The Insulated Render and Cladding Association (INCA) has published a manifesto ahead of the General Election calling on any future Government to set out a clear role for external wall insulation (EWI) as part of a coherent energy efficiency strategy.
The INCA manifesto builds on the findings of the report from the Institute of Public Policy Research (IPPR), Up Against the (Solid) Wall: What Changes to the ECO Mean for Energy Efficiency Policy, which demonstrates the substantial benefits of solid wall insulation for the UK, including the employment, health and social impacts on residents.
INCA is calling for support for EWI to improve energy efficiency, cut fuel bills and lift households out of poverty and the manifesto makes the case for a long-term energy efficiency strategy with sustainable funding initiatives.
INCA has put forward the following ‘key asks’ for any future Government:
- Recognise the economic case for investment in EWI to reduce carbon emissions and fuel poverty, to create growth in the UK economy and to support community regeneration.
- Develop and implement an energy efficiency strategy that supports EWI on a large scale with realistic targets for upscaling the delivery of EWI to insulate 3.5 million solid wall properties by 2030.
- Commit to consistent policies which allow the EWI industry to invest and plan for the future to the benefit of its clients.
- Prioritise funding for sustainable funding initiatives developed with input from the industry.
INCA Chairman Pádraig Barry said: “There is still a huge challenge to meet with the latest Government figures showing that only 3% of the 8 million solid wall properties in Britain have received insulation. At the current installation rate it will take around 150 years to insulate all solid wall homes, which undermines the important role upgrading our existing housing stock has on lowering carbon emissions and reducing fuel poverty.
"The General Election offers a real opportunity to make the industry’s voice heard and bring about a step change in the approach from Government.”
The INCA manifesto can be downloaded at www.inca-ltd.org.uk
