Insulate Magazine Issue 14

The only independent 

insulation industry 

trade magazine 

Insulation 

Outlook 2018 

Issue 14 | January 2018 

Standing Out From the Crowd 

NIA Conference Review 

Keeping Everything Moving 

Review, Reflect and Reset

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Insulation Outlook 2018 

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Contents 

6-8 

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NIA Conference Review 2017 10-13 

BBA Leads the Way 

14-15 

Standing Out from the Crowd 16-19 

A Call to Action 20 

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Improve and Respond to the Challenges 21 

Hearing Protection : Communication 22-23 

Review Reflect and Reset 

24-25 

Keeping Everything Moving 26-29 

ASFP Endorses Independent Review 

31 

Decarbonisation and Building Regulations 32 

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The UK's only dedicated 

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3

Happy New Year! As we begin 2018, having reflected on what 

has been a turbulent 12 months for the Insulation Industry, the 

focus here at Insulate Network has become one of unity and 

communication. 

Interviews with key industry leaders have revealed a common theme of 

continued focus on customer needs and assurances through testing and 

products being “fit for purpose” along with continued Brexit uncertainty. 

Colin Heath 

Managing Editor 

colin@insulatenetwork.com 

@colinversanta 

Also in this issue, our newly appointed Technical Editor, Paul Forrester looks 

at the specification and design of insulation systems and the industry supply 

chain in his feature “keeping Everything moving” 

As always, pages are full to the brim with information – perfect for keeping 

up to date with the latest news from across the industry, contributions from 

MIMA and a full round up of last months National Insulation Association conference 

where a fresh approach to collaboration was a key theme. 

I hope you enjoy this issue. 

Colin 

Jamie Street 

Head of Creative 

jamie@insulatenetwork.com 

@jamieversanta 

4 

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Cover Feature Exclusive 

Insulation 

Outlook 2018 

As we enter 2018, what better time to sit down 

and speak to some of the insulation industry 

leading voices to get their view on the events 

of 2017 and to take a look at what challenges and 

opportunities they expect from the year ahead? 

Colin Heath, Managing Editor at Insulate Magazine 

exclusively spoke to Ann Fisher, Brand Director at SIG, 

David Travill, Managing Director at Saint-Gobain Isover and 

Trevor Horsely, the Chief Executive Office of Western 

Thermal Ltd. Keep Reading... 

6

The only independent insulation industry trade magazine 

An Inside Look 

at Insulation in 2018 

In a few words, how do you see the outlook for the insulation industry in 2018? 

The insulation market will be resilient in 2018 as a sector influenced by current building 

regulations yet to be fully implemented by housebuilders, demand for acoustic solutions 

remaining high in the commercial interiors market, and increased RMI work on facades 

and cladding projects. However there will be challenges as manufacturing capacity, 

continental European market demands and upstream supply pressures will continue to 

impact in 2018 as we have experienced over the last few months. 

Do you see any 

changes occurring in 

the next 12 months, if 

so, what might they 

be? 

There will be increased demands 

from customers for specified tested products and 

evidence on compliance of supply and traceability, as an 

industry we need to ensure we can support customers 

with that assurance. 

And what excites you? 

Taking the market information, supplier and 

customer feedback and bringing that together to deliver 

an SIG Distribution Brand and Sales strategy to ensure 

the Insulation range of products, suppliers and solutions 

we offer is what the customers and market requires 

therefore enabling SIG Distribution to continue to lead the 

market. 

What areas will you be focussing on as a 

business in 2018? 

SIG will be focussing on listening to the customers and 

suppliers to ensure we get the best offer of systems, products 

and service into the market. 

What was your company’s high point for 2017 

The SIG Distribution Diamond Ball was one of the year’s highlights 

with 200 customers and suppliers attending the 60th 

Anniversary event in London, as part of the event one lucky 

customer won a fabulous pair of Diamond earrings his wife 

was delighted!!! 

What worries you about the year ahead? 

There is uncertainty over the impact of Brexit, skills shortages 

and some softness in the market forecasts over construction 

in the commercial sectors. 

Ann Fisher – Brand Director 

Insulation & Drylining SIG Distribution 

Responsible for the Insulation Sales strategy for 

SIG Distribution, experienced in both Insulation 

Manufacturing and Distribution, Ann has worked 

in the UK and Europe building extensive knowledge 

of the requirements of being a valued route 

to market for suppliers and customers. 


7


In a few words, how do 

you see the outlook for 

the insulation industry 

in 2018? 

The outlook is positive in 

the H&V sector. Engineering 

sector will struggle until 

some of the big nuclear 

contracts get under way. 

Do you see any changes 

occurring in the next 

12 months, if so, what 

might they be? 

Changes may occur within the infrastructure sector. I believe 

new builds will slow down, and the refurb sector will 

gather momentum. 

What areas will you be focussing on 

as a business in 2018? 

Globally on the H&V sector and 

following the recent acquisition of Henderson Site Services 

we will be expanding further into the 

pharmaceutical and food sectors. 


The IGL acquisition and HSS acquisition. 


No worries for 2018. Western Thermal have a strong forward 

order book. The sector will look for some changes 

in 2019 which could be affected by Brexit. 


I get excitement from securing orders, satisfaction, by 

supply chain agreements with the clients and the suppliers 

and the ongoing development of the company 

branches and staff development. 

Trevor Horsley founded Western Thermal in 1985 

and has guided the company to its current, well 

established and profitable position. Has extensive 

experience knowledge of the sector and wide contact 

base within it. Former President of the Thermal Insulators 

Contractors Association (TICA). 

In a few words, how do 

you see the outlook for 

the insulation industry 

in 2018? 

The underlying drivers remain 

strong, especially in 

new housing. Hopefully 

consumer confidence will 

hold up whilst we negotiate 

Brexit 

Do you see any changes 

occurring in the next 

12 months, if so, what 

might they be? 

