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Insulation

Volume 507: debated on Thursday 11 March 2010

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change whether his Department has made an estimate of the number of homes which require (a) additional loft insulation, (b) cavity wall insulation, (c) draught proofing and (d) new heating controls for the purposes of increasing their energy efficiency. (320327)

The English Housing Survey published by the Department for Communities and Local Government provides annual estimates on loft insulation, cavity wall insulation and heating controls. Using the approach contained within the Energy Performance Certificate, the 2007 report from the survey identified the following number of homes that would benefit (that is, their energy efficiency rating would significantly increase) in terms of loft insulation, cavity wall insulation and heating controls. The survey is not able to measure the benefiting impact of draught proofing.

This is an estimate of the number of properties that would benefit from this measure, but that does not imply any requirement for such measures. The survey also does not take into account any practical issues of installing such measures. Many of these homes will be performing to a reasonable standard in terms of their energy efficiency.

EPC recommended energy efficiency measures, 2007

Size of applicable group1 (thousand)

Number of dwellings that would benefit from the measure (thousand)

Percentage

Loft insulation

19,908

8,871

45

Cavity wall

15,527

7,088

46

Heating controls

19,499

7,784

40

1 The total number of dwellings that have some level of existing loft insulation; have cavity walls, including those already insulated; have heating systems appropriate for heating controls, including those with controls fitted.

Source:

English House Condition Survey 2007 Annual Report, Table 2.6, pg 119 CLG.

Figures for 2008 will be published later in the year.