More than 140 of the leading energy efficiency and insulation professionals, industry figureheads and government officials came together at an event held before Christmas to celebrate the transformational work undertaken by the sector.
The event, held as a partnership between the National Home Decarbonisation Group (NHDG) and the National Insulation Association (NIA), also placed a focus on the Government’s future net zero and wider decarbonisation plans.
Senior representatives from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) were also in attendance, including the Minister for Energy Efficiency and Green Finance. Lord Callanan spoke to attendees about the scale of ongoing decarbonisation commitments and policies.
Derek Horrocks who is the Chair of both the National Home Decarbonisation Group and the National Insulation Association placed a focus on the power of collaboration across the sector and how it will serve to create a robust supply chain capable of delivering long-term government commitments for net zero.
Derek said: “This year has seen great steps forward when it comes to the decarbonisation of homes and journey towards net zero, and it’s been a great opportunity to come together and reflect on that, as well as discuss how to overcome any challenges.
“The core fact remains that the work being done across the sector to decarbonise homes is working to make a real-life difference to real people. It makes sure that people’s homes are safe and healthy, while also lowering energy bills too. This has a profound and proven impact on people’s health and wellbeing — and serves to tackle the biggest crises being faced today with rising fuel poverty, pressure on the NHS and climate change.
“This is something reflected on by my fellow speakers on the night, with both Lord Callanan and Lord Best reflecting on the statistics of hospitalisation of children due to cold and mould, or stories from GPs unable to properly treat health problems caused by physical environments.
“Having launched only just a little over six months ago, the NHDG especially is gaining significant momentum thanks to the calibre of the members it brings together. Our members are already delivering large-scale PAS:2035 compliant installations funded by various schemes from the Government, including the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF), which recently opened its Wave 2.2 application window.
“The organisations represented in the room together have the ambition, drive, and resources to really push this building momentum forward in conjunction with the Government. We have the opportunity to improve the lives of thousands of people in the UK the time to make that transformation for them is now.”
Hosted in the historic House of Lords Cholmondeley Room and Terrace by Lord Best, the evening saw a clear commitment from every attendee in the room to pull on their collective power to deliver.
Sam Paul, Commercial Director at headline sponsor Baxter Kelly, commented: “There is so much good going on across our sectors at the moment, so this event was an ideal opportunity to take stock on our achievements. However, we know that we can’t rest on our laurels, so coming together in this way allows us to stay focused on our common goals — and how we need to work together to achieve them.”
The event was also sponsored by United Living, Sto Ltd, Morgan Sindall Property Services, Kier, Sustainable Building Services (UK) Ltd, E.on, PermaRock and InstaGroup.
To learn more about the NHDG, its aims and its members, please visit the website at: https://www.nhdg.org/
Header image: Derek Horrocks, Chair of the NHDG addressing the room