There will inevitably be a major revision to the building 

regulations post Grenfell, and I believe the need to address 

the performance gap between theoretic 

performance and actual on-site performance may, at 

last, gain some momentum. 

What areas will you be focussing on as a business 

in 2018? 

Continue to drive customer engagement and we will 

enter some new application/product segments 


Further market share gains, building on progress 

delivered in 2015-16. 


Losing good people in what is becoming a very competitive 

jobs market, input cost inflation, meeting an increased 

demand without any compromise in service levels 


Continued focus on customer engagement, further 

progress in building a team that has a can-do attitude, 

launching some exciting new products, meeting increased 

demand without any compromise in service levels 

David Travill joined Isover as managing director in 

June 2013. With a professional background in the 

sales and commercial areas, he has worked in 

the construction/building materials sector for almost 30 

years. Before joining Isover he held the position of Sales 

Director at British Gypsum for 5 years. 

8 www.insulatenetwork.com

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Insulate Exclusive Feature 

NIA Annual Conference 2017 

Held at the Jurys Inn, Hinckley Island Hotel the Annual Conference of the National 

Insulation Association (NIA) convened on 7th December 2017. The key themes of the 

conference focussed on collaboration and future planning and Insulate Network, Media 

Partners for 2017 were there to take part. 

10

11


Insulate Exclusive 

Industry Collaboration and 

Future Planning Lead Discussions 

Derek Horrocks, Chairman of Sustainable Energy UK 

and Permarock Products who was recently appointed 

Chair of the NIA opened the conference with a fantastic 

address to members, giving a review of 2017, the work 

carried out by the Association to support its members 

and key achievements and his and the Boards vision for 

the future. 

The tone for the day was set through commitments 

to industry wide collaboration to gain best outcomes, 

greater engagement of members, supporting members 

and Government by growing the market, tackling climate 

change and fuel poverty through insulation. Priority work 

streams for the Association included collaborating on 

key policy developments, helping its members’ access 

business opportunities, improving quality & standards 

and confidence in the industry. 

potential and win critical bids. The presentation focused 

on three key points – the attributes of consistently successful 

bids, how your team can recover from a lost bid 

and golden rules to deliver repeatable bid success. The 

presentation was well received by members. 

Malcolm Hanna of the National Energy Foundation gave 

a presentation on Internal Wall Insulation opportunities 

and a new installation process known as WHISCERS 

(Whole House In-Situ Carbon and Energy Reduction 

Following on from a members Q&A with the NIA strategic 

board the mornings speakers took to the podium, 

Denise O’Leary of Purpol Marketing delivered an informative 

presentation on bid writing – ‘the winning bid’ she 

shared knowledge on how businesses can realise their 

Solution) stating that it’s an ideal way of retrofitting internal 

wall insulation in hard-to-treat housing. 

After lunch NIA Chief Executive, Neil Marshall paid fitting 

tribute to outgoing chair, Tony Hardiman MBE, speaking 

of Tony’s stewardship of the role, Neil commented 

“Tony has committed 16 years to the NIA and was 

instrumental in the forming of the organisation and key 

achievements; we cannot express enough thanks for his 

contribution”. 

12 



Richard Mellish of the Department for Business, Energy 

and Industrial Strategy then delivered a presentation on 

future Government policies for energy efficiency and fuel 

poverty and said that he looked forward to further input 

from the NIA to help shape future policies and programmes. 

Colin Timmins of trade association BEAMA delivered a 

Summing up Derek Horrocks explained that the aims of 

the day were to provide delegates with details of future 

opportunities and key information on items that would 

impact the industry in 2018. He also urged NIA members 

to engage with the NIA team to bring about future 

changes that would benefit householders, Government 

and the industry. He also thanked the exhibitors and the 

sponsors; British Board of Agrement, Kiwa, Energy Store 

and AlivaUK for their support in helping fund a successful 

event. 

presentation on the new industry guidelines for ventilating 

a property when insulation is installed which have 

been developed jointly by BEAMA and NIA. 

The day’s events were concluded with an informative 

presentation by Andy Chesterman \Co-Founder and 

Data & Compliance Director at DAMM Solutions on the 

new General Data Protection Regulations being introduced 

in May 2018. 

For more information contact Duncan Murray at 

the NIA press office on 01604588111 or 

email Duncan@provencepr.co.uk 

13 

13


BBA 

Leads 

the Way 

The UK’s leading certification body provides 

comprehensive Audit & Inspection services to 

leading companies in the construction industry. 

14 



As a recognised mark synonymous with quality products & installations, working with an institution 

like the BBA offers considerable benefits to manufacturers. Opportunities to improve business 

profiles are particularly sought after in an increasingly competitive market place, where new products 

and systems are cropping up all the time.And it’s not just about Increasing sales opportunities. It’s 

also about greater efficiency, with a reduction in costs that can lead to more rewards for hard-working staff 

and Improved staff motivation. Moreover, working with a USP partner that is a recognised brand is a sign 

that manufacturers are committed to raising and maintaining standards for their customers, resulting in an 

improved profile among both existing and potential clients. 

UKAS accredited and fully independent, BBA Audit & 

Inspection has over 50 years’ experience providing first 

class inspection & auditing services to organisations 

who are committed to maintaining the quality of 

products and installations to meet industry 

standards. The BBA business unit works in two main 

areas: construction products (factory and installation) 

carries out over 6000 inspections per year within the 

UK, while quality management systems carryies out over 

2000 visits per year in over 50 countries worldwide. On 

the construction side, inspections cover the BBA’s own 

Competent Installer Scheme to supporting client 

initiatives and regulation schemes such as PAS 

2030:2017. Products covered range from energy 

technical monitoring and insulation to high friction 

services. On the management systems side, the 

BBA offers the main three standards: ISO9001:2015, 

14001:2015, 18001:2017 with EN1090 being high in 

number. 

