Abseiling insulation project - a UK first

We are the first organisation in the country to use abseiling to install cavity wall insulation.

It will help residents to save money on their fuel bills and help us to reduce carbon emissions and fight climate change.

What is cavity wall insulation?

Most housing built since the 1930s has cavity wall construction, which means that there is an exterior wall, with a second wall next to it. The space between the two walls is called the cavity, and this is filled with insulation material. Cavity wall insulation is the most effective way to stop heat loss from homes.

Why is this new abseiling method so important?

Without using abseiling the only way to install cavity wall insulation into tower blocks and high-rise homes is to use scaffolding. Scaffolding is expensive, can look unsightly and is unpopular with residents. Using abseiling is much quicker, around 40% cheaper than using scaffolding, and causes less disturbance to residents.

We estimate that residents will be able to save up to £80 per year on their energy bills and their homes will feel warmer in colder weather. There are also benefits in summer when homes will feel cooler and more comfortable.

Which homes will have cavity wall insulation installed by abseiling?

We are already carrying out a programme of work to install cavity wall and loft insulation to homes which are low-rise and street properties. 

We started the abseiling programme of work to tower block homes at Laystall Court and Mullen Tower in Holborn. We are now working at the Regents Park estate and will then be moving on to other areas of the borough.

We will write to all residents of a block before we start work to explain what happens.

Watch the abseiling on the BBC website

BBC London came to film the abseiling on 21 September, and showed it on their news programme that day. You can see the footage on their website

More information

For more information about the abseiling insulation project please contact the sustainability team