Latest news with #insulation
BBC News
11 hours ago
- Business
- BBC News
Boss of Bournemouth-based home insulation firm jailed for fraud
The director of a home insulation company who encouraged his sales staff to "systematically" bully and lie to vulnerable customers has been Beckett – whose businesses were the subject of a BBC Rip Off Britain investigation in 2018 – was found guilty at Bournemouth Crown Court of two counts of fraudulent said the 41-year-old's two firms, NRG Installs Ltd and The Insulate Group Ltd, turned over £8m between 2017 and 2018 before they closed. Becket, of Canford Magna, Poole, was sentenced to six years and six months in prison. Officers identified 28 victims of Beckett's companies - operating from a call centre in Hinton Road, Bournemouth - around the also uncovered scripts used by his staff containing unsubstantiated and misleading included claims they could reduce a customer's heating bill by 40%, falsely stating that prices could be reduced via age-related discount codes, and charging different amounts for the same products. Unbeknown to police at the time, the BBC was also investigating Beckett and he was captured discussing changing his companies' corporate identity and feigning a mental illness to stop the programme being aired. 'Lengthy investigation' Det Insp Jamie Halford, of Dorset Police, said: "Our investigation found that Beckett was operating two corrupt and fraudulent businesses. "He encouraged his sales staff to persistently and systematically lie in order to deceive, mislead and bully customers who were known to be vulnerable in order to make as much money as possible."This was a lengthy investigation, which saw us work with various Trading Standards teams across the country and expert chartered surveyors in order to build a strong case against Beckett."The work of Beckett's companies had a lasting effect on some victims, who encountered difficulties when trying to sell their properties due to the spray foam that was installed when it was not required." You can follow BBC Dorset on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
BBC News
12 hours ago
- Health
- BBC News
How to keep your yourself and your home cool in hot weather
When temperatures soar, here are six simple things you can do to keep your home and yourself cool. 1. Let in cool air and encourage air flow Open windows on opposite sides of the house to encourage air flow - releasing trapped warm air and allowing in cooler this when the air temperature outside is cooler than inside, which tends to be overnight or in the early part of the day. In flats which have windows on one side only, open doors and use a fan to encourage air rises within houses, so if you have loft vents or windows you can open them to release some of the hot air can otherwise get trapped on the second floor, where you may be trying to sleep. Extra insulation can also help keep heat out in the summer, as well as reducing your energy bills and usage in the winter. 2. Keep warmer air out during the day In the heat of the day it is best to keep your windows shut and blinds or curtains closed - especially on the side of your home where the sun is shining. 3. Use a fan to enhance the breeze Fans are a relatively cheap and energy efficient way to keep air moving and can help you stay a freestanding fan for a 24-hour period typically costs between 15p and 31p, according to the latest guidance from the Energy Saving the fan in front of an open window can encourage the fresh air from outside to be blown throughout the room - as long as it is cooler ice cubes in front of the fan can cool the air being blown in your direction. You can use more than one fan to create a cross current. Prof Mike Tipton of the University of Portsmouth says it is important to understand how the body works. "Fanning the face improves thermal comfort most, but fanning the whole body helps lower body temperature more," he he warns that using a fan when temperatures are above 35C may make things worse, as you are ultimately just directing hot air towards your conditioning is a much more expensive option than using fans. The Energy Saving Trust says 24 hours of continuous use costs between £4.84 – £6. 4. Limit hot activities Ovens and cookers emit a lot of heat into the home during and after their to cold foods such as salads - especially during the hottest times of the day - can stop unnecessary heat being appliances, such as washing machines and dishwashers, can also produce heat so try not to use them when it is hottest. Heat exhaustion can also be brought on by high humidity - moisture in the air - so it is worth reducing humidity levels by:taking shorter and colder showerswiping excess water from surfacesmoving indoor plants outside 5. Cool yourself down Tepid showers can help to cool your body temperature, saving both money and energy. But Prof Tipton warns not to go too cold: "The trick is to try and get the skin as cool as possible whilst maintaining maximum blood flow to it."Too cold and the body will shut down blood to the skin and trap the heat in the body making it harder to get out."Putting an ice pack or cold-water bottle on your body can achieve an instant feeling of relief. You may want to wrap it in a towel to avoid direct contact with your clothes can also really affect your body temperature. Natural fibres like cotton and linen help to regulate body temperature and loose-fitting clothing allows room for the breeze to cool you is also why cotton bed sheets can help you sleep when hot air fills a room. 6. Find an alternative space Air-conditioned public buildings such as libraries, leisure centres and shopping centres can also provide relief if your home is too local authorities have created a network of so-called "cool spaces" where the public can go, including London, Manchester and simple ways cities can adapt to heatwaves
