comments on Excess Winter Deaths

Commenting on this morning’s excess winter death figures for 2014/15 Neil Marshall, CEO of NIA, said: “The Government is currently planning to insulate 78% fewer homes during this Parliament compared to the last. However, with excess winter deaths hitting a 15 year high of 43,900, many of which are attributable to cold homes and this winter is predicted to be the most severe in 50 years, it is critical that the Chancellor now allocates  additional funds immediately to support a major national insulation programme targeted at vulnerable households.”

ENDS

NIA response to SWI report

The National Insulation Association welcomes the Chief Construction Advisers Solid Wall Insulation Report – ‘Unlocking Demand and Driving Up Standards’ and sets out plans to host a meeting of key stakeholders in the new year to consider actions arising.

On 12th November 2015 Peter Hansford, Chief Construction Adviser published an independent report following an eight month review of the solid wall insulation market which involved the consideration of written and oral evidence from a range of stakeholders.

As the lead trade association for solid wall insulation in the UK representing manufacturers, system designers and installers of both external and internal wall insulation, the NIA had considerable input to the report and our CEO Neil Marshall was invited to respond to the report on behalf of the industry at the launch event on 12th November.  

Welcoming the report he said: "For some time now we have been calling for a comprehensive Business Plan to be developed to insulate the UK's solid wall properties in a systematic and cost effective manner and therefore we welcome the review and recommendations carried out by Peter Hansford and his team.  It is extremely encouraging and reassuring to see that Peter has picked up on the key issues raised and suggestions made by the industry through the written and oral evidence provided and that there has been strong cross departmental involvement and support from DECC, DCLG and BIS – this is vital in ensuring a joined up approach to future policies and regulations.

"This report is a crucial first step and provides a platform for the development of an overall business plan to insulate the UKs solid wall properties.  However, the outcome of the forthcoming Comprehensive Spending Review will be extremely important too as it will set out the Governments level of ambition.  We strongly support the current Energy Bill Revolution Campaign for energy efficiency to become a funded infrastructure priority as we need to go allot further than the Governments current stated ambition of insulating 1m homes over five years if we are to make a significant impression on the UK's solid wall insulation housing stock.

  

"A positive response and the adoption of key recommendations from the report by Government is now needed and it is essential that the Government works with the industry in developing the detailed implementation plan – a leadership forum as recommended is a very good idea but we need to make sure that the right people are involved and I for one would like to see a far more ambitious timescale for doing this, 6 months rather than 12.  There are plenty of examples of best practice that can be quickly and easily adopted into a unified approach and at the NIA we have already established a solid wall insulation external stakeholder support group which could be drawn upon."  

In response to specific points contained in the report he added:

• To date a ‘one size fits all’ approach has tended to be adopted to solid wall insulation but this needs to change.   A segmented and targeted approach is needed taking into account building type, tenure, the occupants and the different solutions available external, internal and hybrid wall insulation. 
• The Government now needs to quantify the overall business case for solid wall insulation taking into account the multiple benefits identified in the report using its own analysis and models in order to determine the appropriate level of investment required.
• A significant part of the report is concerned with quality and standards and whilst we recognise that there is scope for further improvement there are some very good companies carrying out some very good work and there are different approaches taken in different market sectors.   We now need to develop a comprehensive industry wide QA framework for the residential retrofit market that sets out clear and consistent standards and practices which are  mandated and subject to robust enforcement.  We need to ensure that all companies operating in our industry in future operate to the same level as the best performers.  To this end we initiated the development of a new industry wide QA framework several months ago with input from industry and key stakeholders and this is now feeding into the Bonfield review.  
• However, whilst the industry can do its bit, there are a number of external factors linked to policy and regulations that contribute to quality and these need to be addressed too; light touch accreditation, variations in practices between energy companies, certification bodies and guarantee providers, rates paid for work and erratic work profiling.
• In terms of delivery, we believe an area based, street by street approach could play an important role as it could deliver significant economies of scale and enables all householders to be engaged and encouraged to act having seen the results that can be achieved in neighbouring properties.
• And last but not least, we need to educate and engage consumers far more effectively than we have to date.  Currently there is a very low level of awareness of the availability of solid wall insulation solutions let alone the benefits provided.  Research has shown that a large number of those people living in solid wall properties do not believe they can be insulated.  We would therefore like to see a high level Government endorsed consumer awareness and engagement programme backed by targeted incentives that will really make a difference.