Given the constant changes in regulations, BBA Audit & 

Inspection clearly plays a significant part in raising and 

maintaining standards across a variety of industries, to 

the benefit of clients, the industries they work in and ultimately 

the consumer. 

Moreover, at a time when a number of issues are coming 

to light as a result of badly performed or ill-advised insulation 

retrofits, these services are even more welcomed, 

not only by home dwellers and property owners, but in\ 

particular social housing organisations whose responsibilities 

are to look after housing stock, usually with limited 

budget constraints. 

It has perhaps never been more appropriate for organisations 

like the BBA to continue to dedicate time and 

resource to drive up standards, ensuring the quality 

and safety of products and workmanship in the construction 

industry, for the ultimate benefit of all our built 

surroundings, at work and at home, and all who inhabit 

them. 


15

Exclusive Insulate Column 

16


the design and specification of insulation systems 

The construction industry is often bemoaned for being set in its ways, but product manufacturers can’t 

afford to stand still. How does the development of new ideas straddle competing schools of thought 

and appeal to specifiers and contractors alike? by Paul Forrester 

17




the design and specification of insulation systems 

Undertaking building projects efficiently 

typically relies on using familiar details and 

materials that can be repeated from project 

to project. At a domestic level the refrain of, “We’ve 

always done it this way” is far from uncommon - and 

is perfectly acceptable, as long as ‘this way’ doesn’t 

involve a lack of familiarity with good practice. 

For domestic projects on a larger scale, volume house 

builders are widely recognised for their resistance to 

anything that might deviate them from their highly optimised, 

highly profitable, existing house-type designs. 

Invention and Innovation 

If necessity is the mother of invention then it’s hard to 

see where demand from the end user requires 

innovation from manufacturers of insulation - or any 

other construction product, for that matter. 

Designing new insulation products and systems is, 

inevitably, a costly process as well - costs that many 

users and installers are unwilling to accept when a 

familiar solution at a familiar price still exists. More often 

than not, necessity is regulation-driven - but changes in 

regulations might only occur every three to five years and 

be incremental in nature. 

Given such a level of inertia, it’s perhaps surprising how 

many insulation manufacturers employ the word ‘innovative’ 

in their branding. Does ‘innovative’ mean anything, 

or is it one of those buzzwords that companies have to 

be seen using? 

In any category of insulation material, take the products 

of different manufacturers and compare them side-byside. 

Based on the declared performance specification 

alone, it’s often difficult to discern significant differences. 

The development of manufacturing technology; the 

safeguards placed on raw material selection and usage; 

and the levelling of the playing field brought about by 

harmonised standards and product certification - all have 

made it harder for individual products to truly stand out 

from the crowd. It’s either extremely difficult or extremely 

expensive to make big leaps in product performance. 

For the manufacturer, the most exciting innovation might 

be unseen by the end user, such as refining their factory 

processes to deliver the same standard of product 

while reducing waste and improving the efficiency of raw 

material use. That’s not as easy to shout about as an 

interesting new product, however. 

With limited advancements to be made in the performance 

and physical dimensions of insulation products, 

it makes sense to look at how products can benefit the 

installer. After all, for as many people who ask how to 

install a product before they start work, nearly as many 

wait until the project is half built before they think to 

check. 

People might be impressed by a radical new product 

design, but that almost always relegates it to a niche 

where uptake is slow. And if people do take a chance on 

it, there’s a risk they’ll try to use like the products they’re 

familiar with. For installers, innovation isn’t necessarily 

the big leap - it’s addressing a shortcoming of an 

existing product or installation technique. 

Making a Differennce 

18 



Specifying Systems and Products 

3 

Checking 

You may be surprised to read this, but there is an insulation 

product out there that is the answer to everybody’s 

needs. 

From time to time, it surfaces in written specifications. It 

disguises itself by sharing the name of an existing product 

that was probably on the mind of the person writing 

the specification. The product has market-leading thermal 

performance, the best Green Guide rating available, a superior 

compressive strength … and no manufacturer can 

actually develop it. 

Okay, so this tongue in cheek observation is risking veering 

into outright sarcasm, but it is an observation based in 

truth. Too many specifications feature a clause that starts 

describing one type of insulation, only to then require 

performance characteristics found in others. 

All of which begs the question as to whether the original 

insulation material was actually intended or not. In the 

book Architectural Technology, author Stephen Emmitt 

lists six rules of specification writing. All are important; 

three have particular pertinence to this discussion: 

1. 1 Accuracy 

In particular the precise use of words and symbols. For 

example, the ease with which a thermal conductivity of 

0.022 W/mK can be confused with a U-value of 0.22 W/ 

m2K is as alarming as it is frequent. 

“Check and double check for compliance with … manufacturer’s 

recommendations … and compatibility with 

the overall design philosophy.” When a manufacturer 

receives a specification clause describing a product that 

can’t exist, it’s difficult to trust that a design philosophy is 

in place. 

Education, education, education 

Is that lack of trust fair? Producing full NBS documents 

for a contract is a daunting undertaking, and time and 

cost pressures rarely afford the freedom to research to a 

desirable extent. Sometimes the references and standards 

quoted for a single clause are so unfamiliar that it’s 

impossible to know what question to ask to start making 

sense of it! 

Designing and developing insulation products, then, is 

balancing the desire to appeal to specifiers by setting the 

product apart from closely matched competitors, with 

retaining familiarity for contractors so as to make sure 

the product is installed correctly. 

Perhaps the real innovation needs to come in developing 

educational tools to accompany new products and 

systems, written to make sure all parties feel suitably 

informed about which insulation materials are best-suited 

for what applications. That way, we might all be able 

to enjoy the benefits of realising their full performance 

potential in finished buildings. 

2 

Redundancy 

Most commonly, when using a previous specification 

as the basis for the current project and not pruning it 

accordingly. 

