Leading Humber region building surveyors Delaney Marling Partnership are urging homeowners and businesses to adopt a ‘Fabric First’ approach to energy efficiency upgrades, warning that superficial installations of heat pumps and solar panels risk wasting money and undermining genuine sustainability.
With government grants fuelling a surge in demand for air source heat pumps (ASHPs) and solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, the firm says too many properties are receiving ‘eco-bling’ - flashy renewables retrofitted onto draughty, poorly insulated buildings with disappointing results.
"High-tech kit on a leaky building is like fitting a Ferrari engine to a car with flat tyres," says Kevin Marling, Chartered Building Surveyor at Delaney Marling Partnership. "The system labours inefficiently, bills stay high, and promised savings evaporate.”
Government data backs this up:
Up to 25% of domestic heat loss comes from uninsulated walls alone (English Housing Survey).
Rushed renewables retrofits without fabric-first upgrades can see efficiency drop by 30-50% (DESNZ guidance).
Delaney Marling Partnership champions prioritising the ‘fabric-first’ approach. “Airtightness and insulation - targeting minimum 300mm wall insulation for Hull’s Victorian and interwar housing stock - before adding renewables.
“BRE research confirms heat loss reductions accelerate beyond 100-150mm, with deeper layers delivering even greater savings amid rising energy costs.”, adds Kevin Marling.
Practical steps for property owners include:
Target UK Building Regs U-values (e.g. 0.18 W/m²K for walls) using 100-150mm PIR/phenolic boards; 200-300mm+ for maximum performance.
Commission whole-building audits with thermal imaging to ensure ASHPs achieve COP >3.0 via 140-200mm roof insulation.
Add Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) ventilation alongside strategic upgrades like 270mm+ pitched roofs to maintain air quality without heat loss.
These evidence-based strategies align with Passivhaus standards and net-zero goals, delivering payback in 5-7 years through lower bills and higher property values.
"True sustainability blooms from solid foundations, not shiny gimmicks," Marling adds. "We encourage whole-building surveys to assess fabric condition, materials and dew point calculations before sizing heat pumps or solar PV - it’s a whole-property approach.”
Sustainable buildings create lasting value, not short-term headlines. Delaney Marling Partnership helps clients avoid costly mistakes and build for the future.
