On 22 November 2023 InstaGroup CEO Dave Robson attended the Energy Security and Net Zero Committee at Parliament, representing the National Insulation Association (NIA).
The expert panel in front of the Committee included Dave Robson, Dhara Vyas, Deputy CEO, Energy UK and Ms Maya Fitchett, Policy Analyst, National Energy Action.
The inquiry into Heating our Homes covered many issues, including the UK not currently being on track to deliver Net Zero targets – and what actions we can take.
Dave spoke about the impact of cutting investment in energy efficiency, and pointed out that chopping and changing funding schemes has affected the delivery of low-carbon homes and caused uncertainty in the industry.
He emphasised the need for stability, “We’d like to see a national approach to retrofit with long-term commitment and long-term funding to strengthen industry confidence and growth; schemes that put consumers and consumer interest at their heart.”
As successful as the ECO scheme has been, it has been hampered by too many rules and complicated criteria.
Dave stressed the need to simplify Government schemes, and make sure at least 90% of funding goes on delivering measures in homes.
“The schemes are too complicated: we need less money to be spent on administration and more of the funding to go on actually installing energy efficiency measures and improving people’s lives and their homes.”
With increased eligibility and more flexibility in schemes, more could be done to upgrade and decarbonise Britain’s housing stock, and ensure people can afford to heat their homes.
The Committee was informed that better targeting and promotion of funding to the right properties was also needed to identify and retrofit the homes in fuel poverty.
The panel made the point that increasing investment in energy efficiency has the potential to create 350,000 jobs, and improve the health of households across the UK, reducing pressure on NHS.
When asked about meeting the Government’s ambitious targets to install low-carbon measures such as heat pumps, Dave highlighted the need to take a ‘fabric first’ approach to retrofit schemes. New heating systems need to go hand in hand with insulation in order to deliver a successful result.
Dave also spoke about the importance of upskilling the workforce.
“Developing the UK’s green skills is crucial on the journey to Net Zero. We’re already putting Apprenticeships in place at InstaGroup, and will be offering our first places as of next year.”
“With accredited Apprenticeships in the supply chain supporting skills such as insulation, we can ensure the UK has the technical competency to create warmer, healthier homes that cut CO2 emissions.”
The full Parliamentary inquiry recording can be accessed here:
https://parliamentlive.tv/event/index/e0889f24-004d-414e-b0eb-d3f6ad225098