Government pledges to work with insulation industry to reduce UK carbon emissions

The Under Secretary of State for the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC), David Kidney MP, pledged his support to the insulation industry at the National Insulation Association (NIA) Annual Conference in December and stressed the importance of the sector working in unison with the Government to reduce UK carbon emissions.

In his speech, Mr Kidney stated that: “We have set very ambitious targets to reduce CO2 emissions in the UK and energy use in buildings, both homes and non-domestic, accounts for a very substantial part of this. Insulation is the crucial technology that will help reduce energy demand and reduce emissions.”

He added: “This is not just about climate change, but insulation forms a pivotal part of our drive to improve the thermal performance of our housing stock and reduce household energy bills. With the average family spending over £1,000 a year on heating and powering their homes, insulation is a quick win with short pay back periods – and so is increasingly more important in these tough economic times.”

Mr Kidney stated that looking at existing housing stock, nothing less than an insulation revolution is needed. He urged the industry’s engagement in the drive for new approaches and new solutions stating that it will be more critical than ever as we strive to overcome the barriers we face.

Mr Kidney acknowledged that he is aware of the problems currently facing the insulation industry and stated that: “We are also pushing hard for early decisions from suppliers on the issues you need to know to allow you to plan properly for the future. We are looking to the CERT extension to drive an increase in insulation activity well in advance of the start of the CERT extension period in April 2011 and getting the CERT extension right is key to delivering our commitments.”

Mr Kidney went on to outline the Government’s future plans, to be set out in the Household Energy Management Strategy, to be published early next year, including:

• By 2015, all homes which are able to, will receive cavity wall and loft insulation
• By 2020, seven million homes to receive a whole-house refurbishment – including measures like solid wall insulation
• By 2030, a 29% reduction on 2008 household emission levels and every home able to access all cost-effective energy saving measures

Neil Marshall, Chief Executive of the NIA, thanked Mr Kidney for attending the conference and particularly for addressing key concerns facing the industry. He confirmed the industry’s commitment to study the CERT extension consultation paper thoroughly to ensure that the insulation industry’s needs are fully met.

He stated that: “The next few months are critical for the industry and the NIA is working closely with Government to address all relevant issues. It is vital that funds are released as soon as possible to start meeting the CERT targets and to ensure that capacity is fully utilised. Without this, the industry fears for its security, which could result in future targets not being met.”

Other notable speakers at the NIA conference included Andrew Warren, Director of the Association for the Conservation of Energy; Chris Leigh, Household Energy Efficiency and Fuel Poverty, DECC; Philip Sellwood, Chief Executive of the Energy Saving Trust; and Dr Garry Felgate, Chief Executive of the Energy Retail Association.

For further information, visit National Insulation Association online or click here to send an online enquiry