VIEWPOINT INSULATION AT THE
HEART OF NET-ZERO HOMES Simon Storer, chief executive of Insulation Manufacturers Association
THE GOVERNMENT’S AMBITION to build 1.5 million homes during this Parliament is a tall order, and one that brings opportunity and risk. With the relaunch of the Net Zero Council signalling renewed urgency around UK climate targets, there is no escaping the fact that the homes we deliver today must be future-proofed. If we get this wrong, we risk adding to the retrofit burden rather than solving it. That is why quality, transparency and accountability must underpin every stage of delivery and why high quality insulation is essential to delivering homes that meet the highest standards of energy efficiency from day one. Easing the housing crisis by building 1.5 million new homes over the next five years is very challenging, but in this race to build, the sector must be equally focused on long-term quality. Housebuilders play a vital role in embedding energy performance and sustainability into every stage of the build process.
Building for 2050 From the targets outlined in the Future Homes Standard to the enormous task of retrofitting our existing building stock, it is vital to ensure both compliance and long- term sustainability. As insulation manufacturers, the road to net zero begins with quality insulation. Insulating our buildings will not only reduce emissions, it will also ensure they are comfortable, energy- efficient and fit for the future. The current minimum
requirements for new builds lay a foundation but they are only the start. We must close the performance gap and tighten regulations for higher building standards. Failure to do this will result in new homes needing to be refurbished between now and 2050. The insulation sector produces high-performance insulation such
means that each project requires a tailored approach. Ideally properties need a full energy audit to determine the remedial work that needs to be carried out. But it is also imperative to employ experienced people who understand what is being assessed, can interpret it correctly and propose the appropriate energy improvement measures in the most effective order.
as PIR (polyisocyanurate) and PUR (polyurethane) which will deliver a fabric-first approach to energy efficiency and is the cornerstone of every build.
Fabric first
The most successful strategy to achieve net zero revolves around high quality insulation. This low- tech, ‘fit and forget’ solution is one of the most cost-efficient and effective methods in reducing energy demand, especially when it comes to heat retention. Better or lower U-values in walls, floors and roofs reduces heat-loss, lowering energy use and CO2 emissions, which in new builds must be non- negotiable.
Prioritising the fabric-first approach as a central pillar of construction principles is not simply about complying with regulations, it is about creating buildings that will stand the test of time. This focus on long-term solutions will reduce the need for future costly interventions. The energy efficiency of a building should be as good as it can be, contributing not only to sustainability but also to the comfort and health of the occupants.
December 2025
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net
The homes we build today must be designed for the long haul, with a mindset that considers both current energy demands and the evolving climate challenges of tomorrow. We must prioritise quality insulation to achieve thermal efficiency and reduce carbon emissions, regardless of whether the building is new or being retrofitted.
The retrofit challenge The need for a fabric-first approach becomes critical when addressing the challenge of retrofitting existing homes. With nearly six million homes built before 1919 and over half built before the first insulation requirements were added to the Building Regulations in 1965, these homes are notoriously inefficient, waste heat, and drive-up energy use. Tackling these buildings is not just about applying superficial changes, but about undertaking deep and comprehensive retrofits that address insulation, heating systems, and overall energy efficiency.
However, there is no one-size- fits-all solution for retrofitting. The sheer variety in building types, construction methods and ages
With millions living in homes that require substantial upgrades, it is essential that we approach these retrofits with the great care and attention to detail. It is only through this commitment to quality that we can reduce emissions, alleviate fuel poverty, and create healthier, more comfortable living environments for everyone.
Shared responsibility Success in net-zero delivery will depend on collaboration across the supply chain. Contractors, specifiers, installers and manufacturers must come together to share knowledge, ideas, and best practices.
By promoting best practices, the sector can unlock the full potential of energy-efficient building design and construction. The homes we build today will set the standard for tomorrow. High performance, energy efficient and comfortable living environments will protect us from expensive problems later and drive progress towards our net- zero goals. The insulation industry is ready to support housebuilders and contractors in delivering high- quality homes that meet these standards but ambition alone is not enough. Government must match this readiness with clear action, accountability and enforcement. Only by closing the performance gap and building homes that are genuinely fit for the future can we turn net zero from aspiration into reality. BMJ
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