You’ve probably seen the headlines this week around the recent BBC report on poor quality, bad practice and fraud within the UK’s housing retrofit sector.
The report details botched installations on a vast scale. The National Audit Office (NAO) found that 98% of homes which had external wall insulation installed under the schemes have problems that will lead to damp and mould if left unaddressed.
It also found 29%, of homes given internal insulation also need fixing. They rightly shine a light on parts of our industry that have badly failed consumers.
What the Report Reveals
The biggest takeaway is not that demand for energy efficiency is failing—far from it. The demand for safer, warmer, and greener homes is higher than ever. What the report exposes is a breakdown in oversight, quality control, and accountability.
In the rush to meet demand and deliver volume, some corners of the market prioritised cheap, quick fixes over competent, quality craftsmanship. This approach not only wastes public funds but actively harms the reputation of every good installer striving for excellence.
The Next Era: Quality is the Only Strategy
We believe the next era in housing retrofit will be defined not by price, but by performance, protection, and professionalism.
For consumers and clients, the selection criteria must fundamentally change. Good, competent, and certified installers will become more valuable than ever because they provide what is currently missing:
- Warranties that Matter: Genuine guarantees backed by solid workmanship and robust insurance.
- Accountability: Clear lines of communication and responsibility from start to finish.
- Craftsmanship: Installations that meet technical specifications and deliver the promised energy performance.
Leaning Into Excellence
This is an important time for our sector to lean into quality. Eco Approach was founded on the principle that retrofit work must deliver long-term value. We are committed to showing accountability, clear pricing, and high quality craftsmanship – they are the minimum standard.
We also urge homeowners, housing associations, and local authorities to demand more. If the lessons of this report are learned, the UK housing stock will be safer, more energy-efficient, and future-proofed by reliable, quality work.
The demand and potential for true energy transition remain strong. Let’s clean up the sector and focus on delivering the quality our customers deserve.
Clint Walker, our Head of Partnerships commented:
“This is a brutal report, but it’s important not to confuse exposure of bad practice with collapse of our industry. What’s broken is oversight, not the demand or potential.”
“Good installers will become more valuable than ever. The next era in retrofit isn’t about cheap fixes, it’s about warranties, accountability and craftsmanship.”
