The UK government’s recent announcement on addressing poor-quality insulation installations under the inherited Energy Company Obligation 4 (ECO4) and Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) is a significant turning point for the retrofit industry. As a leading provider of retrofit insulation services, Pyramid Eco has long witnessed the consequences of substandard work, both within social housing sector and through our sister company, The Retrofitters, in private housing. This new focus on improving quality standards is a welcome development that we believe will benefit both households and the industry at large.
Tackling the Problem of Poor-Quality Work
The government’s immediate action to suspend 39 businesses following TrustMark’s checks is a decisive move to protect households. Routine inspections uncovered issues such as missing or incomplete paperwork, insufficient ventilation, and improperly installed insulation, which could lead to damp and mould if left unaddressed. These findings highlight the systemic failings of the inherited regulatory framework. The commitment to ensuring installers fund repair work at no cost to affected households is a positive step towards restoring trust.
At Pyramid Eco, we have been called in to rectify numerous poor-quality solid wall insulation installations over the years. These substandard works not only fail to deliver promised energy savings but also lead to additional costs for homeowners and housing associations. Worse still, they tarnish the reputation of essential measures like external wall insulation (EWI), undermining public confidence in solutions critical to achieving the UK’s net-zero goals.
Celebrating High Standards in EWI
At Pyramid Eco, we have seen first-hand the transformative impact of properly installed external wall insulation. Beyond the tangible reductions in heating bills, EWI can dramatically improve comfort levels, reduce damp and mould, and enhance the overall happiness of residents. For many tenants in social housing, these benefits are life-changing.
However, EWI is challenging to get right and experienced, high quality installers are hard to come by. Achieving the best outcomes from EWI depends entirely on the quality of installation. Ensuring that materials are correctly specified, surfaces are properly prepared, and installations are carried out by skilled professionals is non-negotiable. Substandard work not only negates these benefits but can also result in significant remedial costs, which detract from the long-term value of such investments.
The Importance of Industry Integrity
The government’s acknowledgment of a fragmented and confusing system of protections is a vital step towards reform. As the Minister for Energy Consumers, Miatta Fahnbulleh, stated, the existing system cannot command confidence, and a sweeping overhaul through the Warm Homes Plan is essential. We fully support efforts to strengthen checks, certification processes, and rapid enforcement mechanisms.
The last thing we want as a sector is for poor-quality work to cast a shadow over the entire retrofit industry. External wall insulation, cavity wall insulation, and other measures are vital tools in reducing energy bills and cutting carbon emissions. If public trust in these solutions erodes, it could hinder the uptake of these technologies at a time when they are needed most.
This is why we support the government’s efforts to reform standards and processes. Raising the bar for quality will help ensure that energy efficiency measures deliver on their promises, bolstering public confidence and driving demand for retrofit solutions. It will also encourage more firms to invest in training and skills, which is critical to the long-term health of the sector.
A Call for Collaboration
While we celebrate this positive step, we believe the government and industry must work together to ensure these changes lead to real-world improvements. Engaging experienced firms, like Pyramid Eco, in shaping new standards and processes will be essential. Our experience in remediation work provides valuable insights into common pitfalls and how to avoid them.
We also urge housing associations, landlords, and homeowners to choose contractors with a proven track record of quality. Investing in reliable firms may cost more upfront, but the long-term benefits far outweigh the risks of cutting corners.
Looking Ahead
The government’s action to address poor-quality insulation installations is a promising step forward for the UK’s retrofit industry. By prioritising quality and accountability, we can ensure that measures like external wall insulation fulfil their potential to improve lives, reduce energy costs, and support the journey to net zero.
At Pyramid Eco, we remain committed to delivering the highest standards of workmanship and supporting the industry’s growth in a sustainable and ethical way. Together, we can create a future where every home is warm, energy-efficient, and built to last.
