British Energy Efficiency Federation

In December, INCA was represented at the British Energy Efficiency Federation (BEEF) meeting by Anna Wesson of the Secretariat. Founded in 1996 by the UK Government, BEEF aims to provide a forum for consultation between existing industry associations and the energy sector. It is currently chaired by Andrew Warren from the Association for the Conservation of Energy.

Perhaps of little surprise, the focus of discussion at the meeting was the Government’s Clean Growth Strategy. Presentations were on:

  • Residential sector energy efficiency strategy
  • The work of the fuel poverty committee
  • Business sector energy efficiency strategy
  • UK business and the EU:ETS
  • Public sector delivery in relation to clean growth

If you would like any further information about the content of the presentations, please do not hesitate to get in touch. The civil servants driving the Clean Growth Strategy are open to representations from organisations such as INCA, and it is a great opportunity for the trade association to impact policy as it is formed.

INCA members will have an interest in how the Clean Growth Strategy is implemented, and the implications it has for external wall insulation. Engaging through BEEF provides an opportunity to understand where current thinking lies, and what is coming downstream. Meeting quarterly, INCA will keep you updated on progress as it develops. In the meantime, contact us with any specific requests, or any questions about the recent work of the Federation.

Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety

This week, Dame Judith Hackitt published her interim report of the Independent Review which suggests a major overhaul of the Building Regulations systems, especially for tall buildings, to create a risk based approach underpinned by cultural change in the industry.

Any changes will have a significant impact on the external wall insulation sector, and INCA is committed to understanding what this means and sharing information with members. Through the Industry Response Group, INCA will continue to engage with the Independent Review as Dame Judith looks to publish her final report in the spring. It is clear that the industry will need to play a significant role in developing the framework for future Building Regulations and adopt the cultural changes necessary to deliver quality outcomes for construction clients.

INCA Awards 2017 Winners Revealed!

INCA Awards 2017

Winners of the INCA Awards 2017

The Insulated Render and Cladding Association (INCA) Awards celebrated the successes of exceptional innovation and design in External Wall Insulation (EWI). Project of the Year was awarded to SPSenvirowall and Build-Therm for their great work on Langley Academy Primary School. The project overcame the challenge of causing minimum disruption to pupils, while delivering great thermal performance and design.

The INCA Awards 2017 were presented by former Leicester Tiger, England, and British & Irish Lion captain, Martin Corry. This prestigious black-tie, gala dinner event celebrated its fifth year at the Titanic Hotel, Liverpool on the 5 October in front of approximately 150 industry guests.

Winner of the first ever Installer of the Year Award went to A.C. Whyte & Co for their focus on promoting skills within the industry and dedication to their clients. Wemico won the Innovation Award for their EWI Thermo-Pro & Trim Solutions product, designed to help protect EWI Systems and reduce cold bridging. INCA member award winners also include: Aliva UK, Build-Therm, Rateavon, Saint-Gobain Weber, SPSenvirowall, Sto, Structherm and Volkerlaser. Sto Technical Director, Gary Bundy, won the Outstanding Achievement Award for his technical advice to major industry bodies and his development of new standards, including the INCA Technical Committee. Richard Hunter was also announced as the recipient of the Individual Training Achievement for his commitment to upskilling the industry.

INCA Executive Chairman Mitch Gee said:
“We must not lose sight of the energy inefficiencies in our housing stock and continue to strive to work towards warmer, more efficient homes. However we are not a one trick pony. We do not just provide insulation, we are not just about saving carbon. We are able to transform a home, a community, a life. We provide products that are not only beneficial for society, but are also aspirational for the individual home owner. This has been clearly demonstrated through this years’ brilliant INCA Award winners.”