In terms of next steps it is anticipated that there will be a Government response to the report over the next few months however, Peter Hansford has strongly advised industry not to wait for the Government response and to take the actions arising from the report that it can proceed with on its own. 

To this end, whilst the NIA is already undertaking a number of initiatives to increase the demand for and uptake of solid wall insulation and to further enhance industry standards, acting on the advice from Peter Hansford our CEO will be convening a meeting of a number of key stakeholders who have had input to the review early in the new year in order to identify actions arising from the report that can be taken forward in a co-ordinated and timely manner.  

ENDS

Response to Amber Rudd Energy Policy Re-set Speech

In a speech this morning the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change,  Amber Rudd said that she intended to prioritise energy security and cutting energy bills.

However, there was little mention of energy efficiency which has a key role to play in addressing these issues and the Energy Bill Revolution Campaign has expressed serious concerns stating that: “A commitment to only deliver energy efficiency measures in 1 million homes marks a 78% reduction in the number of homes that received support during the last Parliament.  

So if this pledge is fulfilled it marks a catastrophic fall in the number of households helped. That means  higher energy bills and less energy security.  With £100 Billion due to be spent by Government on infrastructure during this Parliament, energy efficiency must now be made an infrastructure investment priority to provide the funds needed to deliver warm homes for all and boost the economy.”

Neil Marshall CEO of the NIA commented: “With over 5m homes needing cavity wall insulation, over 7m homes needing solid wall insulation and 7m homes requiring loft insulation we share the concerns of the Energy Bill Revolution Campaign and are calling for Government to be far more ambitious in its support for energy efficiency in the forthcoming Comprehensive Spending Review.”

He went on to say: “Making energy efficiency a national infrastructure priority can make a real difference.  Recent research from Frontier Economics shows this would bring an £8.7 billion net economic benefit to the country, comparable to HS2 Phase 1 and Crossrail.  This would boost GDP growth, reduce UK reliance on gas imports and help deliver a net increase in employment across the country.  It would also help keep energy bills down and warm up the homes of the fuel poor."

NIA calls for urgent action by Government as job losses among members nears 2,000

Neil Marshall, Chief Executive of the National Insulation Association has today repeated his call for the Government to fast track the development of its new long term, sustainable policy framework for home energy efficiency and introduce urgent transitional arrangements in the meantime to address the current hiatus within the market and industry. The move comes following a survey which has revealed that around 2,000 jobs have been lost among NIA members as a direct result of cuts to the ECO and Green Deal combined with the current policy void.  

Neil Marshall said: “The changes made to the Energy Company Obligation scheme in 2014 coupled with Government decisions in July 2015 not to provide further funding to the Green Deal Finance Company and to end the Green Deal Home Improvement Fund with immediate effect without alternatives in place has resulted in a collapse in insulation activity levels. 

“Whilst Government has outlined its intention to introduce a new long term policy framework for energy efficiency which we welcome, the insulation industry is currently in a state of crisis as a result of the absence of robust transitional arrangements to bridge the gap until the new polices and schemes are introduced.  Without urgent intervention there will be further casualties, job losses and a loss of confidence to invest among insulation companies all of which will  impact on the industry’s ability to  scale up to support the delivery of the Governments longer term ambitions.   

“The job losses clearly demonstrate the scale of the problems facing the industry at present and we would urge DECC Ministers to work with the industry in putting in place urgent actions to address the crisis.”  

