Energy renovation is also one of the strategic axes of the government, which in 2019 included "the ecological and climate emergency" in the energy code with the energy-climate law, and that the so-called Climate and Resilience, voted in 2021, defines the insulation of walls, the insulation of low floors, and the insulation of the roof as three of the six priority work items to achieve so-called "efficient" energy renovation.
Following the Covid-19 crisis, the recovery plan decided by the government has also allocated an envelope of 6,7 billion euros dedicated to the energy renovation of buildings for 2021-2022, providing in parallel for the creation of 55 000 jobs over the same period.
However, since September 2021, this momentum has been slowed down or even reversed by the combination of the drop in purchasing power due to energy prices, the drop in certain aids, the very sharp drop in Energy Savings Certificates 'Energy (EEC) hit by speculative movements, then inflation on raw materials and products.
Insulation contractors on the front line
In 2022, the number of new insulation sites is falling because the French no longer have the means to carry out this work. Under the effect of the fall in CEE, the “out-of-pocket” has increased too much, and much too quickly, especially for low-income households, but not only them.
Last February, ECIMA and insulation players were already alerting to the historic drop of nearly 50% in sales of certain insulation materials, and therefore of insulation sites using them.
Today, the situation is getting worse and it is the insulation work companies and their employees who are directly affected, especially for attic insulation sites. Most of the historical companies are in difficulty: the ECIMA estimates that 10% to 20% of them have been forced to file for bankruptcy and that more than 50% of the workforce has had to be made redundant.
This is a catastrophic loss for the sector, which struggles to recruit and train staff who are both qualified and ready to accept the arduous nature of the job. While the establishment of the Recognized Guarantor of the Environment (RGE) label relied on an increase in the skills of installation companies, we are now witnessing an irreversible drain of skills.
Meanwhile, French people living in poorly insulated homes continue to see their heating bills skyrocket.
Stabilizing the insulation market: an imperative
The serious industry of insulation is not infinitely elastic. Plant capacities have limits and stable market prospects are needed to increase them through long-term investments.
On the other hand, installation companies must be able to stabilize their workforce to have the right level of skills. Too large downward swings lead to loss of jobs and skills. The excessive jolts on the rise lead to massive imports and concealed work by eco-criminals, who have already deserted the insulation sector to retrain in the sectors where the aid is the most important. .
If we want to protect sustainable jobs and the purchasing power of the French, it is urgent to react and relaunch the insulation industry now. More than ever, the government must work hand in hand with professional organizations in the sector, which are able to offer quick and effective solutions to stabilize and relaunch the sector.
To start working on it now, the Syndicate of cellulose wadding manufacturers ECIMA is requesting an interview with the new Minister for Energy Transition and then the establishment of a 3-week working committee leading to a Plan to safeguard the insulation industry.
Insulation, a sector of the future
Faced with the imperatives of ecological transition and energy independence, it goes without saying that the insulation of buildings is essential and will be more and more so in the future.
Biosourced insulators such as cellulose wadding, but also wood fiber or even hemp, are the insulators of the future, in the sense that they particularly meet the objectives set by RE2020 in terms of carbon reduction and summer comfort. Indeed, they offer better density and better resistance to air flow than traditional insulation and have the capacity to store carbon, benefiting from a negative carbon balance. So many arguments in favor of an active and immediate revival of the insulation industry.
ECIMA sends a letter to the Minister of Energy Transition
By Charles KIRIÉ President of ECIMA:
"Madam Minister,
As a reminder, ECIMA is the French Association of Manufacturers of Cellulose Wadding, insulation made from recycled paper used mainly for lost roof spaces and representing 50% of the tonnages of biosourced insulation on the French market.
Please find attached the letter sent to your predecessor which remained unanswered. This announced the hecatomb that took place in the workforce of duly trained personnel of historical attic insulation professionals.
It can be estimated, from our close contact with professionals in the sector, that 10% to 20% of historical companies have already gone bankrupt and that, of the companies remaining in operation, 50% of the RGE trained and qualified personnel have been made redundant and now work in less arduous jobs. Only 40% of the workforce therefore remains, which will not be enough to meet the real needs for insulation of lost attics in a context of energy crisis which will require a massification and acceleration of the work.
In the current context, it is reasonable to think that if the market, artificially blocked by the historically low CEE price, does not resume in September, in 2023 only 20% of the profession's workforce will remain.
Knowing that you are close to companies and experienced in their problems and their operation, we urgently request an interview with your services. In order for this to be as effective as possible, it would be essential for us to be accompanied by the National Union for Insulation, which represents blown insulation installation companies.
Hoping that this letter will hold your attention, we remain at your entire disposal to arrange an appointment date.
We send you, Madam Minister, our cordial greetings and our best wishes for success in your new function."