Government launches review to boost take up of Solid Wall Insulation in homes

Chief Construction Adviser Peter Hansford issues new Call for Evidence on how to unlock demand, improve affordability and increase attractiveness.

Antony Oliver
20 March 2015

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Environment

The Green Construction Board (GCB) has commissioned Chief Construction Adviser, Peter Hansford to conduct an informal review into the use and demand for Solid Wall Insulation (SWI) in UK buildings.  

Hansford this week issued a formal Call for Evidence from industry to feed into the work of his commission which is supported by a steering group of GCB members, Rob Lambe of Willmott Dixon and Lynne Sullivan of SustainableByDesign.  

According to the Committee on Climate Change, three million solid wall homes require treatment by 2020 if the UK is to remain on track to meet our Climate Change Act commitments.

Written evidence is invited to be sent to jane.chelliah-manning@bis.gsi.gov.uk and should be clearly marked ‘Evidence to SWI Commission’.  Written evidence must be received by Friday 24 April 2015.

The review will draw evidence from industry and all stakeholders to consider what more might be done to unlock demand for SWI, improve affordability and increase its attractiveness as a solution.  

Increased use of SWI is likely to make a significant contribution to carbon reduction, and also represents a significant business opportunity for the industry.

The review team will liaise closely with, but remain independent from, DECC and DCLG.

Issues to be addressed in the review include:

• benefits of SWI
• drivers of investment 
• manufacturing capacity
• the impact of existing policies
• the skills required to ensure that SWI installations comply with the building regulations
• the time needed for the development of appropriate guidance before increasing the uptake
• self-certification vs inspection
• health and environmental issues
• possible quick wins
• other issues of relevance.
• barriers to uptake (e.g. perceived disruption to householder).

Written evidence is invited to be sent to jane.chelliah-manning@bis.gsi.gov.uk and should be clearly marked ‘Evidence to SWI Commission’.  Written evidence must be received by Friday 24 April 2015.  

A report will be made to the Green Construction Board in June 2015. 

This Call for Evidence is listed on the GCB website and can be found here