Loft Insulation

Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards for Rental Properties

Since April 1, 2018, it has been illegal to rent out properties in England and Wales with an inadequate energy rating. As of April 1, 2023, this regulation also applies to existing leases, meaning landlords cannot continue renting properties that fail to meet the required standards.

Properties with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of “F” or “G” fall under these restrictions, making it essential for landlords to improve their properties’ energy efficiency to remain compliant.

Landlords Must Meet Energy Efficiency Targets

To enhance the sustainability of rental homes, the UK government introduced minimum energy efficiency standards in 2011 under the Green Deal initiative. Landlords who fail to upgrade their properties risk financial penalties and may be unable to let them.

One of the most effective ways to improve energy efficiency is loft insulation. Around 25% of a home’s heat is lost through the roof, making proper insulation crucial for reducing both energy bills and carbon emissions. In 2000, UK homes accounted for 27% of the country’s carbon dioxide emissions, highlighting the importance of energy-saving measures.

Upgrading or installing 270mm (approximately 11 inches) of loft insulation can significantly reduce heat loss, lower energy consumption, and shrink a property’s environmental footprint. With potential savings of up to £240 per year and relatively low installation costs, the payback period is short. Insulation also provides long-term protection against rising energy prices, improving both comfort and future-proofing homes.

Considering an Insulation Upgrade?

There are several insulation options available, each with unique benefits:

Knauf Insulation

  • Loft Roll 44 – A Glass Mineral Wool roll designed for cold lofts with pitched roofs insulated at ceiling level.
    • Thermal Conductivity: 0.044 W/mK
    • Best suited for: Newer builds (late 1980s onward)
  • Loft Roll 40 – A higher-performance Glass Mineral Wool roll offering superior thermal efficiency.
    • Thermal Conductivity: 0.040 W/mK
    • Fire Safety: Euroclass A1 (non-combustible)
    • Eco-Friendly: Made with ECOSE® Technology (a bio-based binder)
    • Best suited for: Older properties

Sheep’s Wool Insulation (Thermafleece CosyWool)

  • Composition: 75% wool, 25% polyester (including 15% recycled polyester)
  • Benefits:
    • Safe to handle without protective gear
    • Highly breathable with excellent thermal and acoustic performance
  • Thermal Conductivity: 0.039 W/mK

SupaSoft Insulation

  • Made from: Recycled plastic bottles
  • Benefits:
    • Soft, easy to install, and free from added chemicals or binders
    • Non-itch and safe to handle
  • Thermal Conductivity: 0.16 W/mK (lower insulation efficiency compared to wool and mineral wool options)

For landlords, upgrading insulation is a cost-effective way to meet Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES), improve tenant comfort, and future-proof properties against stricter regulations.