Quality labels for retrofit cavity wall insulation: a comparative analysis

Retrofit cavity wall insulation can be exerted to reduce the energy use for space heating and cooling of existing buildings. In multiple countries, quality labels have emerged for this insulation service. In this research project, an evaluation framework for cavity wall insulation is developed by means of literature research, interviews and a multiple case study. The standards of various quality labels prescribing the insulation process are assessed using this framework. Although the analyzed standards can be considered similar to a large extent, some remarkable differences have been identified. The results also indicate that none of the standards address all aspects of the insulation process. This means that the highest quality cannot be guaranteed when following the currently existing standards. Consequently, there is a need for a new quality label that overcomes the shortcomings of the existing standards identified in this research project.