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 members receive support in maximising business opportunities

The National Insulation Association (NIA) is a leading trade body in the Insulation Industry representing manufacturers, system providers and installers of cavity wall insulation, solid wall insulation, including external, internal and hybrid systems, loft/roof insulation and draught proofing. 

There are still millions of un-insulated properties in the UK and the NIA is committed to growing the market for insulation and supporting its members in maximising business opportunities.

The NIA regularly seeks the views of its members on the support they require, so that it can ensure it is providing the right support and services and delivering maximum value.  This has resulted in a number of recent initiatives:

• Establishment of a new Market and Business Development Group within the association, which is focusing on identifying opportunities for insulation companies in both existing and new market sectors, plus helping members to access these.
• Through its Solid Wall Insulation Technical and Training Group developing a new quality assurance framework for the installation of solid wall insulation by NIA members, which will help position them as the preferred choice to undertake works.
• Introduced a network of Local Forums and Forum meetings providing the opportunity to update members face to face on key developments, obtain feedback and enable members to effectively network with other companies in their local area.
• National promotion to consumers and consumer groups of the Governments new Green Deal Cash-back scheme for insulation measures and of NIA members to carry out the work. This includes a dedicated link on its website to the NIA’s installer postcode locator. 

The NIA is extremely proactive and supports its members in a number of important ways:

• Represents their views and carries out lobbying activities on their behalf with Government and other key external stakeholder groups, including energy suppliers.
• The NIA meets regularly with key Government officials in London, in the Scottish Government and in the Welsh Government to discuss schemes, programmes and policies.
• Provides information and advice about insulation schemes and funding opportunities, Government policies and regulations.
• Promotes the benefits of insulation and refers enquiries and leads to its members.
• Promotes the use of NIA members as the preferred choice to carry out work to householders, businesses and key specifiers including local authorities, housing associations, framework agreement operator’s, builders and architects

We have seen a sharp increase in insulation companies joining the association in the last year to benefit from the support we can provide to help them maximise business opportunities.  Membership of the NIA is much more than simply obtaining a logo that companies can place on their marketing materials.  It’s about receiving good quality information, advice and support in accessing business opportunities and being regarded as the preferred choice by consumers and specifiers to carry out insulation works.

The NIA offers a number of membership opportunities. If you are interested in finding out more about membership please contact Bev Coombe, Membership and Communications Manager; on 01525 383313 or

email bev.coombe@nia-uk.org