Globe and Mail
a day ago
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Insulation Market Forecast: USD 119.23 Billion by 2032
The Global Insulation Market size is estimated to be valued at USD 74.69 Bn in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 119.23 Bn by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.9% from 2025 to 2032. The global Insulation Market underpins energy efficiency across construction, industrial and automotive sectors. Stricter energy codes in Europe and North America, coupled with renewable energy integration in Asia Pacific, are reshaping market dynamics. Our independent market analysis highlights a shift toward high-performance materials, reflecting rising business growth requirements and tighter carbon regulations. Request Sample Copy of this Report (Use Corporate eMail ID to Get Higher Priority) at : Key Takeaways: Region – North America: Retrofit incentives drove 8% glass-wool demand growth in 2024. – Latin America: Brazil's industrial sector saw a 5% rise in thermal insulation uptake. – Europe: EU's 2025 energy code boosted stone wool shipments by 6%. – Asia Pacific: China's new-build insulation consumption jumped 7.2% in 2024. – Middle East: GCC oil-&-gas insulation contracts rose 9% in Q1 2025. – Africa: South Africa's urban housing projects increased foam board usage by 4%. Market Segments By Material: Glass Wool, Mineral Wool, Rigid Foam; glass wool led residential wall retrofit use cases. By Application: Building (residential/commercial) and Industrial (oil & gas/HVAC); HVAC ducts in petrochemicals grew 5% in 2024. By End-Use: New Construction vs Renovation; renovation-driven spray polyurethane foam uptake rose 6.5% in North America. Growth Factors: • Energy-efficiency mandates: EU's 2024 Directive cut building heat loss by 12%, driving market growth. • Raw-material innovation: Bio-based polyols adoption spiked 15% in 2025, reducing thermal conductivity by 0.02 W/mK. • Construction rebound: Global non-residential construction investment reached USD 1.2 Tn in 2024, boosting insulation demand by 6.8%. • Urbanization: Asia Pacific urban population growth of 2.1% in 2024 led to 7% more insulation installs in new housing projects. Purchase Now Up to 25% Discount on This Premium Report @ Market Trends: • Sustainable materials: Recycled glass wool production climbed 10% in 2024, aligning with circular-economy goals. • Digital specification: 30% of EU architects used BIM-integrated thermal simulation in 2025, expediting material selection. • Prefab integration: Modular construction's share of global insulation volumes rose from 12% (2023) to 16% (2024). • Nano-enhanced coatings: Aerogel composites penetration tripled in high-end acoustic and thermal markets in 2025. Actionable Insights: • Supply-side indicators: – Global foam board production capacity increased by 5% in 2024, with China accounting for 40%. – Average FOB price of mineral wool rose 4.5% to USD 1,050/ton in H1 2025. – Exports from Germany grew 6.2% in 2024, driven by energy retrofit programs in Eastern Europe. • Demand-side indicators: – Imports into India rose 8% in 2024 for rigid polyurethane panels in cold-chain warehouses. – Residential use cases in North America consumed 3.5 million sq m of recycled insulation in 2024. • Micro/nano indicators: – Average thickness of installed wall insulation increased from 80 mm (2023) to 85 mm (2024) for new builds. – Nano-additive aerogel composites accounted for 4% of total revenue in 2025. Market Key Players: BASF SE; Saint-Gobain S.A.; Rockwool International A/S; Owens Corning; Knauf Insulation; Johns Manville; Kingspan Group plc; Armacell International S.A.; Covestro AG; Dow Inc.; Huntsman Corporation; URSA Insulation. • Owens Corning expanded its Texas facility in Q2 2024, boosting global production by 15% and capturing additional market share. • Saint-Gobain's 2025 digital-sales platform increased B2B orders by 10%, strengthening its insulation market revenue. • BASF SE introduced a bio-polyol foam in 2024, securing an 8% stake in automotive thermal insulation, illustrating business growth through sustainability-driven product innovation. FAQs: 1. Who are the dominant players in the Insulation Market? Key players include BASF SE, Saint-Gobain, Rockwool International and Owens Corning, holding leading industry share through capacity expansions and digital platforms. 2. What will be the size of the Insulation Market in the coming years? The Insulation Market size is poised to grow from USD 74.69 Bn in 2025 to USD 119.23 Bn by 2032 at a 6.9% CAGR. 3. Which end-user industry has the largest growth opportunity? Residential renovation leads, driven by retrofit incentives in North America and Europe where insulation demand rose over 8% in 2024. 