Insulation industry Chief calls for urgent action by Government after Mark Group goes into administration

Neil Marshall, Chief Executive of the National Insulation Association has today repeated his call for the Government to fast track the development of its new long term, sustainable policy framework for home energy efficiency and introduce urgent transitional arrangements in the meantime to address the current hiatus within the market and industry.   The move comes following the announcement yesterday that the Mark Group, one of the UKs largest insulation installers has gone into administration resulting in over 900 job losses.  

“The changes made to the Energy Company Obligation scheme in 2014 coupled with Government decisions in July 2015 not to provide further funding to the Green Deal Finance Company and to end the Green Deal Home Improvement Fund with immediate effect without alternatives in place has resulted in a collapse in insulation activity levels.  The sad news of the Mark Group going into administration is a clear indication of the impact this is now having on the insulation industry”

“Whilst Government has outlined its intention to introduce a new long term policy framework for energy efficiency which we welcome, the insulation industry is currently in a state of crisis as a result of the absence of robust transitional arrangements to bridge the gap until the new polices and schemes are introduced.  Without urgent intervention there will be further casualties, job losses and a loss of confidence to invest among insulation companies all of which will  impact on the industry’s ability to  scale up to support the delivery of the Governments longer term ambitions”    

“Given yesterdays news which clearly demonstrates the scale of the problems facing the industry at present we would urge DECC Ministers to work with the industry in putting in place urgent actions to address the crisis”  

NIA appoints new Solid Wall Insulation Governing Council

The National Insulation Association (NIA) has appointed a new Solid Wall Insulation Council made up of leading industry figures to support its drive to expand the solid wall insulation market and opportunities for its members.  

The new Council is as follows:

Derek Horrocks - Sustainable Building Services (UK) Ltd - Chair

David Lawrence - Lawtech Ltd – Vice Chair

Mike Easdon - InBuild Solutions Ltd

Sean Stevenson - Westville Ltd

Tony Hardiman - Dyson Energy Services Ltd

David Robson - InstaGroup Ltd

Pádraig Barry - Saint-Gobain Weber Ltd

Gary Bundy - Sto Ltd

Bob Deane - Wetherby Building Systems Ltd
Paul Winwood - SPS Envirowall Ltd

Neil Marshall, Chief Executive of the NIA commented; “I very much look forward to working with the new Council over the coming two years in driving forward our ambitious plans to grow the market, strengthen quality and standards across the industry and support our members in maximising business opportunities.

The NIA is the leading trade association for solid wall insulation in the UK with its members including the major manufacturers, system designers and installers of both external and internal wall insulation.

Companies wishing to join the NIA should contact Bev Coombe by email

bev.coombe@nia-uk.org or call 01525 383313

Negative Reporting on Cavity Wall Insulation by the BBC

Last week both BBC Radio 4 You & Yours and BBC Wales Today featured negative programmes on Cavity Wall Insulation based on an incomplete draft report from BRE.

The insulation industry welcomes scrutiny and the publication of robust research which helps to identify areas for improvement. That’s why we have been working to support BRE as it develops its research, and will continue to do so.

However, BRE has been clear that the report referenced by the BBC is an early draft of a scoping report which carries no status and the reporting of this draft study now risks alarming and seriously misleading consumers.

The reality is that there is a very low rate of problems with cavity wall insulation in the UK. Just 0.21% of all 6 million installations guaranteed by CIGA, the UK’s largest cavity wall insulation guarantee agency, result in a claim. When something does go wrong, that guarantee acts as a back-stop to protect consumers and ensure they have access to redress. In Wales, that rate is slightly higher at 0.59% of all installations but still significantly below the rate suggested in the draft study seen by the BBC.

The NIA responded to both programmes expressing our concern at the use of content from the BRE draft report which we consider to be both irresponsible and misleading and setting out details of the very low rate of problems with CWI. 

Insulation is an exceptionally reliable product which keeps energy bills down and homes warm

NIA Responds to the announcements made by Secretary of State Amber Rudd on 23rd July

Yesterday, Secretary of State Amber Rudd announced that there would be no further public funding to the Green Deal Finance Company, the Government would stop any future funding releases of the Green Deal Home Improvement Fund (GDHIF) and wanted to work with the industry and consumer groups on a new value-for-money approach.

