The Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE) has been suggesting we lose the fascination with green gadgets in buildings and concentrate on the much less glamorous topic of insulation.

I couldn’t agree more. It is relatively easy to talk to a developer about fancy microrenewables, but they start switching off when you explain that they’ve got to get the fabric of the building right first. Just because it’s out of sight, doesn’t mean it’s important. With Energy Performance Certificates being introduced in the UK, I don’t think this situation will last long – insulation will, like Cinderella, finally get a chance to be the belle of the ball.