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David Simmonds, MP for Ruislip, Northwood & Pinner, visited Jewson Ruislip too see first-hand the role the building materials industry can play in improving energy efficiency.
Jewson Managing Director, Nadine Matthews hosted the event, organised by the Builders Merchants Federation, with Regional Director Kris Winters and Ruislip branch manager Dean Colwill.
Matthews explained how builders’ merchants can provide advice and support to homeowners looking to improve the energy efficiency of their property and save on energy costs. She also outlined how energy efficient materials and product ranges have a key role to play in supporting the drive to carbon net zero by 2050.
“The ranges we offer are centred around achieving sustainability goals, but what that means is they improve energy efficiency within the household, ultimately reducing the amount of energy used and the amount of energy lost through issues such as poorly fitted windows, inefficient boilers and uninsulated roof spaces. The built environment accounts for almost 40% of global carbon emissions, so while fitting energy-efficient, low emission and water-saving measures in properties will be key to achieving net zero by 2050, there will also be financial benefits for householders who invest in the right measures to improve energy efficiency in their home. At Jewson we are determined to support efforts to build smarter, build better and make a difference,” she said.
As well as addressing the key issues around the energy crisis, decarbonising homes and the push towards net zero, the group also toured the branch and discussed challenges facing the industry including material availability and cost inflation.
Simmonds said: “I’d like to thank the BMF for organising the visit to Jewson Ruislip and to Nadine Matthews and the team there for hosting this event. It was very useful to gain a further insight into the products and solutions that are already available to help maximise energy efficiency in the home and to find out more about the expertise and knowledge that builders’ merchants have to offer. The Government has set out its plans to tackle the energy crisis this winter, and it is encouraging to see that there are a range of options and products available that can help householders reduce their energy use.”
John Newcomb, BMF CEO, said: “There is an urgent need to address home energy-efficiency in the UK, where a high proportion of homes are rated EPC Band C or below. One of our key asks of Government is to commit to a comprehensive, properly-funded national plan of investment in training to boost the number of competent, qualified people equipped to upgrade the energy efficiency of homes and to install low- or zero-carbon solutions. The BMF is urging the Government to further help families by improving the energy and thermal performance of their homes, which would have a long-term effect on family budgets by reducing energy use and heating costs, as well as creating meaningful jobs across the country.