19


Insulation News 

A Call to Action 

By Adrian Pargeter Head of Technical and Product Development Kingspan Insulation Limited 

For quite some time industry professionals have 

been calling for a Building Regulations 

review, believing that the current regulations 

are inadequate and confusing. Unfortunately, it took 

the Grenfell tragedy to drive home their 

shortcomings to the government, and they have 

now commissioned an urgent assessment. Dame 

Judith Hackitt is heading this ‘Independent Review 

of Building Regulations and Fire Safety’ to look at 

the issues around efficacy, compliance, and 

enforcement. The initial findings were published in 

December with a complete report due this spring. 

The Hackitt Review has included a consultation with various 

industry bodies, government departments, and the 

public to look at recommended changes for the future including 

a more robust regulatory system, not just facades 

but for all areas of construction. The interim report states 

clearly that the current regulatory system in England is 

“unfit for purpose”. As a result, the construction industry 

is preparing itself for immediate action following the 

full report being published. It is crucial that we insist on 

stricter requirements with clearer guidance, to do all we 

can to protect building occupants in addition to helping 

to rebuild public confidence on matters of fire safety and 

building regulation. With this in mind, and focussing on 

facades, there are five key changes that will bring better 

regulation of this crucial aspect of construction: 

1 

2 

Large-scale system testing of all of cladding 

systems regardless of insulation material 

Standardisation and regulation of Desktop 

Studies 

Façade fire safety is a complicated issue, with many 

different factors coming into play, such as cavity barriers, 

fixings used and cavity width, which all have an impact on 

how the building will react in a real-life fire situation. 

A major concern is that, under the current Building Regulations, 

‘non-combustible’ façade insulation products are 

not required to undergo large-scale testing as part of a 

system for use over 18 m. If there is one thing we should 

understand by now, it is that full system testing is essential 

to better understand the building materials we use, 

how they are affected by products installed alongside 

them and, as a result, help to improve the data we have 

on how all these products behave when installed as part 

of a specified system. 

BS 8414 is the large-scale test that is undertaken to see 

whether a façade system meets the requirements of BR 

135 – it is one of the routes to regulatory compliance. 

BRE Global now has a register of BR 135 classified external 

systems that have been tested in accordance with BS 

8414 part 1 or 2 on its website: www.bre.co.uk/regulatory-testing. 

Note that more recent tests will not yet appear 

on this register. 

There are compliant solutions available that are not limited 

to non-combustible insulation materials, and that provide 

significant benefits in other aspects of the performance 

that we need from our buildings. A responsible 

manufacturer will commit to an ongoing programme of 

severe testing for its products, to innovation, and to the 

promotion of best practice to ensure that buildings offer 

fire safety, energy efficiency and longevity in equal 

measure. 

3 

4 

5 

Mandatory training for installers 

Enforcement of fire safety throughout design 

and construction 

More research into smoke from buildings and 

contents 

A copy of Kingspan’s plan for positive change is available 

to download from: 

www.kingspaninsulation.co.uk/risinghigh. 

20 



Insulate Columnist 

Improve and Respond 

to the Challenges 

Simon Storer, Chief Executive of Insulation Manufacturers Association (IMA) 

The end of any year is always a time both of reflection and renewal; a time for remembering what has 

been and what we hope or expect is to come over the coming 12 months. By tradition, New Year’s 

resolutions are usually about aiming to do things differently, changing behaviour, learning from the 

past and improving for the future. 

After the tragedy of 2017, there will 

be few of us, if any, who don’t recognise 

the need for change and 

improvement across the construction 

sector. The launch just before 

Christmas of the interim report from 

the Hackett Review into Building 

Regulations, is a hugely important 

step in addressing the failings of 

construction and examining the responsibilities 

and methodology in the 

way in which we build and it should 

therefore be welcomed by everyone 

who wishes to see better and safer 

buildings. A series of New Year’s 

resolutions for an industry that are 

way overdue. 

We will of course need to wait for the 

full report and its recommendations, 

which are due in the spring, to fully 

understand what is being proposed. 

But importantly this interim report 

already gives us an indication of the 

direction of travel and identifies key 

weaknesses and failings that will be 

of little surprise to those employed or 

connected to this sector. 

Not least is the impressiveness of 

the reach and depth of the report, its 

thorough grasp of the task in hand 

and its willingness and determination 

to identify and call out those broad 

subject areas that need root and 

branch improvement. And all of this 

turned around in what was a very 

short timescale of just a couple of 

months. 

With more than 200 submissions 

from an array of interested parties 

and groups, one can assume there 

were quite a few consistent themes 

and messages, but I suspect there 

were plenty of conflicting views as 

well. 

The report identifies categorically that 

there is no quick fix or easy solution 

and this must be true, despite 

plenty of commentators giving the 

impression over the past few months 

that they have the answers and 

know what needs to be done. The 

construction industry is immensely 

complex and diverse, but it has been 

allowed, for many reasons, to drift 

away from a culture of competence 

and compliance. For everyone’s sake 

we need to reverse this trend and as 

the interim review states re-introduce 

a level of professionalism and quality 

assurance to deliver the performance 

we know we can and must achieve, 

across a range of criteria. Greater 

clarity of responsibility, less confusion, 

less ambiguity and increased 

coherence, which is output driven. 

The political desire over the past 

years to move away from regulation 

to a much more laissez-faire 

approach, needs to be seriously 

challenged. Good regulation, 

properly implemented is essential for 

good business and as manufacturers 

in the construction sector we want 

and need the regulation to help keep 

standards up and reduce product 

substitution, which so often leads 

to the wrong outcomes. There is a 

need to reignite confidence in the 

industry; the Hackett report has the 

opportunity of doing this. 

