Ofgem has approved an external wall insulation (EWI) innovation measure under the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) scheme, with an application date of 11 May 20231. The InstaClad Robust EWI system was approved under the same innovation measure on the same date1.
The approval appears in Ofgem's published list of approved innovation measures, which records the description of each measure, the date it was approved, and whether it carries a standard or substantial uplift1. The list covers measures approved under both ECO3 and ECO41. The document was published in July 2023 as version 1.4 and reissued in January 2024 as version 1.61.
Under ECO4, once an application for a product to be delivered as an innovation measure is approved, Ofgem is required to publish a description of the measure, its approval date and its uplift category1. The published list states that all innovation measures must be installed in accordance with PAS 2030:2019 or MCS standards and PAS 2035:2019, and must be lodged with TrustMark or an equivalent body and delivered by TrustMark-registered businesses1. Innovation measures must also be installed in accordance with Building Regulations and any relevant Agrément certificate listed under the product description2.
The InstaClad system is described in the list as modular, tongue and groove, pre-primed insulation boards mechanically fixed to the property using a rail system1. The boards are interlocked and finished with one coat of render that is shower proof in 30 minutes and can be applied at temperatures from -10°C to +30°C1. Aerogel is used in window detailing for improved thermal performance1. The product holds BBA certificate 15/5201, product sheet 11.
The list records the following approvals relevant to external wall insulation:
| Innovation measure | Type | Date application approved | Uplift |
|---|---|---|---|
| 001 | External Wall Insulation | 20/02/2019 | Standard innovation measure/25% |
| 004 | External Wall Insulation | 01/11/2019 | Standard innovation measure/25% |
Source: Ofgem approved innovation measures list1.
The document states that approval of an innovation measure does not constitute confirmation that installation method processes and designs are fully compliant with the latest requirements defined in the relevant PAS and related guidance1. It adds that the Retrofit Coordinator and installers delivering innovation measures are responsible for installations and must satisfy themselves that the measure is suitable for a given property before installation1.
"All innovation measures must be installed in accordance with PAS 2030:2019 or MCS standards and PAS 2035:2019"
Why it matters for households
External wall insulation is one of the measures available for solid wall homes, which are typically harder and more expensive to insulate than cavity wall properties. Approval of a product as an innovation measure under ECO4 means it can be delivered through the scheme by obligated suppliers, alongside established measures. For a household, the practical effect is that a wider range of EWI systems may be available through ECO4 funding routes, though eligibility still depends on the property and on assessment by a Retrofit Coordinator. The external wall insulation savings and installation time pages set out what households can generally expect. Households weighing up internal versus external wall insulation may find the distinction relevant, as the two approaches suit different properties and circumstances. The wider context is covered in insulation, glazing and energy independence.
What happens next
The approved innovation measures list is a live document. Ofgem states that the evidence outlined within version 1.4 is in draft form and may be subject to change in future versions1. No further dated steps for this specific approval have been reported.
Sources2 cited
- ECO4 Innovation: Approved innovation measures, ofgem.gov.uk
- ECO4 Innovation: Approved innovation measures, ofgem.gov.uk