Simon Storer, Chief Executive of Insulation Manufacturers Association
With the government’s commitment to build 1.5 million ‘safe and decent’ homes during this Parliament, coupled with the relaunch of the Net Zero Council, there is a clear opportunity for the construction industry to ensure all our homes are climate ready. However, this requires robust action, transparency and accountability, especially in the housing sector. The importance that all new homes are high-quality, energy-efficient from the start and will not be added to the retrofit burden of the future, is paramount. Achieving this means recognising the critical role of insulation in reducing emissions and improving efficiency, whilst also putting in place strict regulatory frameworks to ensure compliance to deliver meaningful change.
The government’s aim to ease the housing crisis and build 1.5 million new homes over the next five years is very challenging, but in this race to build, the focus must be on quality as much as quantity. The homes we construct today need to be better and smarter to ensure they withstand the demands of tomorrow and remain resilient for future generations.
Meeting net zero
From the targets outlined in the Future Homes Standard to the enormous task of retrofitting our existing building stock, it is vital to ensure both compliance and long-term sustainability. As insulation manufacturers, the road to net zero begins with quality insulation. Insulating our buildings will not only reduce emissions, it will also ensure they are comfortable, energy-efficient and fit for the future.
While the current minimum requirements for new builds lay a foundation, they are only the start. We must close the performance gap and tighten regulations for higher building standards. Failure to do this will result in new homes needing to be refurbished between now and 2050. The role of the insulation industry is indispensable as high-performance insulation such as PIR (polyisocyanurate) and PUR (polyurethane) offers a fabric-first approach to energy efficiency and is the cornerstone of every build.
Fabric first
Any successful strategy to achieve net zero revolves around high quality insulation as one of the most cost-efficient and effective methods in reducing energy demand, especially when it comes to heat retention. Better or lower U-values in walls, floors and roofs reduces heat-loss, lowering energy use and CO2 emissions, which in new builds must be non-negotiable.
Prioritising the fabric-first approach as a central pillar of construction principles is not simply about complying with regulations, it is about creating buildings that will stand the test of time. This focus on long-term solutions will reduce the need for future costly interventions. The energy efficiency of a building should be as good as it can be, contributing not only to sustainability but also to the comfort and health of the occupants.
The homes we build today must be designed for the long haul, with a mindset that considers both current energy demands and the evolving climate challenges of tomorrow. We must prioritise quality insulation to achieve thermal efficiency and reduce carbon emissions, regardless of whether the building is new or being retrofitted.
Ageing building stock
The need for a fabric-first approach becomes critical when addressing the challenge of retrofitting existing homes. Nearly six million homes were built before 1919 and over half built before the first insulation requirements were added to the Building Regulations in 1965. These homes are notoriously inefficient, waste heat, and drive-up energy use. Tackling these buildings is not just about applying superficial changes, but about undertaking deep and comprehensive retrofits that address insulation, heating systems, and overall energy efficiency.
However, retrofitting is never a one-size-fits-all solution. The sheer variety in building types, construction methods and ages means that each project requires a tailored approach. Ideally properties need a full energy audit to determine the remedial work that needs to be carried out. But it is also imperative to employ experienced people who understand what is being assessied, can interpret it correctly and propose the appropriate energy improvement measures in the most effective order.
With millions living in homes that require substantial upgrades, it is essential that we approach these retrofits with the same care and attention to detail as we do with new builds. It is only through this commitment to quality that we can reduce emissions, alleviate fuel poverty, and create healthier, more comfortable living environments for everyone.
Working together
Meeting the UK’s 2050 net zero targets will not happen in isolation. Contractors, specifiers, installers and manufacturers must come together to share knowledge, ideas, and best practices. By promoting best practices, the sector can unlock the full potential of energy-efficient building design and construction.
Creating high-performance homes and healthier living environments now will save us from expensive problems later and propel us towards our net-zero goals. The insulation industry is ready to support the construction of high-quality homes that are energy-efficient, comfortable and sustainable for all, but as the momentum builds to get Britain building again, we must never compromise on quality.
For more information about IMA visit www.insulationmanufacturers.org.uk