The Insulated Render and Cladding Association (INCA) has welcomed the publication of the ‘Solid Wall Insulation: Unlocking Demand and Driving Up Standards’ report by Chief Construction Adviser Peter Hansford. In a speech at the report’s launch event, INCA Chairman Pádraig Barry welcomed the recommendations included in the report and the industry engagement during the review.
The report makes recommendations on what more might be done to unlock demand for SWI in domestic properties, how to improve its affordability and increase its attractiveness as a solution. These include adopting a holistic and co-ordinated approach to SWI and considerations to policy which INCA has urged DECC to take into account as they determine the future of home energy efficiency policy. In advance of the anticipated Government response INCA will continue to develop industry guidance, building on the INCA EWI Best Practice Guide which was published this year, and support the concept of a Retrofit Hub.
Following publication of this report it is vital that the focus on SWI is maintained in order to make a meaningful start on addressing the more than seven million households in Britain living in draughty and expensive-to-heat solid wall properties, including almost half of the country’s fuel poor, where solid wall insulation is the only solution. As such, the proposed leadership forum will be crucial and INCA will play a key role in this.
INCA Chairman Pádraig Barry said: “Given the current uncertainty in the industry, the publication of this report brings a very timely and much needed focus on the SWI market. I am especially pleased that this report recognises the multiple benefits of SWI and that adopting SWI as a solution makes good business sense. As the leading trade association for external wall insulation, INCA welcomes the publication of this report and will work with Government and industry partners to drive forward its recommendations.”
Chief Construction Adviser Peter Hansford said: “I would like to thank INCA for its valuable contribution throughout the review and I strongly advise industry to proceed with the actions arising from this report without waiting for the Government response.”