As I come to the end of my first year 

in this role of Chief Executive for 

Insulation Manufacturers Association 

there is a great deal I can reflect 

upon, both good and bad and we 

will continue to face the challenges 

of the coming year. 2018 will be different, 

there is no doubt about that, 

but the construction industry must 

improve and respond positively to 

the challenges in front of it. I intend 

that Insulation Manufacturers Association 

and our members will play a full 

and crucial role in doing just that. 

For more information about 

Insulation Manufacturers Association please visit: 

www.insulationmanufacturers.org.uk 


21

Being unable to communicate effectively 

on a building site because you are protecting 

yourself from detrimental noise 

hazards is not just a problem for workers, it 

also costs businesses significant amounts 

of money through inefficiency. Individually, 

small issues such as mishearing an instruction 

might seem like a petty annoyance, but 

collectively these minor errors can waste 

countless hours, sending productivity 

plummeting. 

The importance of 

Hearing Protection Equipment (HPE) 

While working in a noisy environment - such as 

in the midst of a busy construction project or on 

a workshop floor - workers may have to wear 

ear protection at all times. The Control of Noise 

at Work Regulations (2005) require employers to 

prevent or reduce risks to health and safety from 

exposure to noise at work[i]. 

Such protection can however limit communication 

which can often lead to another major problem 

– reduced Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) 

compliance. For example, using a walkie-talkie 

while wearing standard ear defenders is impossible, 

so workers are often forced to remove them. 

In environments where workers are in close proximity, 

they may be tempted to remove their ear 

protection if it prevents them from 

communicating with one another. This can expose 

them to dangerously loud noises, which can 

cause complications such as tinnitus or Noise 

Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL). 

NIHL is one of the most common health problems 

in loud working environments because the damage 

from this sort of exposure is usually gradual; 

a worker might not notice it, or might ignore the 

signs of irreversible hearing loss until they become 

more pronounced. 

22



Hearing Protection 

and the Need for Communication 

Insulate Magazine columnist George Elliott, a technical specialist at science-based technology company 3M, explains the importance of 

choosing equipment that allows effective communication, while protecting hearing - and your bottom line 

Prolonged or repeated exposure to noise that is constant, 

but still above safe levels, can seriously impact 

workers’ hearing safety. Research shows that the level 

of effective protection offered by hearing conservation 

equipment is exponentially – as opposed to linearly - 

proportional to the total time for which the equipment is 

worn (see graph), highlighting the crucial importance of 

100% compliance. 

A study by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), 

considering the effectiveness of hearing protectors in an 

everyday work situation, found that reduced audibility 

was a common reason given by users for not wearing 

hearing protection[ii]. 

Being unable to hear instruction and communicate 

properly presents other dangers too. Consider a worker 

whose equipment blocks out the sound of a forklift truck 

approaching from behind, or that of colleagues shouting 

at him or her to get out of the way of danger, particularly 

when working at height on an insulation project, for 

example. 

How to maximise efficiency while protecting your 

workers’ hearing 

The solution to maximising productivity, maintaining 

excellent situational awareness for the user and an 

increased level of compliance lies in choosing the right 

equipment for your workplace. 

The first step is to select the correct level of protection – 

a product that protects the wearer from workplace noise 

but does not leave them isolated or exposed to unnecessary 

and avoidable hazards. 

Employers can also consider investing in hearing protection 

that allows for easy and safe communication, using 

built-in electronic systems. To be of any significant use, 

hearing protection needs to be suitable to wear at all 

times whilst exposed to unsafe levels of noise. 

For example, ear defenders with a level-dependent function 

can allow the wearer to hear ambient sounds, such 

as conversations and warning signals, without compromising 

protection. 

Noise-cancelling microphones attached to a headset 

can reduce disturbance when speaking in noisy environments. 

Some tasks require the use of flags and hand 

signals, which have limitations, while products with radio 

connectivity also enable workers to communicate over 

long distances. 

Other options to consider include ear defenders that 

incorporate Bluetooth technology, linking the headset to 

the user’s mobile phone or communication radio. Many 

variations exist. The key is to pick what is right for the 

situation at hand. 

A Swedish study, by Lund University, highlighted the 

benefits of using such solutions. Researchers monitored 

two teams as they went about their daily duties, including 

earth excavation, laying pipes and tube-welding. One 

team used normal work practices and equipment, while 

the other wore PELTOR Brand WS LiteCom Headsets 

from 3M, incorporating some of the features discussed. 

The team using the 3M solution reduced their critical 

downtime by half, saving them 17 minutes in an eighthour 

day[iii]. 

By improving employee communication and collaboration, 

you can have a direct effect on productivity, which 

will help to improve your bottom line. 

It is also important to consider the secondary benefits; 

motivating staff and reducing feelings of isolation. 

Motivated and connected workers are happy workers 

- and happy workers are generally more productive and 

compliant. 

For more information about 3M and available HPE, 

please visit www.3M.co.uk/safety 

www.insulatenetwork.com 23


Insulate insulate Columnist columnist 

Review, Reflect and Reset 

2018 is about Quality and Safety 

Sarah Kostense-Winterton Executive Director, MIMA 

As we say goodbye to 2017 and welcome in 2018 it is sobering and timely to review and reflect on the 

events of 2017 and firmly focus our attention on positive constructive change moving forward. 

As government acknowledges in its Clean Growth Strategy “higher quality, more energy efficient 

buildings are healthier places to live and work.” Healthy, comfortable and safe homes are just as important 

as energy performance and critical to our general happiness, health, wellbeing and education. We must 

grasp this positive message in 2018 and deliver on the opportunity for the development of a robust and 

detailed Buildings Energy Infrastructure Programme (BEIP), to improve the energy performance of the UK’s 

buildings going forward with quality and consumer safety at its heart. 

