NIA Supports New Government Quality Drive

As part of the Governments Each Home Counts recommendations, British Standards Institution (BSI) has been appointed by the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) to review and revise the existing PAS2030:2017 (specification for the installation of energy efficiency measures in existing buildings) and develop a new PAS2035 specification for energy efficient retrofit of domestic buildings which will clearly set out the standards for the installation of each energy efficiency measures.  

BSI hosted a stakeholder engagement workshop on 10^th January 2018 to brief key organisations on the work involved and seeking their support – I attended the event on behalf of the National Insulation Association (NIA).

This work is extremely important as it will clearly set out the specifications and standards that will apply to the installation of insulation measures.  The existing PAS2030 is a little complicated and there are some aspects that are open to interpretation, however, this project provides the opportunity to simplify matters and remove any ambiguity ensuring that all installers will install to a common, uniform standard.

The NIA will be represented on the PAS2030 and PAS2035 Steering Groups and the Measures Experts Groups and the intention is for these new specifications to be introduced in October 2018 alongside the new Energy Company Obligation (ECO) and Each Home Counts Quality Mark.

At the NIA we are very supportive of Each Home Counts as it provides a vehicle to ensure quality installations are delivered on a consistent basis and instil confidence in policymakers, specifiers and householders.  In addition to contributing to the development of the new specifications, we will be ensuring that our members are kept up to date and provide advice and guidance to help them comply with the new standards.    

Furthermore, we are also working with the British Electrical Allied Manufacturers Association (BEAMA) in developing new industry guidance which will clearly set out minimum ventilation requirements when installing insulation. We are also advising the Scottish Government on the new quality framework they are currently developing for Government funded schemes.

For more information about all the work above and membership of the NIA please email neil.marshall@nia-uk.org

Value Underlines NIA Installer Membership

2018 Installer memberships for the National Insulation Association (NIA) are now available. Representing insulation companies throughout the UK, the NIA offer a range of expert support services with memberships starting at just £663.

Features of NIA Membership

As a team of insulation specialists the NIA work full time to meet the needs of its members. The benefits to installers taking up a membership include:

•          Representing member’s views to Government, Ofgem, energy              companies and other stakeholders.
•          Generating over 40,000 free leads and referrals each year.
•          Holding local networking events and an annual conference and              gala dinner.
•         Provision of advice and guidance on regulations and technical                matters.

Speaking of the NIA’s continued growth Chief Executive Neil Marshall said:

“We have been working hard to ensure that the services and support we provide to insulation companies are relevant and add genuine value to their businesses and this has been reflected in the number of new members that have joined us in the last year – over 40 in total including a cross section of manufacturers, system designers, installers and providers of components and services to our industry.

The NIA is also undergoing further change at present, with a focus on members and their needs as outlined by the NIA’s new chair Derek Horrocks at the NIA Conference in December 2017 – we very much hope insulation companies will come with us on this exciting phase of the NIA’s evolution.

Finally, there are some very important matters that will impact insulation companies in 2018 including; a new Energy Company Obligation, new regulations requiring the insulation of private rented properties, new PAS2030 and PAS2035 installation standards for installers and new ventilation requirements when insulating properties.  We are involved in these matters and will be arranging briefings, advice and guidance for our members throughout the year to ensure they are up to speed”

2018 NIA Installer Membership

A full year Installer Membership to the NIA is from £995 (no joining fee). However, any installers joining from January 2018 will be entitled to a reduced pro rata fee. Memberships will be available for £663 and will be valid until October 2018 (NIA’s year-end)

Insulation installers interested in taking up an NIA membership can email bev.hodson@nia-uk.org 01525 383313