NIA announces the formation of a dedicated working group to focus on new build and commercial sectors

A great deal of media attention and policy development in the insulation sector is focused on retrofitting existing domestic buildings.  However, there is tremendous untapped potential for insulation in the new build, SMEs and commercial markets.

At the National Insulation Association (NIA) we have identified a gap in the market and the need for an industry body to educate specifiers and building owners in these sectors on the benefits of insulation and the solutions available. It would also make recommendations to Government and other key stakeholders on policies to stimulate activity in these particular sectors.

Therefore the NIA is announcing the formation of a dedicated working group within the association, which will comprise of industry experts in these market sectors to take this work forward.

NIA develops new standards and specifications for solid wall insulation with leading industry partners

As part of its on-going work to improve the quality and standards of insulation installations, provide reassurance to householders, specifiers and support to its members, the National Insulation Association (NIA) has and is undertaking a range of activities with leading industry partners including:

• Collaborated with BTOpenreach in developing a new process for installers of external wall insulation to notify Openreach prior to installation so they can survey the properties and carry out any enabling works.  This new, improved process is both quicker and cheaper for installers than the previous one.
• Worked with the Heating and Hotwater Industry Council (HHIC) and British Standards Institution (BSI Group) in developing new industry wide best practice guidance and a specification for dealing with appliance flues, combustion air ventilators, fuel supply pipework and fittings during the installation of external wall insulation.
• Currently working with the Building Research Establishment (BRE) in the development of industry wide best practice guidance and a specification for the initial assessment and survey of buildings to receive Solid Wall Insulation.
• Working alongside the Solid Wall Insulation Guarantee Agency (SWIGA) and British Board of Agrément (BBA) in strengthening the quality assurance frameworks and surveillance of solid wall insulation. 

This work is in addition to the NIA’s strict membership criteria and Code of Professional Practice that applies to its registered installers.

Neil Marshall, CEO of the NIA said: “As the leading industry trade body for insulation in the UK we are committed to improving quality standards. We are feeding into the independent review of quality standards and consumer protection currently being undertaken on behalf of Government.  In carrying out this work we feel it is important to work with other leading industry bodies to ensure a holistic and robust approach”.    

Interest free loans for home insulation now available from the Scottish Government – contact an NIA member for details.

The Scottish Government HEEPS Loan Scheme for energy efficiency measures is now open and the National Insulation Association (NIA) is urging Scottish householders to contact its members to take advantage of the scheme to upgrade their property’s insulation.

Householders can obtain an interest free loan of up to £15,000 for installing a variety of measures including solid wall, cavity wall, loft and roof insulation, draught proofing and boilers.

The 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 loan scheme which will make home insulation more affordable and we are urging householders in Scotland to contact their local NIA registered member to find out if their home requires additional insulation and for details of this scheme.

 “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 registered member  will have signed up to a strict Code of Professional Practice, meaning peace of mind comes as standard.

To find a local NIA registered member, householders and landlords in Scotland should visit the NIA website www.niaconsumer.co.uk