Buildings Energy Infrastructure Programme 

MIMA, with the EEIG, will be working hard with Government 

in 2018 on the overall programme plan for meeting 

the 2035 EPC C Band C target. Raising the Energy Performance, 

quality and safety of the UK’s building stock is 

no small challenge, but it is achievable when viewed as 

a long-term programme of infrastructure investment as 

set out in the EEIG-commissioned, Frontier Economics 

“Affordable Warmth, Clean Growth” report (https://www. 

theeeig.co.uk/news). 

This report highlights that cost-effective investments to 

raise the energy performance of UK housing to EPC Band 

C by 2035 could save around a further 25% of the energy 

currently used, an average saving of £270 per household 

per year at current energy prices. Using Treasury guidance 

for policy appraisal, this investment has an estimated 

net present value of £7.5 billion. Surely attractive to a 

Government keen to deliver on its Clean Growth Strategy 

commitments – aspirational or not! 

Greater assurance of fire safety performance 

2018 provides an opportunity to ensure that world-leading 

safety standards, including fire safety standards, are 

adopted and applied at the heart of the new BEIP. Fire 

safety must be a paramount consideration in the design 

of new and the retrofit of existing buildings. 

A building is neither resilient overall, nor provides an adequate 

level of safety for its occupants if it is not fire resilient. 

A clear way to help improve fire resilience is to increase 

the use of building materials that are non-combustible. 

Specifying non-combustible products only, offers certainty 

to developers and future occupants that the building 

façade will offer the maximum protection against fire. 

Overall, building regulations must offer greater assurance 

of fire safe performance for occupants of both residential 

and non-residential buildings over 18 metres. The current 

regulations and guidance need to be made clearer, more 

stringent to avoid interpretations that can compromise 

public safety. Closer integration of the separate parts 

of the Building Regulations will also help build consumer 

confidence. 

Tackling cold homes 

Fuel poverty remains a serious problem. Improving the 

energy efficiency of buildings is one of the most effective 

ways to tackle fuel poverty, as the measures installed create 

a lasting impact. 

Only a very small percentage of the country’s 8 million 

solid walls have been insulated, and around 5 million party 

walls are, as yet, un-insulated. Overall, solid wall properties 

make up less than a third of the housing stock yet 

half of all fuel poor households live in an un-insulated solid 

walled home. This situation needs to change. 

24 



In addition, from MIMA’s research the total estimated fuel 

bill cost to consumers from heat loss through party walls 

alone is around £465 million a year. Although a greater 

amount of progress has been made on insulating cavity 

walls and lofts, there are still millions which have not 

been treated or could benefit from being topped up. 

Government should be trialing Ireland’s “insulation on 

prescription” pilot to improve the living conditions of 

people living with chronic respiratory conditions, reduce 

the need for people to attend hospital and improve the 

overall living environment and ensure homeowners experience 

additional comfort levels in their homes. 

Raising standards in the private rented 

and social housing sector 

The Government aims to have as many private rented 

homes as possible being upgraded to EPC Band C by 

2030, where “practical, cost-effective and affordable”, 

publishing the supporting consultation just before Christmas. 

This is a no brainer and raising existing mandatory minimum 

energy performance standards in the private rented 

sector from EPC Band E to Band D from 2025, with a 

view to reaching the EPC C target by 2035 is achievable 

by providing some financial support and/or tax relief to 

support landlords in making the necessary improvements. 

Driving real performance 

Measures installed to make buildings more energy efficient 

and comfortable, should work as intended. By doing so 

consumers see the energy performance they expect, and 

the UK saves the energy and carbon it needs to meet carbon 

budgets. 

We must minimise the “as-built” versus “as-designed” performance 

gap by driving higher standards of on-site installation 

through the introduction of a mandatory quality assurance 

standard covering design, on-site monitoring and 

installation. This must be combined with effective surveillance, 

policing and enforcement by the regulatory authorities 

with penalties for non-compliance. 

Technology advances should mean it should now be perfectly 

possible for products to be tracked from manufacture 

right through to installation, improving transparency for consumers 

and better enable the verification of performance. 

Lets start off 2018 with a strong start 

There is a challenging job ahead, but if you only commit 

to one New Year resolution then make that to work with 

the EEIG - “the key to the industry approach and success” 

according to a government official. 

We must ensure that progress secured in 2017 continues 

with momentum in 2018 - to drive and deliver positive 

change through a Buildings Energy Infrastructure 

Programme – alongside a greater focus on the quality and 

safety across the industry. 

Happy New Year all! 

Sarah Kostense-Winterton is Executive Director of MIMA, 

the Mineral Wool Insulation Manufacturers Association and provides 

the secretariat to the Energy Efficiency Infrastructure Group 

(EEIG). For further details of the EEIG or if you would like to 

join, please contact Sarah at sarah@mima.info 

From 2020 the sector should be able to demonstrate that 

90% of new homes meet or perform better than the designed 

energy/carbon performance. A commercially viable, 

and simple way to demonstrate a building’s as-built performance 

is urgently required, but we also believe there are 

companies working to develop such tests and methods. 

Having such tests could eventually allow Government to 

introduce post-completion thermal testing in a proportion 

of UK buildings. 

Overall, building regulations must offer 

greater assurance of fire safe performance 

for occupants of both residential and 

non-residential buildings over 18 metres. 


25


26


Supply and Demand 

The last few years have seen the construction 

industry supply chain adapting to the avail 

bility - or lack of it - of certain materials. Now 

similar upheaval has hit insulation, are manufacturers, 

suppliers and installers stepping up to the 

plate? Is there a good enough understanding about 

product substitutions? by Paul Forrester. 

The construction industry is a restless beast, unable to 

remain still and which responds badly to restraint. After 

all, building projects are living, breathing things; perpetually 

animated, gears grinding, cogs whirring, keeping the 

wheels of productivity turning. 

Except for when they stop. 

And building projects do stop. However much people 

don’t want them to, and however much people dislike it 

when they do, the restless beast ends up caged. Time, 

money, weather, accidents, site issues, supply issues, 

force majeure … you name it, it can bring things to a halt 

and cause delays. 