4. How will market development trends evolve over the next five years? Expect further decarbonization-driven material innovation, BIM-integrated specification growth, and modular construction integration boosting insulation market trends. 5. What is the nature of the competitive landscape and challenges in the Insulation Market? Competition centers on cost-effective sustainable materials, scale-based capacity expansions and digital sales channels; raw-material price volatility remains a key market challenge. 6. What go-to-market strategies are commonly adopted in the Insulation Market? Players leverage regional production hubs, digital procurement platforms, partnerships for green-certified products, and targeted retrofit programs as core market growth strategies. Author of this marketing PR: Ravina Pandya, Content Writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc. About Us: Coherent Market Insights leads into data and analytics, audience measurement, consumer behaviors, and market trend analysis. From shorter dispatch to in-depth insights, CMI has exceled in offering research, analytics, and consumer-focused shifts for nearly a decade. With cutting-edge syndicated tools and custom-made research services, we empower businesses to move in the direction of growth. We are multifunctional in our work scope and have 450+ seasoned consultants, analysts, and researchers across 26+ industries spread out in 32+ countries.
Globe and Mail
a day ago
- Business
- Globe and Mail
RIP & RIF Bushings Market worth $1.83 billion by 2032
The global RIP & RIF Bushings Market is projected to reach USD 1.83 billion by 2032 from an estimated USD 1.21 billion in 2025, at a CAGR of 5.9% during the forecast period. The global RIP & RIF Bushings Market is projected to grow from estimated USD 1.21 billion in 2025 to USD 1.83 billion by 2032, at a CAGR of 5.9% during the forecast period. The global RIP & RIF Bushings Market is expected to grow at a high CAGR between 2025 and 2030, due to the increasing need for safe, dependable, and maintenance-free insulation systems in high-voltage transmission and distribution systems. As grid infrastructure continues to age and adoption of renewable energy systems proliferates, the utility and industrial operators will shift from traditional oil-filled bushings to newer dry-type bushings, such as resin-impregnated paper and resin-impregnated fiberglass (RIP & RIF) bushings because these new insulation materials are notably safer at high voltages, have improved dielectric strengths, less exposure to moisture/water, better fire safety, and superior electrical insulation than traditional oil-filled bushings. Grid modernization, along with the increased uptake of digital substations, modularized containment capability, and new compact equipment designs, all help to further the adoption of RIP and RIF bushings within smart grids, modular substations, and high-voltage switchgear. In addition, national governments and transmission operators are also growing towards eco-friendly insulation components and maintenance-free insulation solutions that align with other sustainability goals and provide operators with a means to lower their overall lifetime operating costs. About emerging markets and economies in the Asia Pacific region, there is a significant growth opportunity for manufacturers of RIP and RIF bushings. This is especially true with the ongoing power infrastructure projects, including electrification, and the sustained growth expected to continue throughout the next forecast period. Download PDF Brochure: Resin-impregnated paper bushings type to hold larger market share throughout forecast period The resin-impregnated paper bushings segment is estimated to hold a larger market share during the forecast period due to widespread adoption of RIP bushings, particularly in high-voltage applications. The rise of RIP bushings can be attributed to their large installation in voltage rating use with transformers and switchgears, owing to their advantageous performance characteristics compared to traditional oil-impregnated bushings. They offer improved dielectric performance, thermal stability, and greater ability to resist moisture and contaminants from the environment. They are dry-type, maintenance-free, and safer, making for easier installation in both indoor and outdoor serviceable areas with strict environmental/safety regulations. They also take up less implementation space, which aligns with the trend of more efficient and space-saving substation and modular equipment installation. As utilities and grid operators continue investing in renewable energy, smart grids, and transmission network upgrades, RIP bushings are preferred due to their long operational life, less flammability risk, and compatibility with digital monitoring systems. The factors identified make RIP bushings an overall preferred type across a vast array of high-voltage infrastructure projects, and they are positioned as the leading size segment. Transformers to account for majority of market share throughout forecast period. The transformers segment is expected to be the most extensive application in the RIP & RIF Bushings Market throughout the forecast period because of the continuing