39 ECO4 and GBIS Solid Wall Installers Suspended

ECO4 & GBIS Suspensions

In a significant crackdown to safeguard consumers, the UK Government has suspended 39 businesses from carrying out new solid wall insulation installations on residential properties. This move comes in the wake of concerning findings that showed widespread sub-par insulation work under the Energy Company Obligation 4 (ECO4) and Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS). Both of these initiatives, inherited by the current administration, have been integral to the UK’s energy efficiency drive.

On the 23rd of January 2025, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, spearheaded by Miatta Fahnbulleh MP, laid bare the measures taken in response to the burgeoning crisis of poorly fitted solid wall insulation. As routine checks conducted by TrustMark – the independent quality assurance body for tradespersons – revealed, numerous homes had been subject to shoddy work since the inception of these schemes in 2022.

The immediate suspension of the 39 businesses in question is part of a broader, comprehensive strategy by the government to mend the failures of prior regulations. This strategy includes rigorous checks on all insulation measures installed under the schemes, a direct order to substandard installers to rectify their work at their own cost (with no financial burden on the homeowners), and expanded oversight by Ofgem, the UK energy regulator.

Ofgem Remedial Action

Households affected by this situation are to be directly contacted by Ofgem and informed about an inspection procedure that’s being set in motion. Professional assessors have been tasked to meticulously review each installation. Should remedial work be necessary, TrustMark or the pertinent certification bodies will organise repairs promptly.

The range of reported issues comprises of incomplete documentation, inadequate ventilation, and improperly installed insulation leading to damp, mould, and other related problems. Although unpleasant and needing attention, these issues are not deemed an immediate hazard to safety.

The government’s rapid response also underscores a commitment not to tolerate negligence. Installers responsible for inferior workmanship will be obligated to amend the defects at no cost to the homeowners. Furthermore, a continued ban on carrying out new insulation work under any government scheme will be enforced against them should they fail to honour their repair obligations.

As Minister Miatta Fahnbulleh underscores, the concern of people having had insulation installed via these schemes is fully understandable, hence the firm action taken to amend wrongs. Households are advised to await a letter from Ofgem that will detail further steps for resolving any insulation issues.

The implications of these findings extend beyond direct consumer impact; they expose the inefficacies of existing consumer protection in the realm of home energy upgrades. Contrary to other energy efficiency programmes managed through local authority channels or delivered to social housing providers, which boast robust checks and balances, ECO4 and GBIS have been particularly vulnerable to the current predicament.

Warm Homes Plan

The government concedes that the inherited system of consumer protection is fragmented and deficient. In light of this, extensive reforms are on the horizon, principally through the proposed Warm Homes Plan. This plan aims to reconfigure consumer protections at all levels, dealing with certification and supervision of installers, as well as providing homeowners with clear avenues for recourse and enforcement when needed.

To date, official statistics reveal that approximately 65,000 measures of external and internal wall insulation have been installed across around 65,000 households under ECO4 and GBIS. Hence this action doesn't merely represent an isolated incident but a turning point in upholding standards for a significant portion of the UK's residential properties.

Tackling the disjointed regulatory landscape will not only restore consumer confidence but also ensure that future home improvements, valuable in reducing energy bills and enhancing living conditions, meet the high-quality standards expected in the UK. The government's strong position signals a determined stride towards achieving a landscape where quality, reliability, and consumer assurance are at the heart of domestic energy efficiency and environmental responsibility.

Things To Consider When Installing Solid Wall Insulation

Internal Wall Insulation

Building Regulations Compliance: Ensure all internal wall insulation (IWI) installations comply with Part L of the UK Building Regulations, concerning conservation of fuel and power.

Suitability Assessment: Conduct a thorough property assessment to determine the suitability for IWI, taking into account factors such as wall construction type, existing damp issues, and the presence of breathable materials.

U-values and Thermal Performance: Target post-installation U-values should be calculated to meet or exceed current standards, providing optimal thermal performance and energy efficiency.

Moisture Management: Implement strategies to control moisture transfer and condensation, which can include breathable insulation materials, vapour control layers, and adequate ventilation.

