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Industry standard loft insulation ‘not compliant’, court hears

An industry standard loft insulation product used in British homes is not compliant with building regulations, the High Court heard today.

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Industry standard loft insulation ‘not compliant with building regulations’

Jason Coppel QC told the court that “plastic bag” or “cushion method” insulation, where material is stuffed inside a casing before being installed in lofts, allows heat to escape through gaps around the loft hatch in a “chimney effect”.

He was submitting evidence on behalf of May-Lean & Co, a firm which produces an alternative form of loft insulation.

Energy regulator Ofgem, the Department for Communities and Local Government and British Gas were defending in the case.


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Suppliers of products which reduce carbon emissions, such as loft insulation, are given credits by Ofgem for helping to reach environmental targets.

However, in order to qualify, products must comply with building regulations – and Mr Coppel claimed that Ofgem allows suppliers to commission its own agents to carry out the checks, rather than independent assessors.

Mr Coppel said Ofgem “acts unlawfully if it gives credits which are not qualifying measures because they do not comply with the requirements”.

He did not argue that cushion method insulation is non-compliant on fire safety grounds.

Tim Ward QC, submitting evidence for British Gas, said that the cushion method loft insulation had been the industry standard for more than 20 years, and so had already received sufficient scrutiny from building regulators.

He added that removing the insulation on the grounds put forward by Mr Coppel would be “impossible” due to the associated cost and intrusion into people’s homes.

The judge in the case, Mr Justice Dove, said he will deliver his ruling on the case “as quickly as I can”, potentially as a written judgement.

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