The CEO of South Coast Insulation Services (SCIS) has called for the need to improve standards in government-backed insulation installations after reports that homes upgraded under energy efficiency initiatives have gone mouldy.
Nic Gillanders said: “The state of UK energy efficiency installation standards has been laid bare this week. Following the BBC revealing that hundreds of thousands of cavity-wall insulation projects fitted under government-backed green energy schemes were improperly installed, UK residents are currently living in unsafe conditions.
“It’s clearly concerning and unacceptable that some energy efficiency installations have now put families in danger, but it is crucial that we use these revelations to bring about genuine change.
“The government must look at implementing better training and extra oversight before and after the installation. This could potentially be through a dedicated taskforce delivering more effective control, in order to tackle sub-par practice by installation companies. In tandem, installation companies must welcome these developments as opportunities to exemplify utmost safety, quality and best practice.
“While many within the industry may see these extra measures as excessive, we can’t over-emphasise the crucial junction we find ourselves at.
“An estimated 225,000 additional workers will be required to meet UK construction demand by 2027, which could significantly transform the retrofitting and installation industry. However, it is critical that existing and upcoming workforces are trained to the highest health & safety standards, with comprehensive industry accreditations, to effectively support national 2030 retrofitting targets and help consumers create safe, energy efficient homes.
“With buildings currently accounting for 17% of all of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions due to heating technology, high quality energy efficiency installations and retrofits will play a pivotal role. Now is the time to up standards and accreditation, increase oversight and accountability, all to help drive towards a greener and safer future for UK residents.”
