With the imminent launch of the Green Deal, the external wall insulation (EWI) industry is gearing up for the huge opportunities ahead.
Minister for Energy and Climate Change Greg Barker has promised that the Green Deal will herald a “transformation in the size and scale of solid wall insulation numbers” and members of the Insulated Render and Cladding Association (INCA) are ideally placed to deliver the high quality projects required to meet the Government’s carbon reduction targets.
INCA is the recognised trade association for the EWI industry, representing the major system designers, a nationwide network of specialist installers and the key component suppliers. With 30 years’ experience, INCA is the specialist trade association for EWI and is working closely with the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) and other key stakeholders to ensure there is a smooth transition to the Green Deal and Energy Company Obligation (ECO).
Demand for EWI is set to soar under the Green Deal and ECO and INCA has welcomed the latest measures to encourage householders to make improvements to their properties. Planning permission rules for solid wall insulation have been revised so that an installation will be classified as an improvement rather than an extension or an enlargement, removing a potential barrier to take up. The £125 million Green Deal Cashback Scheme is also expected to incentivise householders by offering finance packages for the installation of Green Deal measures that could be worth over £1,000.
INCA provides its members with a range of guidance to help them remain at the forefront of the industry. To win work under the Green Deal and ECO, companies are required to achieve Green Deal certification in line with PAS 2030 and INCA is working in partnership with the British Board of Agrément (BBA) and the Energy Saving Trust to provide an effective route to certification for its members.
INCA has also teamed up with insurance provider Quality Assured National Warranties (QANW) to provide an insurance-backed guarantee for EWI works. INCA members can offer their clients the highest level of protection with the INCA Green Deal Warranty which provides up to 25-year insolvency protection and the requirement for Consequential Property Damage from just £79 per property.
The development of a competent and qualified workforce will be vital to the success of the Green Deal and INCA is collaborating with industry training body CITB-ConstructionSkills to develop the framework for training in the EWI sector, including a Specialist Apprenticeship Programme, Diploma and upskilling programmes.
INCA Chairman Mike Threadgold said: “Over the past year, INCA has gone from strength to strength, successfully raising awareness of the benefits of EWI and the work of INCA members as the industry prepares for the launch of the Green Deal and ECO.
"This year is set to be an exciting year for the industry and INCAremains committed to improving standards to ensure that the Green Deal is a success and stimulates much needed growth within the economy.”