Whilst it was widely recognised that the Green Deal and GDHIF could be improved upon, to put an end to both of them so abruptly without any warning or anything to replace them is a major issue and concern for both householders and the supply chain and will only add to the current hiatus in the energy efficiency market.

Recent figures published by DECC and Ofgem on the Energy Company Obligation showed that the energy companies have already made significant progress towards their targets for ECO2 (April 2015 - end March 2017) and that based on the installation rates in 2014/15 the target could be achieved one year early in Q1 2016. This is reflected in the major slowdown in ECO activity where just 29,000 measures were installed in April 2015, a 2 year low and compares to 51,000 measures in March 2015 and 58,000 in April 2014.

The Green Deal and GDHIF provided an important means of supplementing ECO activity so their removal is a major blow for both householders and industry - working to build on these frameworks rather than pulling the rug from under them would have been the best approach.

DECC are aiming to develop and establish a more stable, long-term, coherent framework for home energy efficiency, we welcome Amber Rudd’s announcement that she wants to work with industry in doing this and we look forward to contributing towards it.  However, the decision to pull Green Deal and GDHIF without first developing alternatives will seriously undermine consumer confidence and also the confidence of industry and its ability and willingness to support whatever replacement framework is developed.    

Therefore we would urge the Secretary of State to set out a clear timeline for the delivery of the proposed new framework as soon as possible to provide much needed clarity for consumers and the industry, whilst putting in place an urgent transitional mechanism to fill the void left by Green Deal and GDHIF and help address the current hiatus whilst the new framework is developed. 

NIA Welcomes the Secretary of State, Amber Rudd’s Positive Support for Energy Efficiency and Outlines Some Priority Areas

During yesterday’s session with the Energy and Climate Change Committee on DECCs priorities for 2015 and beyond, the Secretary of State Amber Rudd clearly signalled the key role that energy efficiency has to play in reducing carbon and fuel bills and her intentions to work with industry in developing a long term framework for homes and fuel poverty:  

"Energy efficiency is the most effective way to reduce carbon and reduce bills - it is the win-win"

"I'm particularly ambitious in this area and I want to put together a long-term framework for homes and fuel poverty. I'm looking at the various initiatives that have been in place under the last Government to find out which ones are working best and which ones have not worked well, so that we can work with industry to design a system that will deliver most cost effectively.”

Commenting on yesterday's statements from the Secretary of State, our CEO Neil Marshall said “We welcome the recognition of the importance of energy efficiency along with the level of ambition and intent and look forward to working with Ministers and officials in turning this into the delivery of hard measures on the ground.  With around 6m cavity walls, 7m solid walls and 7m lofts in existing homes still lacking adequate insulation, it is crucial that a long term plan is developed which will ensure that these homes are insulated in a timely, systematic and cost effective manner.  Next week we are meeting with DECC Ministers and look forward to kick starting this process.

If we are to succeed in developing a vibrant market for energy efficiency among able to pay households and tackling the scourge of fuel poverty the new long term framework and plan outlined by the Secretary of State will need to incorporate some important elements:

-          A consumer awareness and engagement programme with Government backing to clearly spell out the benefits of insulation.

-          Targeted incentives and regulations where they are needed and can be justified as a means of pump priming the market.

-          The increased role that area based delivery can play in achieving more cost effective delivery on the ground and engaging whole communities in energy efficiency upgrades.

-          A more attractive ‘Pay as you Save’ proposition that reflects the way that consumers purchase and pay for other items with greater flexibility and choice in interest rates and payback periods.

-          A more effective and efficient means of identifying and targeting fuel poor households with a package of appropriate measures delivered that will ‘fuel poverty proof’ the property.

-          The importance of working with the industry, Local Government and consumer groups in the development and delivery of the plan in order to benefit from their expertise whilst achieving their support and ‘buy in’.”