No Quick Fixes 

When it comes to shortages of building materials, sites 

have had to get used to long lead times on bricks and roof 

tiles in the last couple of years. Both are fundamental to the 

appearance of the building for which they’re intended; any 

combination of local vernacular, planning conditions and 

design intent mean swapping them is not necessarily the 

work of a moment. 

Even if a change can be made, the lead times on an alternative 

may be no better, and project planning has had to 

adapt accordingly. 

Aerated/lightweight blocks have suffered shortages too 

but, since they’re not a facing material, changing to another 

block type is not an aesthetic issue. The difference 

in thermal performance between a lightweight block and a 

dense block, however, is a whole other hurdle. 

No Room for the Future 

Specifications, for cavity wall constructions in particular, 

have been carefully engineered around the contribution 

a thermally efficient block on the inner leaf makes. That 

leaves only a narrow window for an alternative product to 


27



Supply and Demand 

No Room for the Future 

Specifications, for cavity wall constructions in particular, 

have been carefully engineered around the contribution 

a thermally efficient block on the inner leaf makes. That 

leaves only a narrow window for an alternative product to 

help achieve the same, which simply isn’t realistic given 

the shortages experienced. 

The implications of bringing a site to a halt are potentially 

severe: extra costs, setbacks to the schedule, and the 

possibility of losing a workforce if they move to another 

site. The restless beast, therefore, demands an answer - 

and it is usually demanded sooner rather than later. 

Unfortunately, the specifications are so carefully 

engineered that there is no contingency in the design 

for product substitution. There’s often a limited 

understanding of the likely implications of using something 

different, and what on paper looks like a small change is 

magnified and exaggerated when it comes to making it 

work in reality. 

For example, changing a lightweight block to a medium 

density block might only worsen the U-value of the whole 

wall by 0.01 W/m2K - let’s say, from 0.21 W/m2K to 0.22 

W/m2K. Not the end of the world, it might seem - but 

increasing the cavity insulation thickness by 5mm to claw 

back that difference is easier said than done. Does the 

insulation manufacturer make their product 5mm thicker 

as a stock item? 

Is there tolerance in the design to accommodate it if they 

do? If there isn’t and they don’t then there certainly won’t 

be the tolerance for a product 10mm or 25mm thicker. 

How likely or practical is it that the design can be altered 

to include a wider cavity, a wider inner leaf block, or a 

layer of internal insulation? 

Insulation Upheaval 

Over the last twelve months it hasn’t just been the supply 

of lightweight blocks that has exerted pressure - supply 

issues in the insulation industry have caused their own 

challenges. 

The limited availability of rigid polyisocyanurate (PIR) foam 

boards due to a shortage of one of the chemicals usedin 

production has left contractors and installers looking for 

alternatives. Which is fine … up until the point that products 

are offered for the wrong reasons or applications. 

And cavity walls remain one of the biggest areas of concern. 

Approved Document C of the building regulations in 

England and Wales advises that rigid insulating materials 

for cavity walls should possess current certification, and 

the products be installed in accordance with the contents 

of that certificate. 

(With the levels of exposure experienced in Scotland, 

Section 3 of the Technical Handbooks contains its own 

guidance on cavity insulation. Consultation with Local Authority 

Building Standards is advised when considering 

appropriate solutions.) 

The shortages in PIR have resulted in many and varied 

questions about alternative solutions. Where those solutions 

are based on other insulation types of proven performance, 

and the design can be adapted accordingly to 

utilise them, then all should be fine. 

But seeking alternative rigid products from within the 

same range and thinking they are ‘basically the same 

thing’, even though they don’t benefit from certification 

for cavity applications, is a recipe for quality issues - and 

possible non-compliance with regulations. 

28 


Unfortunately, the specifications are so 

carefully engineered that there is no 

contingency in the design for product 

substitution. 

Nipping it in the bud 

Blindly accepting unsuitable solutions means questions 

are likely to only come later, when there is even less 

willingness to address the problems. 

The Building Control system in England and Wales 

came under a lot of scrutiny in 2017; for myriad reasons, 

and often justifiably so. 

On this occasion, however, answers need to be found 

in the supply chain before products even get to site. 

The distribution partners of insulation manufacturers 

have a role to play, asking questions, or encouraging 

their customers to ask questions, as early as possible. 

Looking for a quick sale and getting products on site 

by guessing what an appropriate alternative solution 

might be, and only then asking questions, is NOT how 

business should be done. 

Manufacturers of the different insulation types - whether 

faced with taking advantage of openings in the market 

or minimising the disruption caused by raw material 

shortages - have a part to play in that process 

by keeping their distributors as informed as possible. 

It only emphasises, rather than diminishes, the 

importance and collective responsibility needed if our 

buildings are going to be the best they can be. 

Pacifying the restless beast is not enough; keeping it in 

good health is to the benefit of everybody. 

29

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Insulation News 

ASFP Endorses Independent Review 

of Building Regulations and Fire Safety Findings 

The Association for Specialist Fire Protection 

(ASFP) endorses the interim findings of the 

Independent Review of Building Regulations 

and Fire Safety, led by Dame Judith Hackitt, which 

recommend a change in culture within the UK construction 

industry and significant reform of the UK 

fire safety regulatory system. 

The Interim report identifies a lack of clarity in the roles 

and responsibilities throughout a building’s lifecycle; from 

design and construction to maintenance during occupation. 

It notes widespread deviation from what is originally 

designed to what is actually built and highlights inadequate 

means of assessing and ensuring adequate levels 

of competency throughout the process. In addition, the 

report recognises the vital role of installers, noting that 

“the integrity and efficacy of products and systems is 

highly dependent on correct installation by competent 

and knowledgeable persons’. 

The ASFP has long been campaigning for formal competency 

requirements for fire professionals, mandatory 

third party certification of products and installers and a 

system that more clearly sets out the requirements and 

responsibilities at each stage of construction. 

