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The Government is backing the National Insulation Association, the Solid Wall Insulation Guarantee Agency and the British Board of Agrement partnership to help the mass expansion of the solid wall insulation Industry
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Government backs new Solid Wall Insulation industry partnership
A new initiative involving three leading industry bodies, designed to bring about a major expansion in Solid Wall Insulation (SWI) industry capacity whilst maintaining quality and standards received the backing of Government this week. The initiative will support the mass roll out of SWI in the residential market that is needed to help deliver Government climate change targets.
The National Insulation Association (NIA), Solid Wall Insulation Guarantee Agency (SWIGA) and the British Board of Agrément (BBA), will be working together in the development of a new independent installer assessment and surveillance scheme for SWI covering external wall insulation, internal wall insulation and hybrid systems (a combination of both external and internal wall insulation installed on the same property).
This initiative forms part of a new SWI industry framework which the NIA and SWIGA are jointly developing to bring about a 10 fold increase in the capacity of the SWI industry in a controlled manner ensuring that the highest level of quality and standards are maintained. This is needed to support Government ambitions under the Green Deal and the recommendation by the Committee on Climate Change that around 2.3m SWI installations will need to be undertaken by 2022 to achieve Governments climate change targets. The new industry framework covers quality assurance, skills and training and consumer protection, including a new independent SWI Guarantee.
To support the industry expansion, re-skilling of existing installers will be required together with a major recruitment and training drive to attract new people into the industry. To this end, the NIA and SWIGA are also developing a new skills and training platform which includes:
• Onsite assessment and training in the workplace to qualify existing workers.
• Retraining skilled workers from other trades such as cavity wall installers.
• Apprenticeship schemes for new entrants.
Neil Marshall, Chief Executive of the NIA, commented: "The Partnership is delighted that the Government is backing our initiative and welcomes its desire and commitment to work with the industry in the development of its plans." He went on to say: "The Green Deal is a very exciting initiative and we look forward to continuing to work with Government in its development."
Greg Cooper, Chief Executive of the BBA added: "The BBA's development partnership with NIA and SWIGA is an excellent example of how the construction industry is increasingly working together to tackle the challenges involved in the successful refurbishment of the existing housing stock".
Gerry Miller of SWIGA commented that: "Investing in energy efficiency through measures such as solid wall insulation really is a 'win win' for both the country and householders, who can be confident that the work has been completed to a high standard as a result of the framework including an independent Guarantee that is being developed in partnership with the NIA and the BBA."
Welcoming the initiative Climate Change Minister, Greg Barker said:
"Growth in the Green Economy will play a major role in our economic recovery. Green economic opportunities benefit everyone; they support jobs and growth, defend Britain from the impact of high oil prices and help to limit climate change.
"British businesses need to be ready to take advantage of the opportunities that initiatives like the Green Deal provide. This partnership is an example of pro-activity which we would like to see mirrored in every sector."
End
Notes to Editors
The National Insulation Association represents over 90% of the UK's home insulation industry, including installers and manufacturers. The NIA and its members are committed to providing a high quality, value for money service to householders, housing managers and developers.
The NIA is here to help you with expert opinions and comments on any matter that concerns the insulation of homes and businesses. For further information and images call Duncan or Michele at the NIA press office on 01327 701 702 .
All of our members abide by the NIA Code of Professional Practice.
The UK's housing stock is estimated at approximately 24.5 million dwellings and of that, approximately 36% are non-cavity wall construction - solid brick, solid stone, pre-1944 timber frame and non-traditional (i.e. concrete construction). It is estimated that there are around 7m properties that have solid walls that need insulating.
The Solid Wall Insulation Guarantee Agency (SWIGA) will provide consumer protection and an independent Guarantee for internal, external and hybrid wall insulation installations carried out under the SWIGA framework by accredited installers.
The British Board of Agrément is the UK's major authority offering approval of construction products, systems and installers. It currently publishes over 1400 product approval Certificates on materials produced by 800 manufacturers based in 30 countries and carries out 25,000 site inspections in the construction sector each year.
To find a local NIA approved installer in your area, access information on the benefits of insulation or find details of grants available please visit our website
The biggest carbon challenge in the UK is to significantly tackle the real "energy wasters", the existing housing stock.
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