NIA is supporting its members during challenging times

There are currently serious concerns across the insulation industry about future activity levels from Government related schemes including ECO, the Green Deal and GDHIF.  We are therefore working hard on behalf of our members with Government and other key stakeholders to influence the shape and design of future policies and schemes to increase activity levels and provide a longer term sustainable policy landscape for the industry.  This work includes:

• Calling on Government to make Energy Efficiency Retrofit of the UK Housing Stock a National Infrastructure Priority supported by appropriate levels of capital expenditure and a long term delivery plan.
• Seeking early decisions from Government Ministers on the future of the Energy Company Obligation after the current obligation ends in April 2017 and a longer term ECO, preferably five years.
• Working with DECC, Ofgem and Energy Companies to review and revise the compliance requirements for ECO in order to simplify these and reduce compliance costs for future schemes.
• Seeking urgent clarification from Government Ministers on their future intentions for the Green Deal Home Improvement Fund and Green Deal Communities scheme as well as putting forward proposals to make these or alternatives even more effective.
• Submitting proposals on changes that could be made to the Green Deal to make it simpler and more attractive to householders.
• Contributing to the Chief Construction Advisers current review of the Solid Wall Insulation (SWI) market including recommendation on how to most effectively tackle the 7m homes that still require SWI.

Whilst this work in influencing Government policy and programmes is extremely important in securing a long term sustainable future for the industry, we are also committed to helping our member’s access additional business opportunities outside of the ECO and Green Deal right now.

To this end we have undertaken a range of activities designed to stimulate additional insulation work and clearly position our members as the preferred choice to carry out work among specifiers and householders.  This includes:

• Launching a new consumer website www.nia-uk.org/consumer with an installer postcode locator which is receiving around 50,000 searches a year and providing free leads and referrals to our members.
• Working with leading consumer groups including the Energy Saving Trust and Money Saving Expert to promote the benefits of insulation and referring householders to our members.
• Undertaking a major PR Campaign to promote insulation and our members
• Creating new business opportunities in the new build and commercial markets by providing our members with market intelligence and information and promoting insulation to key specifiers in these sectors.  In addition we introduced a new Code of Professional Practice for NIA members operating in the New Build and Commercial markets to differentiate them and provide competitive advantage vs. non NIA members.
• Introduced a new free service for Local Authorities, Housing Associatons and Procurement Framework Operators to access and specify our members via expressions of interest and tender requests.

“Our activities to support our members during these challenging times is having a positive impact on the NIA’s reputation and benefits of membership among insulation companies and we have seen a 20% increase in membership so far this year.”

The NIA is the leading trade association for insulation in the UK and represents the manufacturers, system suppliers and installers of cavity wall, external wall, internal wall, roof, loft and floor insulation plus draught-proofing.    

If you are interested in membership of the NIA or working with our members please contact Neil Marshall neil.marshall@nia-uk.org or call 01525 383313

NIA calls on DECC Ministers to make announcements of their intentions for ECO post 2017 & GDHIF before the summer recess.

We are today calling on DECC Ministers to make announcements about their intentions for the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) post 2017 and the future of the Green Deal Home Improvement Fund (GDHIF) before the Summer Recess (21st July 2015).

Recent figures published by DECC and Ofgem on ECO showed that the energy companies have already made significant progress towards their targets for ECO2 (April 2015 - end March 2017) and that based on the installation rates in 2014/15 the target could be achieved one year early in Q1 2016. This is reflected in the major slowdown in ECO activity where just 29,000 measures were installed in April 2015, a 2 year low and compares to 51,000 measures in March 2015 and 58,000 in April 2014.

In addition, the £450m Green Deal Home Improvement Fund which was designed to compensate for the shortfall in ECO activity following Government cuts to the scheme in 2014 is also on hold whilst decisions are awaited from Minsters.

The combined effect of these two factors has resulted in a collapse in insulation activity which is harmful to householders and the industry alike.

Finally the annual progress report published by the Committee on Climate Change this week highlighted that all main insulation measures are behind the required trajectory to achieve the UK's carbon reduction targets - in the case of solid wall insulation some 500,000 behind trajectory.  The Committee also recommended to Government that urgent decisions were needed on the future of ECO post 2017 to provide some assurance to the supply chain.

