The Affiliated Insulation Industry Coalition (AIIC)

🚀 The Affiliated Insulation Industry Coalition, in collaboration with the Energy Efficiency Council, is pleased to announce the release of the 2024 Insulation Installation Roadmap. “Millions of Australian homes, built before mandatory energy efficiency requirements, are in desperate need of significant thermal performance upgrades. These improvements will not only create healthier, more comfortable living environments, but also generate thousands of stable jobs over the next decade,” says Stuart Braine, Deputy Chair of the AIIC. Read the roadmap here: https://lnkd.in/gFGzuAAD Air Tightness Testing and Measurement Association (ATTMA), Australian Institute of Building Surveyors, Australian Insulation Installers Association (AIIA), Australian Modern Building Alliance (AMBA), Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council (ASBEC), Electrical Trades Union of Australia, Housing Industry Association (HIA), Insulation Australasia, Insulation Council of Australia and New Zealand, Master Builders Australia, prefabAUS, Property Council of Australia

Adding to the growing body of evidence that thermal performance upgrades have a strong benefit to the health of occupants, results from a new Japanese study reveal that living in a warm, well-insulated home directly benefits heart and brain health. The research found that people living in warmer homes experienced fewer cardiovascular issues and showed improved cognitive health. This is because stable indoor temperatures reduce the strain on our hearts, lower blood pressure fluctuations, and create an environment that promotes mental well-being. Insulation isn’t just an energy efficiency upgrade—it’s a public health investment, and the study highlights that this is an important factor to consider when weighing the cost implications of upgrades. 🔗: https://lnkd.in/g8zk-Whf #thermalperformance #health #energyefficiency #insulation

The AIIC commends the Queensland Government on its exploration of insulation installation market capability to support the delivery of its social housing program. The initiative, managed by QBuild, aims to install ceiling insulation across approximately 7,500 social housing properties throughout the state. The AIIC strongly urges the Queensland Government to adopt the following requirements for all insulation work procured with public money: - Use of Certified Insulation Installers. - Electrical Safety Inspections prior to installation work. - Independent third party certification of insulation materials. - Fit for purpose application and warranties. “By implementing these requirements, the Queensland Government can lead by example, setting a strong precedent for the broader market and driving positive behaviour across the industry. This approach will ensure taxpayer-funded upgrades meet the highest standards of quality and safety, delivering lasting benefits for both residents and workers,” said Janine Strachan, Chair of the AIIC. Read our full statement here: https://lnkd.in/gQrBYjPk Read our full suite of recommendations for governments here: https://lnkd.in/g-ingTR3 #Insulation #ThermalPerformance #EnergyEfficiency #Queensland

🌡️ CSIRO’s State of the Climate 2024 report makes it clear: Australia’s changing climate demands action, and retrofitting homes to be energy efficient and climate resilient is essential. Some key insights driving the need for thermal performance retrofits: 🏠 Hotter temperatures & more heatwaves: Better insulation helps keep homes cool and reduces the need for air conditioning, cutting energy consumption and costs. It also acts as a last line of defence in maintaining safe indoor air temperatures, even when the power goes out. ⚡ Intense rainfall events & flash flooding: Weatherproofing retrofits can protect homes from water damage and ensure safer living conditions. Some forms of insulation are particularly well suited to withstanding water damage. 🌧️ Decline in cool-season rainfall: This means that the availability of renewable energy sources like hydropower is decreasing. Reducing household energy use becomes even more critical as pressure on energy systems increases. Thermal performance upgrades can assist in reducing some of this demand. 🔥 Longer fire seasons: Climate resilient homes can better withstand extreme weather events and improve safety during emergencies. Check out the full State of the Climate 2024 report here: https://lnkd.in/gZVveEK4 #ClimateResilience #EnergyEfficiency #SustainableHomes #Retrofit #CSIRO #Insulation #ThermalPerformance

🏠 Access to energy efficient homes isn’t just a matter of comfort—it’s about fairness and safety. This ABC article sheds light on the struggles of public housing tenants in WA, where many endure sweltering conditions. Vulnerable groups, such as low-income families, the elderly, and children, are left to cope in homes that trap heat. Without proper insulation, their living spaces remain unbearably hot in summer and uncomfortably cold in winter—threatening their health and well-being. Insulation plays a critical role in moderating indoor temperatures, reducing energy bills, and making homes more livable. Improving public housing with effective insulation will not only protect the most at-risk residents but also contribute to Australia’s energy efficiency and climate goals. The AIIC has long argued for meaningful thermal performance upgrades in public housing settings. Everyone, regardless of their income, deserves to live in a home that keeps them safe and comfortable all year round. Read the article here: https://lnkd.in/gJWEGEbA #EnergyEfficiency #Insulation #Thermalperformance

With the shift to 7-star energy ratings for new builds, insulation is a key factor in reducing energy bills, increasing comfort, and minimising environmental impact. Why insulation matters: ✅ Lower energy bills – homes with better insulation require less heating and cooling, meaning smaller energy bills year-round. ✅ Improved comfort – a well-insulated home provides consistent indoor temperatures, making it cooler in summer and warmer in winter. ✅ Environmental impact – by reducing the energy needed to maintain comfort, insulation helps cut carbon emissions. ✅ Future-proofing – higher energy ratings increase the value of homes, giving homeowners a financial edge over time. Investing in insulation isn't just about meeting energy standards—it’s about building resilient, cost-effective homes that provide long-term benefits for homeowners and the environment. More here: https://lnkd.in/gkyezHPz #insulation #energyefficiency #thermalperformance

Tech alone will not make homes comfortable or reduce bills during extreme heatwaves unless 'technology' includes wall, roof, and floor insulation and much better airtightness in renovation projects and new homes. We spoke with Sarah Brookes about our clear evidence for insulation and targeted support to quickly build momentum in the home renovation space. It's a no-brainer to insulate and gap seal before worrying about solar

“Insulation impacts how we work, play and live,” says Stuart Braine, Insulation Australasia board member. He says that ultimately, success for the insulation industry is a high level of understanding of the role and value of the product in the construction industry, and in the community. Read more from Stuart in this industry spotlight: https://lnkd.in/gwF_K6Wq #insulation #thermalperformance #energyefficiency

🔑 In New Zealand, recent analysis shows that the government overestimated the costs of meeting new insulation standards for homes, potentially by as much as tens of thousands of dollars. Similarly, the insulation industry in Australia points out that concerns over rising construction costs due to improved thermal performance are often exaggerated. With proper planning, costs can be effectively managed—especially by including good levels of insulation in ceilings and walls. The insulation industry has been, and continues to be, ready to collaborate with the construction sector on strategies to enhance building standards while maintaining profitability. More from New Zealand here: https://lnkd.in/giwAf39j #Insulation #EnergyEfficiency #BuildingStandards #ThermalPerformance

Decarbonising our homes: US insights with Australian relevance 🇺🇸➡️🇦🇺 Key takeaways: 🔸 Insulation is one of the most cost-effective ways to improve energy efficiency. These upgrades can drastically reduce heating and cooling costs, making homes more comfortable year-round. 🔸 Investing in higher R-value materials means better long-term savings—this is just as important in our climate where extreme temperatures are common. 🔸 Air sealing and insulation work together to prevent drafts, meaning your home stays cooler in summer and warmer in winter without wasting energy. Read more here 👉 https://lnkd.in/gqttYd3Q #insulation #energyefficiency #thermalperformance