NIA and its members to build the value back into home insulation

For the past 20 years, there have been large subsidies and grants available from energy companies and Government towards the cost of home insulation for both fuel poor households and 'able to pay' households.

Whilst this has been very helpful for those households in the greatest need who are suffering from fuel poverty, it has also resulted in insulation being devalued with householders focusing on price and grants only and not appreciating the true benefits insulation provides.  This autumn will see a major change as under the new £640m per year Energy Company Obligation 3 scheme subsidies and grants will be restricted to vulnerable and fuel poor households only and not available to those 'able to pay'.

This provides a significant opportunity for the industry to build the value back into insulation by promoting the benefits of the different measures:

External Wall Insulation, for example, can transform the appearance and add value and curb appeal to a building as well as reducing fuel bills whilst Cavity Wall Insulation can be undertaken in just a few hours and pay for itself in under 3 years even without a subsidy or grant.

In order to get these messages across to the general public, the NIA and its members are teaming up with the Energy Saving Trust, the independent national energy efficiency experts and other advice agencies to promote the true benefits of insulation.

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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

NIA to host Solid Wall Insulation Summit to take forward recommendations from Chief Construction Advisers Report

In November 2015, Peter Hansford the Chief Construction Adviser published a report to the Green Construction Board and Government ‘SOLID WALL INSULATION Unlocking Demand and Driving Up Standards’. The report contained details of the huge potential for solid wall insulation and the multiple benefits that insulating the 7 million plus solid wall properties could provide.  It set out a number of key recommendations including:

• Policy measures including regulation and incentives
• Research
• Quality Standards
• Consumer awareness and engagement

Whilst the Green Construction Board and Government were invited to respond to the recommendations, the Chief Construction Adviser said in the report that he believed that industry can take early action without necessarily waiting for Government’s response.

Responding on behalf of industry at the launch of the report on 12th November 2015 our CEO Neil Marshall welcomed the report but called for more ambitious timescales for implementation and explained that “There were plenty of examples of best practice that can be quickly and easily adopted into a unified approach and that the National Insulation Association (NIA) as the major trade body for solid wall insulation in the UK was committed to taking a leadership role in the implementation of the recommendations in the report”.

To this end, the NIA is today announcing its intention to convene a Solid Wall Insulation Summit to which it will be inviting representatives from key external stakeholders including Government, housing organisations, fuel poverty organisations, energy advice organisations etc. The aim of the Summit will be to review the recommendations contained in the report and identify which of these can be implemented without delay and how to facilitate this.

Announcing the NIA Solid Wall Insulation Summit today Neil Marshall, CEO of the NIA said: “There are over 7 million homes that have solid walls that are not insulated and among these half of all fuel poor households require solid wall insulation.  The report published by the Chief Construction Adviser last November with input from industry identified key actions that could be undertaken to unlock the potential for solid wall insulation many of which can be implemented quickly.  The report encouraged the industry to take early action and that is exactly what we are doing through hosting this Summit. I'm pleased to announce that Peter Hansford has already confirmed that he will be attending the summit."

For more information contact Neil.Marshall@nia-uk.org

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.  

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NIA sets out ambitious plans for 2015 to support its solid wall insulation members maximise business opportunities

At its Annual Conference attended by around 300 delegates on 4^th December 2014, Neil Marshall the NIA's Chief Executive briefed members on the plans the Association had to stimulate the markets for external and internal wall insulation and position its members as the preferred companies to use with consumers and specifiers.

The NIA is the lead trade body for solid wall insulation representing manufacturers, system providers and installers of both external wall and internal wall insulation in the UK.

Neil Marshall said: "With solid wall insulation installations expected to be minimal under the Energy Company Obligation due to Government cuts earlier this year and the stop start nature of the Green Deal Home Improvement Fund, we will be focusing greater attention on stimulating solid wall insulation activity in other market sectors including new build domestic, commercial and commercial refurbishment.   The theme of our conference was Building a Sustainable Future for our Industry and that is exactly what we intend to do.  As well as creating additional opportunities for members we will be clearly positioning and promoting NIA members as the preferred choice to carry out external and internal wall insulation work to householders and specifiers.  We will of course be continuing to work very closely with Governments in Westminster, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to shape the various Government and energy company funded solid wall insulation grants and schemes to maximum effect.’

Marshall set out a number of areas in which the NIA would be supporting its solid wall insulation members in 2015:

• Providing information and advice on opportunities in different market sectors, funding available and how to access these.
• Promoting the benefits of solid wall insulation and using NIA members to householders, funders and specifiers in the domestic, new build and commercial markets.  NIA has around 100,000 hits on its website looking for companies to carry out work.
• Introducing a new quality and service charter for NIA members to clearly differentiate them from non members and provide competitive advantage when quoting or tendering for work.
• Working in partnership with housing providers, builders, framework operators and other specifiers in encouraging them to request NIA membership to work on projects.

In conclusion Marshall said: "2014 has been a volatile and challenging year for solid wall insulation and solid wall insulation companies particularly with the changes to the Energy Company Obligation and feast and famine nature of the GDHIF.  As a trade association committed to delivering added value to its members, we are determined to support our members in accessing sustainable business opportunities going forward.  We would therefore urge external and internal wall insulation companies that are seeking a long term future to join the NIA to benefit from the support we will be providing and to help strengthen the weight of our voice and lobbying power."

Installer membership is available from £995 + VAT and manufacturer/system designer membership from £2,500 + VAT and we do not charge an application fee.

To apply for membership email bev.hodson@nia-uk.org or telephone 01525 383313  

     

The Chief Executive of the National Insulation Association urges the public to take heed and think insulation first during Big Energy Saving Week

Neil Marshall, NIA Chief Executive said:  “20-24 October is Big Energy Saving Week and will see numerous helpful facts given about saving costs on fuels bills. But we must stress that above all else, fitting adequate insulation first needs to be the priority. Doing so will enable householders to make major savings on their fuel bills year after year without even having to think about it.”

The amounts that can be saved on fuel bills are substantial:

• Solid Wall Insulation will  save up to £460 per annum
• Cavity Wall Insulation will save up to £250 per annum
• The correct depth of Loft Insulation can save £250 per annum
• Draught Proofing will provide  a yearly saving  of up to  £50

Marshall went on to voice his concerns over the millions of households that are yet to be properly insulated: “It is staggering that despite years of campaigning, and rising energy bills over 7 million solid walls and 5 million cavity walls still need insulating. There are also 7 million lofts that have inadequate insulation and are in need of topping up!”

The NIA is therefore urging householders to contact an NIA member to find out if their home requires insulation and to arrange a quotation.  Householders can be safe in the knowledge that an NIA installer will have signed up to a strict Code of Professional Practice, meaning peace of mind comes as standard with an NIA member.

To find a local NIA member householders should visit the NIA website www.nia-uk.org

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