The Committee on Climate Change has today called for a reduction in emissions from buildings through a fabric first approach; by 2030, just over a third of emissions abatement should come through the installation of energy efficiency improvements.

These recommendations form part of the CCC’s wider Sixth Carbon Budget, which will run from 2033 -2037. The Budget also sets out a recommended pathway to Net Zero by 2050, which would necessitate a 78% reduction in emissions between 1990 and 2035.

The National Insulation Association believes that a fabric first approach is essential to reducing emissions from homes and buildings in line with the legislated net zero target. We have seen huge interest in insulation measures through the Green Homes Grant scheme since its launch earlier this Autumn. Today’s recommendations highlight the importance of delivering on this demand and improving the UK housing stock.

The delivery of the Government’s target to bring all homes to EPC Band C was highlighted by the CCC as one of the four key priorities for buildings. The CCC has today recommended that 3 million cavity wall insulation measures, 11 million loft insulation measures, and 3.4 million solid wall insulation measures are installed by 2050. This would require £55 billion investment in domestic energy efficiency, and a rapid scale up of supply chains. By 2050, Heat demand in domestic buildings could consequently reduce by up to 22%.

NIA members are committed to scaling up and delivering on these recommendations and providing households across the United Kingdom with more efficient, affordable homes to live in, whilst reducing energy demand and carbon emissions. It is critical that high quality installations and customer service are at the heart.

The energy policy landscape has changed rapidly over the past year and the NIA is hopeful that ambitions will be increased in line with today’s recommendations. A long-term policy pathway will provide much needed clarity for consumers and industry, and will help to reduce energy demand from homes and buildings right across the UK.

The CCC has also recommended that Government focus its efforts on scaling up supply chains throughout the next decade in preparation for delivery in the 2030s. NIA members – and the wider energy efficiency sector are committed to leveling up significantly ahead of these timescales.

Derek Horrocks, Chairman of the National Insulation Association, said:

“It is brilliant to see the Committee on Climate Change’s 6^th Carbon Budget today. As we leave this difficult year behind us, 2021 represents the start of increased ambition and action. The National Insulation Association is committed to working with policymakers to deliver the right insulation measures to homes across the UK. We look forward to the Government’s response to today’s recommendations in anticipation that we can deepen the necessary partnership to decarbonise UK homes. A long-term strategy accompanied with direct support for high quality household energy efficiency upgrades is essential to build on the momentum now being created.”

—ENDS—

Notes to Editors:

1. The National Insulation Association (NIA) represents the insulation industry in the UK with a member base comprised of installers, system certificate holders, and manufacturers who provide a wide range of insulation solutions for homes and buildings. The NIA and its members are fully committed to maintaining and raising standards within the insulation industry
2. For more on joining the NIA, please visit http://www.nia-uk.org/nia-members/join-the-nia/

Media Enquiries:
Christina Thompson-Yates
Telephone: 07394 560 984| Email christina.thompsonyates@ecuity.com

PRESS RELEASE

The National Insulation Association (NIA) welcomes the Chancellor’s summer economic statement which announced a £3 billion green jobs plan to boost employment whilst accelerating the transition to net-zero by 2050. £2 billion of funding for a Green Homes Grant scheme is a major boost for jobs which could have a huge impact on reducing emissions from existing homes whilst making homes more affordable to run.

A solid foundation of customer care and technical competency is already established to support the scheme and credible, financially viable companies are ready to invest in new sustainable jobs to support its successful and impactful delivery.

It is vital that the interests of the consumer are put at the heart of the scheme from inception. Those in receipt of the grant should receive outstanding levels of customer service and the highest possible standard of quality installation, using accredited and guaranteed systems and products.

Getting the scheme design right and learning lessons from the past will maximise the number of sustainable jobs created whilst benefiting customers and contributing to the longer-term challenge of bringing all homes up to EPC Band C by 2035.

The NIA looks forward to continuing to work with colleagues across industry and government over the coming weeks to develop a successful scheme that improves the energy efficiency of homes across the country.

Derek Horrocks, Chairman of the National Insulation Association said:

“The National Insulation Association has been active in encouraging a Home Upgrade Grant scheme such as this in recent months. As we recover from the crisis and accelerate the low carbon transition, improving the quality of our homes will have wide-reaching benefits but it is essential that the scheme firmly locks in quality rather than just quantity. Industry is ready and willing to ensure that both are delivered at the same time.”

—ENDS—

Notes to Editors:

1. The NIA published a report, setting out how a Home Upgrade Scheme might work on 29^th June 2020
2. The NIA was one of nine energy efficiency industry groups to write to the Chancellor, calling for the
   introduction of the scheme this calendar year. Read the full letter here.
3. The National Insulation Association (NIA) represents the insulation industry in the UK with a member base comprised of installers, system certificate holders, and manufacturers who provide a wide range of insulation solutions for homes and buildings. The NIA and its members are fully committed to maintaining and raising standards within the insulation industry
4. For more on joining the NIA, please visit http://www.nia-uk.org/nia-members/join-the-nia/
   

Media Enquiries: 
Christina Thompson-Yates
Telephone: 07394 560 984| Email christina.thompsonyates@ecuity.com