Therefore we are today calling on DECC Ministers to announce their intentions for the ECO post 2017 and GDHIF before the House of Commons rises for the Summer Recess on 21st July 2015.  

NIA welcomes the Scottish Governments decision to make Energy Efficiency an infrastructure priority

For some time we have been calling on all political parties to designate  energy efficiency  a national infrastructure priority and in Scotland this included  meetings with  Scottish Government Ministers prior to the General Election.  We were therefore delighted with the recent announcement from the Scottish Government.

In a statement to the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday 09th June 2015, Climate Change Minister Aileen McLeod revealed that Scotland’s Energy Efficiency Programme will be made an infrastructure priority in an effort to improve the energy efficiency ratings of both homes and non-domestic buildings over the next 20 years.

The Scottish Government will also examine how supplier obligations on energy efficiency and fuel poverty can be designed for Scottish circumstances and to leverage private sector investment using new devolved powers in the Scotland Bill.

Dr McLeod said: “The Scottish Government has already increased investment in domestic energy efficiency – from £99m last year to £119m this year. And since 2009 we have allocated over half a billion pounds on fuel poverty and energy efficiency programmes.

“But we must do more to meet Scotland’s world-leading and ambitious climate change targets. That is why I am announcing that improving the energy efficiency of Scotland’s buildings will be designated a national infrastructure priority.”

The announcement represents real progress for energy efficiency and the call from industry that energy efficiency should be designated a national infrastructure priority by central Government and all political parties.  Further details could be announced in the Scottish Budget and Infrastructure Investment Plan, which are expected in the Autumn.

Below is the press release issued by the Scottish Government last week

http://news.scotland.gov.uk/News/Climate-change-action-heats-up-19c8.aspx

NIA launches New Build/Commercial Code of Professional Practice

The National Insulation Association (NIA) is pleased to announce the introduction of a new Code of Professional Practice (CoPP) specifically for installer members working in the New Build and Commercial sectors.

The new CoPP has been designed to give additional reassurance and peace of mind to specifiers, developers, architects and builders and to highlight the quality, standards and professionalism they can expect from an NIA member. Therefore, NIA Members should be the preferred choice for their upcoming projects.

All NIA installer members working in the new build/commercial sectors will have to follow the new code which contains standards for; Training/Accreditation, Technical Competence, Health & Safety, Insurance, Complaint Handling, Service Levels, Quality Assurance, Technical Advice & Support, Client Care, Approved Products/Materials and Guarantees.

Neil Marshall, Chief Executive of the NIA commented: “We advise specifiers, funders and project managers looking for insulation installers to work on New Build and Commercial projects to use our members who have signed up to this new code. It will ensure they get the highest possible standards from within the industry. The NIA is the lead trade body for insulation measures in the UK and our members can provide multi measure solutions.

“Insulation companies involved in the New Build/Commercial sectors should join the NIA as our COPP will set them apart from others.

“We have also introduced a free ‘expressions of interest’ service for specifiers and funders whereby we will issue project specifications together with expressions of interest and tender requests to our members on their behalf saving them time and money in locating insulation companies.”

Any organisation interested in NIA membership or our expressions of interest service please contact Bev Coombe at the NIA email bev.coombe@nia-uk.org or call 01525 383313

Scottish Government funding for Energy Efficiency upgrades now available

Following today’s launch by the Scottish Government of its new HEEPS Cashback and Interest Free Loan schemes, the National Insulation Association (NIA) is urging Scottish householders to contact its members to take advantage of the schemes to upgrade their property’s energy efficiency.

Under the new phase of the HEEPS Cashback scheme Scottish householders can claim up £5,800 and apply for:

• 75% of the cost of Solid Wall Insulation up to a maximum of £4,500, and;
• Up to £1200 for a range of other recommended energy efficiency   measures, from within three categories including cavity wall insulation, loft insulation, draught proofing and boilers.
• Up to £100 refund for their Green Deal Advice Report if at least one recommended measure is installed.

