The National Insulation Association (NIA) is the lead trade body in Solid Wall Insulation (SWI) representing the manufacturers, system designers and installers of external wall, internal wall and hybrid wall (external and internal wall in the same property) insulation.
There are around 7 million uninsulated SWI properties in the UK and under the new Green Deal and Energy Company Obligation (ECO) there needs to be a major increase in SWI insulation volumes to support the achievement of the Government’s climate change targets.
The NIA and its members are recognised as having a key role to play in bringing about this market transformation and are committed to doing this in a controlled and sustainable manner, ensuring the highest levels of quality and standards and consumer protection are maintained. To this end the NIA has established a dedicated new SWI Steering Group, the NIA Solid Wall Group, within the association to take forward the industry’s strategy and plans.
Neil Marshall, Chief Executive of the NIA, commented: “The Group comprises specialist external and internal wall insulation manufacturers, system designers and contractors and will focus specifically on the development and implementation of the NIA’s SWI market and supply chain development plans.”
Marshall added: “The NIA is uniquely placed to shape the SWI market as it covers both external and internal wall insulation and the NIA Solid Wall Group has the specialist knowledge, experience and technical expertise to engage effectively with Government, external bodies and consumers in developing the market.”
David Lawrence, MD of Lawtech Ltd a national speciailsit External Wall Insulation (EWI) contractor has been appointed as Chair of the group and Lorraine Scott of Sto Ltd an EWI system designer has been appointed as Vice Chair.
Commenting on the new NIA Solid Wall Group David Lawrence said: “I am very pleased to have the opportunity to lead the group in taking forward this critical work which will make a major contribution to tackling climate change and addressing fuel poverty by ensuring that the millions of uninsulated solid wall properties are effectively insulated over the coming years.”
The group will be focusing on a number of key areas including:
- Educating consumers and raising awareness of the benefits of SWI
- Providing support and guidance for specifiers of SWI including Green Deal Providers and Assessors, Energy Suppliers, and Social Housing Providers
- Industry training
- Quality and standards of installation
- Consumer protection
The NIA offers a number of membership opportunities. If you are interested in finding out more about membership and the added value services including the new NIA Solid Wall Group please contact Bev Coombe, Membership and Communications Manager; on 01525 383313 or email bev.coombe@nationalinsulationassociation.org.uk
