Affiliated Insulation Industry Coalition

Ensuring quality control and safety in insulation installation for Australian buildings.

About the AIIC
Insulation Installation Roadmap

WELCOME TO the aiic

Who we are and what we do

The Affiliated Insulation Industry Coalition (AIIC) is a collective of insulation trade associations, each representing different product types and installation services, that is currently working in partnership with the Energy Efficiency Council (EEC) to advance the recommended actions in the Insulation Installation Roadmap and develop a pathway for the insulation industry to support Australian buildings by providing a higher level of energy performance and indoor comfort.

We recognise that improving quality control and safety of insulation installation is an essential prerequisite for large scale retrofits of homes and commercial buildings (as well as for new build construction), and will facilitate government and homeowner support to unlock the environmental, economic and health benefits improved thermal performance outcomes in our buildings will provide.

Our Member Organisations

Collectively the Australian Modern Building Alliance (AMBA), Insulation Australasia (IA), and the Insulation Council of Australia & New Zealand (ICANZ) represent Australian insulation manufacturers, Australia accredited insulation installer organisations and polymers-based insulation supply chain manufacturers.

Our key recommendations

The AIIC Policy Statement formally outlines the AIIC’s priorities and preferred approach to the improvement of insulation and thermal performance outcomes in Australian homes and buildings. Read our advice here.

Reports

AIIC-EEC Partnership Activity

AIIC Activity

The Benefits of Insulation

Insulation is used in buildings to reduce the movement of heat and sound. A wide range of products are used to insulate buildings. These include batts, panels, loose-fill, sprays, structural insulated panels, and building membranes.

When new and existing buildings have adequately specified and installed insulation, the benefits to the community include:

  • Reducing Australia’s annual emissions, potentially by 7.1 million tonnes of CO2e.
  • Improving outcomes in physical, social, and mental health by better insulating homes and workplaces. Studies have shown for every dollar invested in vulnerable households, $7-10 in benefits are returned.
  • Complementing efficient electrification of space heating and cooling, enabling occupants to pre-heat and cool homes with minimal energy waste, and take best advantage of household solar.
  • Enabling the right sizing of space heating and cooling systems, household batteries and other infrastructure – reducing the costs of these upgrades, and the materials required to complete them.
  • Promoting grid reliability by better matching supply and demand in an energy system powered by renewables.
  • Making reverse cycle heating more comfortable by increasing internal surface temperatures, thus preventing cooled air creating a cold draught.
  • Helping to reduce energy bills through decreased need to run heating and cooling.
  • Reducing external noise, condensation, and the possibility of mould.
  • Achieving appropriate fire resistance in a cost-effective manner.
  • Enhancing the climate resilience of homes.

Insulation Resources

Insulation is a material that slows or prevents the flow of heat and helps to keep homes warm in winter and cool in summer. The type of insulation best suited to a property can vary based on construction and climate zone.

Correct installation of insulation is essential to minimise risk of condensation or fire, and to maximise the benefits of the product.

Here are some resources are useful for those interested in learning more about insulation and how it works.

Guidance materials

Resource/Topic

Description
Your Home Issued by the Federal government, this resource contains information about passive home design, including information on insulation including understanding insulation, achieving good outcomes with insulation, and additional resources and reading.
Insulation and ventilation Issued by the government of South Australia, this resource explores the value of insulation and ventilation.
Home insulation materials Issued by the government of Victoria, this resource details types of insulation products.

Information for the insulation industry

Correct installation of insulation of compliant product is essential to minimise risk of condensation or fire, and to maximise the benefits of the product.

