Moving Forward From Government Insulation Mistakes: Cobalt’s Commitment To Quality And Accountability

Cobalt’s Perspective On Scheme Failures

At Cobalt, we’re passionate about transforming the insulation industry for the better. In recent years, national retrofit programs such as Green Deal, The Green Deal Voucher Scheme, the Green Homes Grant Scheme (which was a government funded scheme we did participate in during 2020/2021. It was a disaster and poorly managed, resulting in being cancelled early and targets nowhere near close to being met). More recently the Great British Insulation Scheme and ECO 1, 2, 3, and 4 have all promised big improvements in household energy efficiency. However, for thousands of homeowners, these initiatives have delivered something quite different, a legacy of rushed installations, questionable workmanship, and funding that simply doesn’t stretch far enough.

Reports by the BBC highlight a wave of botched solid wall insulation jobs, many of which have left homes damp, damaged, and facing costly repairs. Cobalt has witnessed these effects first-hand. The rush to meet government targets has caused some contractors to compromise on quality, leaving behind projects that fail to meet basic industry standards. What should have been an opportunity for genuine progress has, in too many instances, produced disappointment and frustration across the sector.

Where Does the Responsibility Lie?

The issue isn’t just poor outcomes, it’s how blame is distributed after things go wrong. We’ve seen the government respond with statements like “it’s not our fault,” and in many cases, pass responsibility directly onto installers. The suggestion that installation firms should pay for failed insulation projects is profoundly unfair, especially given that some of the original contractors are no longer trading, or have changed names to avoid liability and underwriting insurance backed warranties fail to operate or go bust! Meanwhile, quality-focused businesses like Cobalt remain, taking the hit for mismanagement we never contributed to.

This lack of robust, long-term oversight and unethical, opportunistic culture pervading the industry and market raises a critical question: Who is protecting homeowners and ethical businesses? For us, the answer must always be accountability, both from government schemes and from every company involved. The construction industry as a whole and the government requires a radical rethink and cultural step change to rebuild consumer confidence and trust.

Why Cobalt Carbon Free Stands Out

In this turbulent landscape, Cobalt Carbon Free’s core values of quality, trust, and accountability put us in a unique position to help clients and the wider industry. Whereas some contractors see retrofit insulation as a numbers game, maximising installations at the lowest possible cost, we know that true sustainability comes from doing the right thing and always crafting excellence in every job.

Our installation teams undergo continuous training and rigorous quality checks, starting from initial surveys right through to end-of-project inspections. We’re proud to say that every Cobalt project is built on solid foundations, using approved systems and the latest innovative technology created and crafted to best-practice standards. Our customers know they’re not just getting an energy-saving fix, they’re getting not only an insulation system but a sustainable solution designed and built to last.

With new entrants into the market, funding shortfalls and hastily implemented government ideas and requirements, the temptation for some firms to cut corners has never been greater. Yet, we believe that this moment is actually an opportunity for genuine leaders to rise above the noise. By consolidating our reputation for Quality, high-trust and low risk delivery, we can set the benchmark for what reliable retrofit insulation must look like in the UK.

Seizing the Moment for Industry Change

We refuse to be “rolled over” by flawed policies, changing politics and governments or disappearing businesses. Instead, Cobalt is committed to positive, proactive sustained leadership. We’re here to help homeowners, landlords, and commercial clients navigate the complex world of insulation, funding, quality standards, and technical requirements. When we spot issues caused by others, our expert teams work to fix them, bringing damaged walls and insulation systems back to life with robust, moisture-resistant solutions and clear guidance on next steps to maintain and manage them.

Our commitment to transparency and quality means every customer receives a full project breakdown, with built-in risk management at every stage. Problems and challenges are addressed head-on, not swept under the carpet, enabling our clients to enjoy the benefits of solid wall insulation without worrying about damp or structural issues for life.

But our message is bigger than technical know-how. For the insulation industry to recover from government missteps and disappointing scheme outcomes, trust must be rebuilt from the ground up. Cobalt is leading that charge, showing what’s possible when companies invest in people, processes, and the customer experience. By doing things right the first time, and standing by every installation, we believe that confidence in retrofit schemes can be restored.

Looking Ahead with Confidence

The recent and past challenges posed by government led projects like ECO 4 and the Great British Insulation Scheme are not going away. If anything, tighter funding and bigger headline targets are likely to push less conscientious operators further into risky territory. What will set successful companies apart isn’t just competitive pricing or fast turnaround, it’s the willingness to stand up for what matters: integrity, customer care, technical excellence and going the extra mile.

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Cobalt’s mission is simple: to position ourselves as the trusted standard-bearer for retrofit insulation in Britain. We’re not here to survive the current crisis, we’re here to change the conversation, and to show that quality is the only real path forward. If you’re facing issues with a past government-funded insulation job, or if you want to futureproof your property with an expert installation, Cobalt is ready to help.