<b><b>Part L confusion still reigns in the insulation industry, and despite the need for energy efficient homes, insulation supply is not increasing. Andrew Leech finds out how the sector is gearing up for further regulation changes </b></b><br><b><b></b>The government's recent u-turn on the U-values proposed for Part L of the Building Regs has marginally cleared the air and the fact that the three basic methods of calculation - elemental, target U-value and carbon index - still remain does not straightjacket housebuilders. </b><br><b><b>Partnerships</b></b><br> Nor does it cause consternation amongst thermal insulation manufacturers who are already seem well prepared for all eventualities and even see &amp;"partnerships&amp;" emerging between the sheet and fibre interests within the industry, in order to meet specific requirements of both traditional and light frame constructions. <p></p><p>And although there are some new products in the pipeline, mostly they are variations on an existing theme that simply increases materials by a few millimetres to meet the approved thickness. </p><p>But, ultimately, there is a long way to go - ten years to be precise - over which period UK U-values will be tightened even further and European Standards will become more and more stringent to meet the Kyoto Protocol promises that we …