The following resources are of value to the insulation industry:

Resource/Topic

Description
Insulation Installation Certification Get certified to demonstrate best-in-class installation practices and participate in government programs that require certification.
Guidance on government program compliance: insulation installation AIIC compliance guidance to ensure the best outcomes for households and reduce risk for governments. 
Insulation Handbook – Part 2: Professional Installation Guide – Version 7
 Issued by the Insulation Council of Australia and New Zealand (ICANZ), this resource relates to the safe installation of insulation for ceilings, walls and floors.
Guide to assessing ceiling insulation R-values in existing homes
 Developed by ICANZ and endorsed by the AIIC, these guidelines aim to help householders, landlords, and energy efficiency professionals assess the performance level of insulation in the ceilings of existing homes.
Standards that apply to insulation Issued by ICANZ, this list details standards relevant to the insulation of buildings.
Australian Standards • Search for an Australian Standard here • Purchase an Australian Standard here Issued by ICANZ, training tool can be used as a series of toolbox talks; or as a complete instruction and induction tool. There are 3 short parts in the series: • On arrival + electrical isolation • Preparing to install • Installing insulation
Insulation training videos for installers Issued by ICANZ, training tool can be used as a series of toolbox talks; or as a complete instruction and induction tool. There are 3 short parts in the series:
•  On arrival + electrical isolation
• Preparing to install
•  Installing insulation
Safe installation of insulation materials Issued by the government of Tasmania, this resource provides advisory information for builders, owner builders, insulation contractors and home owners as well as new building work on any class or type of building and renovations or improvements of existing buildings.
Insulation installation and air tightness Issued by the government of Victoria, this resource contains information for trades and supervisors on how to correctly install insulation and seal a building, with a focus on identifying and treating common problem areas in residential construction.
 

Condensation control in energy efficient Australian residential buildings

 Issued by the Australian Modern Building Alliance (AMBA), this fact sheet examines the permeance control strategy and alternative temperature control strategy for Australian residential buildings, and their impacts on energy efficiency, durability and occupant health.
Sustainability of buildings incorporating polyurethane (PUR) insulation Issued by AMBA, this fact sheet explores the role of polyurethane insulation products in Australia’s low-energy sustainable buildings and their implications for building design.
Comparison of polyurethane insulation with other insulants Issued by AMBA, this fact sheet compares polyurethane insulation with other common polymer-based and traditional fibrous insulants, and details their fire safety merits as part of a safe, sustainable built environment.
Spray polyurethane foam (SPF) Issued by AMBA, this fact sheet examines spray polyurethane foam (SPF) and its credentials as an ideal insulation for both low-energy houses and commercial mass wall systems.
Electrical safety regulators  Electrical safety is essential to safe insulation install, and electrical safety requirements around install may differ by jurisdiction as well as whether or not the install is occurring in connection to a state/territory program or scheme. See below for electrical regulator information:

ACT: Planning ACT NSW: Fair Trading NSW NT: WorkSafe NT QLD: Electrical Safety Office SA: Office of the Technical Regulator TAS: Consumer, Building and Occupational Services VIC: Energy Safe Victoria WA: WA Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety
Known programs and schemes applicable to insulation ACT: Minimum energy efficiency standards for rental homes and Sustainable Household Scheme

TAS: Energy Saver Loan Scheme
Insulation bodies
Information for trades and others working around insulation
Net Zero Energy Builder
  • A learning hub for energy efficient construction established by the South Australian Government. Includes learning modules that provide the principles of building energy efficiency that can deliver high thermal performance.

Why we need an insulation installation roadmap

Installing insulation has lower risks when compared to many other construction activities. However, like any activity in the construction industry, appropriate measures must be taken to manage risks that can include: working in a restricted space; working at heights; contact with hazardous materials; and electrical safety.

The insulation industry and governments have already undertaken a range of actions to address safety and quality-control issues associated with insulation installation. These actions include development of training modules and an installer certification, as well as building codes and workplace health and safety regulations. However, there is still more to do.

roadmap for insulation installation in australia

Access the Roadmap Here

The Roadmap for Insulation Installation in Australia sets out actions that include:

• Enhanced compliance measures for new buildings and major renovations.

• Increased education, training, and certification for installers.

• Stronger government support for insulation installation requirements.

• A holistic approach that integrates insulation with other building efficiency improvements.

The coalition behind the roadmap includes leading industry groups representing the insulation supply chain, manufacturers, the building sector, insulation installers, and electricians.