ASFP COO Niall Rowan states: 

“The ASFP welcomes the findings of the review which 

highlight many of the inconsistencies within the design 

and build process and we support the general direction 

of travel outlined in the report. 

“I am pleased to see that Dame Judith has recognised 

the poor practices surrounding ‘value engineering’, the 

lack of proper procedures for handover of fire safety 

information on completion, and the need to tighten up 

controls on ‘desktop studies’. She also highlights a need 

for fire risk assessors to be qualified, and the confusion 

surrounding the testing, assessment and certification of 

fire protection products. All issues of great concern for 

the ASFP.” 

“To address the competency issue, the ASFP is working 

with the Institution of Fire Engineers to provide training 

and competency evaluation for all stakeholders involved 

in the design, specification, installation and maintenance 

of passive fire protection. The programme in development 

will enable trainees to obtain an IFE qualification in 

passive fire protection. 

“Furthermore, working together with the Royal Institute of 

British Architects (RIBA), the ASFP has been developing 

a Plan of Works for Fire. This aims to ensure that there 

is a detailed specification for fire protection at the design 

stage and a schedule for fire throughout the construction 

process. The process being developed will include 

mandatory sign offs as construction progresses, with all 

information reaching the end-user to support adequate 

fire risk management.” 

“We hope these initiatives will form useful input to phase 

two of the review and look forward to working with 

Dame Judith and all industry stakeholders to a develop a 

regulatory system that more clearly sets out the requirements, 

responsibilities and competencies required at 

each stage throughout the building lifecycle, including 

changes and refurbishments later in the building’s life.” 

For further information on the ASFP and advice on 

passive fire protection, visit www.asfp.org.uk 

31



Decarbonisation and 

Building Regulations Compliance 

By Anthony Dale, Energy Assessor, Darren Evans Assessments 

This year saw Britain have its first ever day without coal power since the industrial revolution; a significant 

milestone in our march towards ambitious climate change targets and reducing greenhouse 

gas emissions. As we decommission coal-fired power stations and remove coal from our energy 

mix - in favour of renewables - the emissions associated with electricity generation are decreasing. This 

has a knock-on effect when assessing compliance with building regulations as fixed values are used for 

electrical emissions. The growing disparity between the real world and this fixed value will lead to a greater 

disparity between effective design for real world conditions and design for building regulation compliance. 

The higher proportion of renewables on the grid and a 

lower proportion of carbon intensive coal generation will 

bring down the amount of CO2 produced per kWh of 

electricity generation (emission factor). This will have an 

effect on the emissions associated with our built environment. 

All new buildings in the UK have to comply with 

Part L of Building Regulations and the estimated emissions 

of these buildings are a key aspect of compliance. 

If a building uses grid electricity then its’ emissions will, 

in part, depend on the energy mix of the UK’s national 

grid. Any benefits from offsetting electricity use (eg. Solar 

photovoltaics) will also be determined against this grid 

electricity emission factor. 

The current compliance tools for both residential and 

commercial buildings use the same emission factor of 

0.519 kgCO2/kWh, taken from SAP 2012, to determine 

the CO2 produced from grid electricity. This is a fixed value 

used to determine compliance with Part L. As the grid 

moves towards a higher proportion of renewable energy 

the actual emission factor will move away from this value 

used in compliance tools to a lower figure. A building that 

uses, for instance, an Air Source Heat Pump, which utilises 

grid electricity, will therefore have lower emissions in 

reality than the compliance tool will suggest. A combined 

Heat and Power unit will have the reverse affect as it generates 

its own electricity, normally from gas, instead of 

importing grid electricity. The emissions from gas will be 

constant, but as the grid becomes ‘greener’ there will be 

less-and-less benefit, in terms of emissions, from on-site 

generation as the emission factors of both forms of generation 

move closer to each other. This would increase 

the emissions of buildings using CHP in the future relative 

to those built today. There is also the topic of regional 

emission factors. An area such as North West Scotland, 

with large amounts of renewables on the grid, but 

a relatively low demand, will have a very different regional 

emission factor than some of the large urban centres of 

southern England where demand is high and renewables 

comparatively low. This difference between emissions estimated 

in compliance tools and emissions in reality pose 

difficulties for stakeholders, specifiers, energy assessors 

and end clients. 

The current emission factor used in compliance software 

is due to be updated for the newest version of the methodology 

next year. However, compliance tools need to 

use a fixed value to ensure comparable assessments, but 

the energy mix is changing so fast and the uptake of renewables 

is becoming so rapid that the emission factor 

for grid electricity is going to continuously fall year-on-year 

for the foreseeable future. A greater emphasis therefore 

needs to be placed within, and outside, the industry to 

highlight the difference between an effective assessment 

for compliance with building regulations and the sustainable 

design for the lifecycle of a building. 

32 


@INSULATENETWORK 

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insulatenetwork

Our competitive 

edge comes from 

delivering on time, 

every time. SIG has 

been helping us do 

this for 38 years. 

DAVE MCGOFF 

MCGOFF AND BYRNE 

AN SIG CUSTOMER 

BUILD YOUR NAME ON US 

No one knows 

Insulation like SIG 

SIG Insulation started out 60 years ago. Since then we’ve grown to become the UK’s 

leading specialist distributor of insulation, dry lining and related products to the 

construction sector. 

It’s not just our vast product range and major brands that sets us apart from the 

competition. The unrivalled technical expertise and impartial advice of our staff – who 

each have on average 10 years experience within SIG – help you source the products 

you need, and guide you through what the legislation means to your project. 

And when getting the job done relies on having the right products at the right time, you 

need a fast, reliable supplier with UK-wide branches, a huge delivery network and stock 

always available. 

Contact your local branch via www.siginsulation.co.uk

Insulate Magazine Issue 14

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