growth and modernization of transmission and distribution infrastructure development worldwide. The transformers are key components of electrical grid systems, and bushings are essential interfaces for safely transferring high-voltage current beyond the grounded enclosure. Electricity demand is increasing, urbanization is accelerating the need for increased capacity for electricity delivery to consumers, and large amounts of renewable energy are being incorporated into the electrical grid. The power and distribution transformers needed will continue to increase significantly over the forecast period. With excellent dielectric strength, moisture resistance, and reliability under extreme environmental conditions, RIP and RIF bushings are selected because of their inherent benefits when used in transformers designed to deliver power to consumers. The ongoing and speeding up of the transition toward digital substations and smart transformers, requiring insulation solutions with improved capabilities, also contributes to the demand for resin-impregnated bushings. Asia Pacific to lead global market during forecast period Asia Pacific will lead the global RIP & RIF Bushings Market during the forecast period, driven by urbanization, increasing power demand, and heavy investments in grid infrastructure among key economies such as China, India, Japan, and South Korea. The region is witnessing large-scale grid modernization, renewable integration, and electrification projects, all necessitating upgraded power transmission and distribution equipment such as superior-quality bushings. Government-sponsored rural electrification programs, innovative grid installations, and substation expansion also promote using resin-impregnated paper and fiberglass bushings. Moreover, the availability of tier-one transformer and switchgear producers in Asia Pacific, combined with a robust industrial base and growing emphasis on grid reliability and energy efficiency, drives demand for low-maintenance and reliable bushing technology. With the increasing development of energy infrastructure, particularly in the developing world, Asia Pacific is poised to dominate the RIP & RIF Bushings Market worldwide during the forecast period. Request Sample Pages: Key Players ABB (Switzerland), Eaton (Ireland), Siemens (Germany), General Electric Company (US), Hitachi Energy Ltd. (Switzerland), and Trench Group (Germany) are some of the prominent players in the global market for RIP & RIF bushings. Business entities involved in the RIP & RIF bushings industry aggressively embrace strategic actions such as product development, collaborations, mergers and acquisitions, and expansions to consolidate their positions further and address the growing need for dependable grid components. With the international drive for grid modernization, renewable energy integration, and high-voltage transmission infrastructure development, manufacturers are investing in more advanced, environmentally friendly bushing technologies that provide superior thermal performance, lower partial discharge, and extended operating life. The industry leaders also emphasize digital integration, such as condition monitoring and smart diagnostic systems, to improve asset performance and minimize unplanned outages. In addition, strategic partnerships with OEMs and utilities and growth in high-growth markets such as Asia Pacific are helping firms diversify their portfolios and tap new customer bases. These initiatives are complemented by R&D initiatives for making lighter, modular, and maintenance-free RIP and RIF bushings to address the changing demands of the world energy industry. About MarketsandMarkets™: MarketsandMarkets™ has been recognized as one of America's Best Management Consulting Firms by Forbes, as per their recent report. MarketsandMarkets™ is a blue ocean alternative in growth consulting and program management, leveraging a man-machine offering to drive supernormal growth for progressive organizations in the B2B space. With the widest lens on emerging technologies, we are proficient in co-creating supernormal growth for clients across the globe. 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News.com.au
3 days ago
- Climate
- News.com.au
‘What year?': Expat questions why Aussie homes are so cold
A Swiss expat has humorously questioned 'what year' Aussie home builders will discover insulation as the country shivers through a frosty start to winter. Much of the country's east has braced freezing temperatures in a cold snap that started over the King's Birthday long weekend, with snow blanketing NSW's central tablelands and areas as far north as Mt Isa in northwest Queensland recording their lowest temperatures in decades. Leandro Tonet, an online homeschooling entrepreneur living in NSW's Byron Bay, shared a viral clip to Instagram over the weekend, rugged up in a beanie and trackies, warming his hands in front of the kitchen stove. 'POV: You're Swiss living in Australia and you're wondering what year insulation will be invented …' the video text read. 'Apparently the coldest place in Australia is our bathroom,' he captioned the video. 'When it's 8C outside, it's 8C inside. Someone please tell Aussie builders how to insulate homes. Fellow expats DO YOU FEEL ME?!?!' 