New Government targets for reducing carbon emissions from homes will require a doubling of cavity-wall and professional loft insulation, according the National Insulation Association.

Minister for the Environment Phil Woolas confirmed the Government’s intention to drastically increase active measures to reduce carbon emissions in the UK’s housing stock over the next three years in an address to the NIA’s annual conference in December. He said, ‘The household sector is responsible for 27% of our carbon emissions, and I am pleased to be able to address the industry which has contributed an enormous amount in reducing those emissions and really is in a leading role in the fight against climate change.’

The basis of his announcement was the impending introduction of CERT [Carbon Emissions Reduction Target], with the actual parameters, targets and conditions made public for the first time.

Priority groups to benefit from the scheme will be low-income and vulnerable households; all people aged 70 and over will be included in the priority group for the first time.

Around 40% of insulation installations carried out will be directed at these householders to ensure they receive adequate insulation measures before 31 March 2011.

Solid-wall insulation will receive additional support under CERT, which could benefit around 8 million homes.

Neil Marshal, chief executive of the NIA, said, ‘We welcome the introduction of CERT and look forward to working with the Government and others to ensure that all homes are adequately insulated.

‘There are nearly 9 million homes with cavity walls that are not insulated, and around half of the existing housing stock requires insulation to reach a thermally efficient standard.

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