Fixtures and Fittings: Prior to installation, plan for the repositioning or alteration of radiators, electrical outlets, and other fixtures impacted by the increased wall thickness.

Room Dimensions and Space Loss: Acknowledge that the installation of IWI will reduce internal floor space. Precise measurements are needed to forecast the resultant loss and communicate with property owners accordingly.

Interstitial Condensation Risk: Assess the risk of interstitial condensation within walls post-installation, employing appropriate insulation materials and methodologies to mitigate this risk.

Material Selection: Select high-quality materials that conform to British standards, taking into account insulation properties, reaction to fire, and environmental factors such as Global Warming Potential (GWP) and Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP).

Accredited Installation: Employ accredited installers registered with relevant certification schemes such as TrustMark, ensuring they are trained to the latest industry standards and work practices.

Quality Assurance: Deploy rigorous quality control measures throughout installation, alongside post-completion inspections to confirm that workmanship aligns with both industry and scheme-specific criteria.

Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) Impact: Evaluate how IWI installation will impact the property's EPC rating and advise owners on the potential improvements in energy efficiency and property value.

Planning Permission: In some instances, particularly in listed buildings or conservation areas, obtaining planning permission may be a prerequisite. Verify whether or not planning consent is needed to avoid legal complications.

Warranty and Aftercare: Ensure a warranty is in place for the insulation material and the installation work, providing long-term confidence and recourse for the property owner.

Financial Incentives and Schemes: Inform proprietors of any available grants or financial schemes, such as the aforementioned ECO4 or GBIS, that may defray installation costs.

By meticulously addressing each of these elements, we assure a responsible application of IWI that serves not only to bolster thermal efficiency but also to preserve the fabric and function of the properties it is applied to.

External Wall Insulation

Compliance with UK Building Regulations: Ensure external wall insulation (EWI) adheres to Part L of the UK Building Regulations to meet energy conservation requirements.

Detailed U-value Calculations: Calculate target U-values to confirm enhancements in thermal performance post-installation, as per BS EN ISO 6946.

Material Durability and Performance: Select robust EWI materials with a proven track record for weather resistance, thermal efficiency, and longevity, certified to British Standards.

Thermal Bridging Mitigation: Incorporate measures to minimise thermal bridging, in line with BRE guidance, thereby reducing heat loss at junctions and building extremities.

Fire Safety Evaluation: Conduct a rigorous assessment of the EWI system's fire performance, particularly post-Grenfell, to comply with Document B - Fire Safety provisions.

Moisture Risks and Ventilation: Address potential moisture ingress and water vapour diffusion with appropriate EWI systems designed to manage moisture, aligned with BS 5250 guidelines.

Structural Assessment: Prior to EWI application, undertake a structural evaluation of the property to ascertain its ability to bear additional loads, as advised by structural engineering principles.

Aesthetics and Planning Permissions: Where applicable, seek requisite planning permissions, especially in conservation areas or for listed buildings, ensuring EWI installations respect aesthetic and heritage considerations.

Installation Certification: Utilise EWI installers with certification from competent person schemes or TrustMark, thus affirming adherence to industry best practices.

System Warranty and Insurance: Secure robust warranty terms for the EWI system and workmanship, ensuring longevity and safeguarding against future defects.

Impact on Building Envelope: Gauge the impact of EWI on the existing building envelope, considering the implications for vapour permeability, wind loading, and external detailing.

Compatibility with Substrates: Confirm compatibility of EWI materials with existing wall substrates to prevent deleterious interactions over time.

Consideration of Renewable Energy Integration: If applicable, coordinate EWI installation with renewable energy systems, such as solar panels, ensuring seamless integration and optimised energy savings.

Cost-Benefit Analysis and Payback Periods: Calculate payback periods associated with energy savings against installation costs to aid property owners in informed decision-making.

By scrutinising each aspect with due diligence, we ensure EWI installations align with current regulatory frameworks, performance standards, and contribute to the overarching goals of energy efficiency and sustainability within the UK housing stock.