The UK is missing a major opportunity to cut emissions and reduce reliance on energy imports by failing to tackle industrial heat loss, according to a new White Paper from the Thermal Insulation Contractors Association.

With policy focused on energy security, affordability and the transition to Net Zero, the trade body argues thermal insulation offers an immediate, cost-effective solution.

Across manufacturing and processing sites, significant heat is lost daily from uninsulated or poorly insulated pipes, ducting, valves and equipment. This wasted energy increases costs and emissions while driving reliance on imported supply.

Chris Ridge, TICA’s Technical Director, said: “The heat lost from one single uninsulated valve can equal the energy needed to power an electric car for 12,000 miles. Multiply that across many thousands of industrial and commercial sites, and it’s impossible to ignore the scale of the problem in the UK.”

Analysis from the European Industrial Insulation Foundation identifies potential emission reductions of 3,480 kilotonnes of CO₂ and energy savings of 1,183 kilotonnes of oil equivalent across Europe – equivalent to the annual energy use of more than 863,000 households or 1.7 million cars.

The White Paper describes thermal insulation as a “no-regrets” solution, with many projects paying back within months and most within two years.

TICA is calling for minimum performance standards, including BS EN 17956 Energy Efficiency Class C for new industrial installations and, where feasible, existing assets, to create a consistent baseline across industry.

Chris Ridge added: “We are locking in inefficiency by failing to act. This is one of the simplest, fastest and most cost-effective ways to cut energy use and emissions. It must be treated as a first-line solution, rather than an afterthought.”

Developed with EiiF and Kaizen Energy Consultancy, the White Paper also urges engagement with MPs, warning the UK risks falling behind European countries already capturing these savings.

To view the White Paper or request a campaign pack, visit: https://tica-acad.co.uk/tica-white-paper/