Rockwool and Build Center launch insulation deal

Rockwool, the stone wool insulation manufacturer, is part of an insulation promotion scheme with national builders merchant Build Center and energy provider npower.

The npower DIY scheme – which uses Carbon Emissions Reduction Target (CERT) funding – means householders can buy 2 for 1 priced Rockwool loft insulation and have it delivered direct to their door for free by their local Build Center branch. This is a strictly audited, accountable and controlled system, with the three companies working in close partnership to administer the scheme.

Part of the campaign involves a TV advert to raise awareness of the benefits of insulation amongst the general public featuring Ardman Animation’s characters Wallace and Gromit, which hit TV screens at the end of July.

Homeowners will also receive an installation guide and safety kit to ensure they are able to install the insulation correctly and safely.

The new insulation scheme is one of the many ways in which CERT funds are being used, primarily to benefit individual homeowners and the environment. Given the nature of the funding, the scheme is not open to non-residential or non-domestic properties, any new build project, nor to installers.

Commenting on the scheme, David Adams, market development director from Rockwool said: “The complexity of setting up CERT-funded schemes to meet Ofgem’s stringent guidelines is a significant challenge and it has taken many months to develop this new scheme.

“However, we believe the result is an excellent example of how a manufacturer and a builders’ merchant can come together to compete with the big DIY retailers, whilst correctly meeting Ofgem’s regulations.

“Given the widespread desire amongst consumers to reduce energy costs and ‘green’ their homes, we expect this scheme to be very popular and we’re proud to be part of it. We’re sure other merchants will want to implement similar joined-up schemes, involving insulation manufacturers like Rockwool, in future as they look at ways to use CERT funding.”

The Builders Merchants Federation has been working hard to highlight some of the inherent problems with the CERT scheme. Managing director Chris Pateman, said: “The CERT insulation scheme has been in danger of losing credibility over the last year by forcing people to buy materials exclusively from DIY retail outlets, who often cannot offer the variety, delivery or advice that builders merchants can.

“It’s pleasing to see Rockwool and npower have been able to help redress this distortion. This scheme plays to the merchant industry’s strengths, not only in terms of delivery but in capturing a high level of sales audit information. We hope this initiative will be a forerunner of many more innovative routes for the merchant trade to play its full role in providing cost-efficient and fit-for-purpose energy improvements to the nation’s existing housing stock.”

Steve Ashmore, managing director of Wolseley UK’s Heavyside division said: “This offer is particularly pertinent to DIYers as they can purchase their insulation now in preparation for the relevant stage of their project. Insulation can help to keep the home cool during the hot summer weather, so now is an ideal time to install this product.”