'Russian freezing in Australia asking the same question,' one commenter wrote. 'It's actually colder inside,' another said. A third wrote, 'There are people in Sydney who only ever wear shorts all year round. In winter they will insist they are fine with it, that the cold weather will pass in no time. It's just a thing here.' Mr Tonet has been contacted for comment. The fact that Australian homes tend to be colder in winter compared with those in other countries is no secret. 'The short answer is that most Aussie homes just weren't designed with winter in mind,' said Gerry Wallace, managing director at building firm Greenline Australia. 'It's a systemic result of decades of summer-first design, minimal insulation, and building policies that favoured cooling performance.' Mr Wallace said there were a number of key culprits 'we see over and over again' — number one being outdated building standards. 'Homes built before the early 2000s were rarely insulated to any decent standard,' he said. 'Some still have zero insulation in the walls or floors.' Poor sealing and draught control also means 'a lot of homes here leak air like a sieve'. 'Gaps around windows, doors, floorboards, and even downlights all let warm air escape,' he said. 'That's a major reason heating feels useless in winter.' And single-glazed windows 'are still everywhere'. 'They let out heat faster than people realise and make a huge difference in how cold a home feels,' Mr Wallace said. He added that Australia's climate has traditionally meant a 'design bias' towards summer, focusing on keeping cool in hot months. 'Wide eaves, open-plan layouts, and high ceilings might help in summer, but they don't do you any favours when the temps drop,' he said. Slow policy shifts mean these problems linger. 'Even now, our minimum energy standards lag behind countries with similar climates,' Mr Wallace said. 'NatHERS [the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme] is improving — from six-star to seven-star minimums — but a lot of housing stock is still stuck at one or two stars.' Dr Tim Law, head of building sciences at insurance consultancy RIC Solutions, pointed out that Europe and North America 'had to confront the energy crisis of the 1970s, which forced these countries to confront the issues of building energy efficiency much earlier than Australia'. 'The major population centres in Australia are also located in fairly benign weather areas,' he said. 'These, together with the abundance of coal and gas deposits in Australia, [have] seen us come later in addressing energy efficiency in buildings.' According to Dr Law, one of the big challenges faced in designing new buildings to be more comfortable in colder months was that the regulatory system was based on the energy simulation. 'There is still very little data on whether a house that passed the simulation criteria is actually performing as simulated, or delivering on conditions assumed to be comfortable,' he said. 'The assumption is that houses are built as simulated and that the simulation is correct. However, in an age of AI hallucinations, I think it is proper for us to revert to real world measurements to ensure that the simulations are actually delivering buildings that are comfortable and energy efficient.' The other major challenge, Dr Law added, was the balancing act between energy efficiency and health. 'The countries that imposed energy efficiency measures during the energy crisis soon discovered that those provisions created a condensation and mould problem,' he said. 'Australia's houses had minimum energy efficiency stipulations in 2003, but condensation management provisions were only required after 2019.' He warned this unintended consequence of condensation and mouldy buildings across all Australian states and climate zones 'reveals that we have not been getting the balance correct'. 'It is not necessarily the right priority to be pushing for energy-efficient buildings that make us thermally comfortable but sick from mould,' he said. Dr Law suggested the 'most powerful behavioural modification is that of moderating one's expectation of comfort'. 'Heating the entire space is always going to be more energy demanding than heating the individual, just as heating a part of the body requires less energy than the whole,' he said. 'As a practical example, the Japanese have the concept of Kotatsu. It is a low table draped with a heavy blanket-like curtains on four sides, with an optional small heater mounted beneath the table. A user sits on the floor with legs tucked under the table and blankets.' However, Goran Surbevski, senior comfort expert at Alliance Climate Control, said it was 'deeply concerning' that 60 per cent of Australians 'live in homes with unsafe indoor temperatures, and a third of these people say they struggle to heat their homes properly regularly'. 'More than half of those living in homes below 18C, who also report being unable to heat their homes comfortably, are relying on inefficient heating methods like electric or gas room heaters, portable heaters, or no heating at all,' he said. 'Nearly a quarter of Aussies say living in a cold home has led to health issues. It's clear more needs to be done by homeowners and landlords to improve living conditions and protect people's wellbeing.'
