With the highly anticipated Green Deal now live, members of the Insulated Render and Cladding Association (INCA) are ready to deliver the high quality the external wall insulation (EWI) projects required to meet the Government’s carbon reduction targets. 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” with over 8 million homes are set to benefit from solid wall insulation.
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).
INCA has recently launched its 2013 Awards which recognise innovation and excellence in EWI. By showcasing the most successful EWI projects from the last year, the awards demonstrate how EWI is bringing buildings up to modern-day standards of thermal performance and helping to reduce energy consumption and fuel poverty.
With demand for EWI set to soar, 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 and support 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 to provide an effective route to certification for its members.
INCA has teamed up with insurance provider Quality Assured National Warranties (QANW) to provide insurance-backed guarantees 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 opportunities available under the Green Deal and ECO. 2013 is set to be an exciting year for the industry and INCA remains committed to improving standards to ensure that the Green Deal is a success and stimulates much needed growth within the economy.”