Households in Scotland can now also apply for an interest free loan of up to £10,000 for installing a variety of measures including solid wall, cavity wall, loft and roof insulation, draught proofing and boilers.

The HEEPS Loan scheme is open to owner occupiers, private tenants and registered private sector landlords in Scotland. The repayment period varies based on the amount borrowed but those taking out higher value loans for solid wall insulation for example will be able to pay back over 10 years.

Neil Marshall, Chief Executive of the NIA commented: “We welcome the new Cashback and Loan schemes which will make home insulation even more affordable and we are urging householders in Scotland to contact their local NIA member to find out if their home requires additional insulation and for details of these new schemes.

 “By installing SWI savings of up to £455* per year can be made on fuel bills and £275* per year from CWI. Loft Insulation can also save up to £240* per year and Draught-proofing windows and doors can save between £25 and £50* per year and when installed with other measures will greatly increase the comfort in a home.”

Householders  can be safe in the knowledge that an NIA member  will have signed up to a strict Code of Professional Practice, meaning peace of mind comes as standard.

To find a local NIA member and details on the HEEPS Cashback and loan schemes, householders and landlords in Scotland should visit the NIA 

website www.nia-uk.org or call 08451 636363.

NIA asks for cross party support to be extended to a national energy efficiency programme

The NIA welcomes the recent cross party agreement for action on climate change and is urging party leaders to agree support for an ambitious national energy efficiency programme.

With over 7m households lacking solid wall insulation, 6m lacking cavity wall insulation and over 7m having inadequate loft insulation the NIA is asking party leaders to build on their recent commitment to tackle climate change by agreeing to make energy efficiency retrofit of the UK housing stock a national infrastructure priority.  Supported by additional funding from the Government Infrastructure budget and to pledge to provide support to 6m low income households by 2025.

Recent reports have highlighted the scale of the problem and demonstrated why a fresh approach and step change in funding for energy efficiency and installation rates is needed:

• The rate of insulation installations has collapsed under the current Energy Company Obligation and Green Deal and is well behind the trajectory needed to achieve the UKs carbon saving targets according to the Committee on Climate Change.  At the current rates of installation it will take:

o   Around 150 years to insulate all of the remaining solid wall properties

o   Over 30 years to insulate all of the remaining cavity wall properties

o   And around 60 years to insulate all of the remaining lofts to the correct level

• A recent study by leading think tank Policy Exchange identified that over 1m of the 2.3m fuel poor households in England have a family member at work and that Government funding to tackle fuel poverty is currently around £700m-a-year below that needed.

   

• Research conducted by Cambridge Econometrics and Verco for the Energy Bill Revolution identified that a far more ambitious home energy efficiency investment programme would pay for itself and significantly boost the UK economy.  The report revealed that the programme would:

o   add £13.9bn annually to the UK economy by 2030

o   create over 100,000 new jobs 

o   deliver average energy savings of £372 and result in £4.95 billion in financial savingsper year for UK households by 2030

o   cut gas imports by 25%, boosting energy security

o   provide a £1.27 return in tax revenue for every £1 invested by Government

Neil Marshall said: "the evidence is there for all to see - the current policies, programmes and funding are inadequate and yet the benefits to Government, the economy and hard pressed householders from a properly funded energy efficiency programme are huge.  Therefore today we are calling on all political parties to go further, faster by committing to the following in their election manifestos:

• To make energy efficiency retrofit of the UK housing stock a UK infrastructure investment priority supported by appropriate levels of funding and a robust delivery plan developed with industry.
• As part of the programme insulate 2 million low income homes to EPC band C by 2020 and all 6 million low income homes to band C by 2025."

NIA membership now available to Green Deal Assessors

Over the last few weeks we have been contacted by a significant number of Green Deal Assessors and Green Deal Assessor Organisations expressing an interest in joining the NIA and in response we have now opened up membership for GDAs and GDAOs.  Affiliate Membership is available at an  annual cost of £309 + VAT.

