OFGEM approval reinforces Celotex’ position as a clear market leader with a range of products that can now be utilised in accordance with government carbon reduction schemes such as Carbon Emissions Reduction Target (CERT) and Community Energy Saving Programme (CESP), helping to cut UK CO2 emissions by 34% by 2020 in line with government targets as part of the Climate Change Act.
CERT is the third phase of a government programme that has been running since 2002, aiming to reduce CO2 emissions from homes. Previously known as the Energy Efficiency Commitment, CERT aims to reduce annual CO2 emissions by 4.2 million tonnes by the end of the programme. CERT allows energy suppliers to provide grants and offers to help homeowners pay for energy efficiency measures to reduce the carbon emissions of their home. With OFGEM approval, Celotex can now be recommended for CERT projects and help to reduce CO2 emissions, energy use and costs in homes all over the UK. CESP focuses exclusively on improving energy efficiency standards of priority groups within UK households. Delivered through community-based partnerships, the scheme is likely to have benefitted some 90,000 homes and save close to three million tonnes of CO2 emissions by the time of its conclusion. The scheme promotes a ‘whole house’ approach to the most suitable energy efficiency measures which now include Celotex’ extensive range of OFGEM approved PIR insulation to help deliver CESP programmes and reduce fuel poverty and carbon emissions.
“We are delighted that Celotex products have received OFGEM approval,” said Paul Evans, Product Manager at Celotex. “With CERT and CESP playing such a key role within the UK’s current carbon reduction programmes, Celotex’ inclusion on the OFGEM approved list is a great way to demonstrate the suitability of the company’s market leading products as a sustainable way of improving the UK’s housing stock.”
Celotex PIR boards also offer a number of distinct advantages over other insulation materials. Supported by third party approvals from leading industry organisations including the BBA (British Board of Agrément), BRE and the Energy Savings Trust, Celotex will help 'future-proof' the energy performance of buildings in line with current and future carbon reduction programmes. Outstanding moisture resistance, structural strength and lightweight attributes make Celotex PIR insulation one of the most cost effective, thermally efficient insulation solutions. Celotex has recently achieved a landmark 0.021W/mK lambda for its FR5000 and CG5000 range, complementing the 0.022W/mK lambda value of many other Celotex products, to show that thermal performance of PIR is far superior to more conventional insulations. With both CERT and CESP set to end in 2012, the next phase in the Government’s energy efficiency scheme will be the introduction of the Green Deal and Energy Company Obligation (ECO) arrangement, expected to replace the current programmes with equally challenging requirements and efficiency targets.
Celotex’ insulation products achieve an A+ rating when compared to the BRE Green Guide 2008 and have been independently assessed by BRE Global, through its Approved Environmental Profile, and have been confirmed as achieving a low environmental impact. They have also been approved by the BBA, the UK's major approval body for construction products.
As well as OFGEM approval, Celotex is certified to Environmental Management Standard EN ISO 14001 and has also become the first PIR insulation manufacturer to receive Energy Saving Trust Recommended Product certification, further enhancing the company’s credentials to meet the requirements of energy efficiency schemes. With so many accreditations, independent certification and a product range that includes the best in class premium performance FR5000, Celotex is fast becoming the first choice PIR insulation provider for homes aiming for the very highest standards of energy efficiency. For more information on the OFGEM approval scheme, visit www.ofgem.gov.uk.