Recommendation 14

While some organisations advocated a ‘fabric first’ approach, which involves improving the thermal performance of materials in a building prior to installing a heat pump, others suggested that it is not necessary, making it difficult for households to determine cost- effective measures. In their written evidence to us, the Energy & Utilities Alliance and National Energy Action both suggested, for example, that a fabric first approach would reduce bills and cut energy consumption, while the Kensa Group highlighted that loft and cavity wall insulation reduced heat-related energy consumption by only around 10%.27 DESNZ told us that it planned to assess the effect of changes it has made to insulation requirements on people’s experience through its planned evaluation of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.28 23 DHH0053, Written evidence submitted by Centrica, 29 April 2024 24 Qq 3–4, 6–7 25 DHH0050 26 Qq 4–7, 13 27 DHH0040, Written evidence submitted by Energy & Utilities Alliance, 29 April 2024; DHH0020, Written evidence submitted by National Energy Action, 29 April 2024; DHH0016, Written evidence submitted by The Kensa Group, 29 April 2024 28 Qq 39–42 Decarbonising home heating 13