Membership of the NIA will provide GDAs/GDAOs with a number of important benefits including:

• Access to information, advice and guidance on Green Deal, GDHIF and the Energy Company Obligation.
• Opportunity to network and develop relationships with our other members including Green Deal Installers and Greed Deal Providers.
• Opportunity to raise any issues or concerns you have with the current schemes which we can voice on your behalf with Government , energy companies and other key stakeholders.
• Attend our local briefing events and Annual Conference/gala dinner. 

If you are interested in membership please contact Bev Hodson bev.hodson@nia-uk.org 01525 383313

NIA Introduces New Service for Local Authorities and Housing Associations

With the cuts to the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) announced by Government last year, an increasing number of Local Authorities and Housing Associations are now unable to secure ECO funding for insulation programmes and are therefore funding these from their own budgets - as a result we are increasingly being contacted by them asking for our help in finding local installers to carry out work on their behalf.

In response to these requests the National Insulation Association (NIA) is pleased to announce the introduction of a new service for Local Authorities and Housing Associations looking for insulation companies to work on their projects. They can provide us with details of these  projects and we will then issue expressions of interest and tender requests on their behalf to our members through our electronic communication system.  This provides the benefit of avoiding the need to contact lots of different companies and is immediate.

The NIA is the lead trade body for insulation measures in the UK representing manufacturers and installers of cavity wall, external wall, internal wall, roof and loft insulation and draught proofing and therefore our members can provide multi measure solutions.  In addition, NIA  members are required to meet our robust membership criteria and adhere to our strict code of professional practice and therefore using our members provides additional reassurance and peace of mind.

If you would like to use this service please email or telephone Bev Hodson at NIA bev.hodson@nia-uk.org   01525 383313

NIA Calls on all Party Leaders to Commit to making Energy Efficiency Retrofit an Infrastructure Investment Priority in their Manifestos

With over 7m households lacking solid wall insulation, 6m lacking cavity wall insulation and over 7m having inadequate loft insulation Neil Marshall, CEO of the NIA is today calling on all party leaders to make energy efficiency retrofit of the UK housing stock a national infrastructure priority supported by additional funding from the Government Infrastructure budget and to pledge to provide support to 6m low income households by 2025.

Recent reports have highlighted the scale of the problem and demonstrated why a fresh approach and step change in funding for energy efficiency and installation rates is needed:

• The rate of insulation installations has collapsed under the current Energy Company Obligation and Green Deal and is well behind the trajectory needed to achieve the UKs carbon saving targets according to the Committee on Climate Change.  At the current rates of installation it will take:

o   Around 150 years to insulate all of the remaining solid wall properties

o   Over 30 years to insulate all of the remaining cavity wall properties

o   And around 60 years to insulate all of the remaining lofts to the correct level

• A recent study by leading think tank Policy Exchange identified that over 1m of the 2.3m fuel poor households in England have a family member at work and that Government funding to tackle fuel poverty is currently around £700m-a-year below that needed.

   

• Research conducted by Cambridge Econometrics and Verco for the Energy Bill Revolution identified that a far more ambitious home energy efficiency investment programme would pay for itself and significantly boost the UK economy.  The report revealed that the programme would:

o   add £13.9bn annually to the UK economy by 2030

o   create over 100,000 new jobs 

o   deliver average energy savings of £372 and result in £4.95 billion in financial savingsper year for UK households by 2030

o   cut gas imports by 25%, boosting energy security

o   provide a £1.27 return in tax revenue for every £1 invested by Government

Neil Marshall said: "the evidence is there for all to see - the current policies, programmes and funding are inadequate and yet the benefits to Government, the economy and hard pressed householders from a properly funded energy efficiency programme are huge.  Therefore today we are calling on all political parties to go further, faster by committing to the following in their election manifestos:

• To make energy efficiency retrofit of the UK housing stock a UK infrastructure investment priority supported by appropriate levels of funding and a robust delivery plan developed with industry.
• As part of the programme insulate 2 million low income homes to EPC band C by 2020 and all 6 million low income homes to band C by 2025."