Wetherby solutions used to highlight benefits of EWI to DECC

Working in conjunction with the National Insulation Association (NIA), Wetherby has teamed up with approved contractors Hamilton (Building Contractors) Ltd. to highlight to the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) the challenges that face occupants of some of the UK’s poorest housing stock and the external wall insulation (EWI) solutions available to them.

Last week, a team of officials from DECC visited the Holmewood Estate in Bradford to see first hand an estate currently undergoing a major refurbishment to thermally upgrade properties with the installation of solid wall installation. During the three hour visit the members of DECC’s Household Energy Efficiency and Fuel Poverty teams went to the heart of the estate to see housing before, during and after the installation of EWI.

Tasked with designing an effective EWI solution for the properties on the Holmewood estate, Wetherby supplied its Epsicon system, comprising 90mm EPS insulation with a pebble dash finish, to offer an attractive façade, while significantly improving energy efficiency.

The DECC team also had the opportunity to talk with local community leaders and residents to discuss the issues they face on a day to day basis and how the installation of external wall insulation has made a huge difference to their lives.

Commenting on the DECC site visit, Neil Marshall, CEO of the NIA, said: “The Holmewood estate is an example of fuel poverty and poor insulation at its most extreme, but, as can be seen with this on-site examination of the problems, steps are being taken to meet the challenges and address the situation. This was a really important visit for DECC as it allowed them to see first-hand how ECO measures are utilised to support those at risk of fuel poverty.”