Government Insulation Grants: The Great British Insulation Scheme Explained

Government Insulation Grants: The Great British Insulation Scheme Explained

Thinking about insulating your home with the help of government grants but unsure where to start? Insulation is a crucial upgrade for reducing carbon emissions in the UK. Recognizing its importance, the UK government has introduced two major schemes to help households insulate their homes.

UK homes are among the least energy-efficient in Europe, with an average EPC rating of just D. Poor insulation is a key factor in this inefficiency, leading to significant heat loss and overworking your heating system, resulting in significant energy waste. Moreover, inadequate insulation allows moisture to seep into your home, causing mould and condensation problems that can harm your health and damage your home’s structure.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about applying for government insulation grants, including the Great British Insulation Scheme. From understanding the benefits to navigating the application process, we have you covered. We'll also outline the eligibility criteria to help you determine if you qualify for these valuable programs.

Government Grants for Insulation

Amid the 2024 energy crisis in the UK, government grants are a game-changer for households. These grants not only help in reducing energy bills but also play a crucial role in lowering the carbon footprint, contributing significantly to environmental sustainability.

A major study has revealed that upgrading home insulation to meet current standards could slash carbon emissions by about 10 billion tons over 50 years. This reduction is equivalent to the energy saved by over 1 billion homes in a single year.

Acknowledging these benefits, the UK government has launched generous grants to encourage all households to invest in proper insulation. By doing so, homeowners can enjoy enhanced comfort and significant savings on their energy bills.

Here are the two main government grants for insulation in 2024:

Great British Insulation Scheme

The Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) is managed by the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem) and funded by the UK government. This scheme has a generous funding allocation of £1 billion and aims to complement the more comprehensive ECO4 scheme. GBIS focuses on offering single insulation measures to improve energy efficiency in homes.

Energy Company Obligation (ECO4)

The Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) is a more comprehensive scheme also administered by Ofgem. ECO4 is funded by energy suppliers and boasts a substantial funding pool of £4 billion. Unlike GBIS, ECO4 adopts a 'whole house' approach, providing not only insulation but a variety of energy-efficiency measures. These include solar panels, boiler replacements and repairs, and heat pumps. The comprehensive nature of ECO4 ensures that eligible households receive a range of improvements to achieve maximum energy efficiency and reduce overall energy consumption.

What Free Insulation Measures Can I Get?

Through the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) and the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4), you can get a variety of free insulation measures to boost your home's energy efficiency and lower your energy bills. According to the UK government, most of these free upgrades are cavity wall insulation and loft insulation, as they're among the most cost-effective ways to improve energy efficiency and cut heating costs.

Cavity Wall Insulation

Cavity wall insulation stands out as the most popular insulation measure under the GBIS, making up 52% of all installations. This high uptake is due to its significant impact on energy efficiency. Uninsulated walls can lead to around a third of a home's heat loss, making cavity wall insulation a highly effective solution to enhance home energy efficiency and reduce heating costs.

Loft Insulation

Loft insulation is another great way to boost your home's energy efficiency. It's the second most popular choice under GBIS, making up 20% of all installations. Loft insulation can cut your heating costs by up to 25%, helping you save big on energy bills. Even without government grants, it's a cost-effective option. Installation can cost up to £890, but you'll save between £330 and £590 a year, meaning you'll recover the initial cost in just 2-3 years.

Other Free Insulation Measures You Can Get

• Solid wall insulation (external and internal)
• Flat or Pitched roof insulation
• Underfloor insulation
• Solid floor insulation
• Park home insulation
• Room-in-roof insulation

Can I Apply for Both ECO4 and GBIS?

Absolutely! You can apply for both the Great British Insulation Scheme and ECO4 at the same time for your home. Here's how it works:

• No Overlapping Grants: You can receive funding for different energy efficiency measures under each scheme. For example, you might get cavity wall insulation through GBIS and choose loft insulation via ECO4. It's essential to understand that you cannot get grants for the same energy efficiency upgrade from both schemes. Ensuring that one measure is funded by GBIS and another by ECO4 avoids any financial overlap and complies with funding rules.
• Sequential Implementation: If you plan to use both schemes, make sure to complete the measure funded by one scheme before starting the next. For instance, finish the cavity wall insulation from GBIS before beginning the loft insulation under ECO4. This sequential approach ensures compliance with the rules of both schemes.
• Separate Applications and Assessments: Although the eligibility criteria for both schemes might be similar, you need to apply separately for each. This involves distinct assessments and application procedures tailored to the specific requirements of GBIS and ECO4.

Eligibility Criteria for GBIS and ECO4

To receive free insulation upgrades under the Great British Insulation Scheme and ECO4, you need to meet specific eligibility criteria. Both schemes are designed to help low-income and vulnerable households, as well as homes with low energy efficiency. Here’s a detailed overview of the eligibility criteria:

• Income and Benefits:
  • Households with an annual income below £31,000.
  • Recipients of certain means-tested benefits:
    • Income Support
    • Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
    • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
    • Child Tax Credit
    • Working Tax Credit
    • Universal Credit
    • Pension Guarantee Credit
    • Housing Benefit
    • Child Benefit (subject to income caps)
    • Pension Credit Saving Credit
  • Vulnerable Households:
    • Families with young children.
    • Elderly residents, particularly those over 70.
    • Individuals with disabilities or long-term health conditions.
  • Energy Efficiency of Property:
    • Properties with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D to G.
    • Homes within Council Tax bands A-D in England or A-E in Scotland and Wales
  • Type of Property:
    • Owner-occupied homes.
    • Privately rented properties, with the landlord’s consent.
    • Social housing that meets specific criteria

How to Apply for Free Insulation

Applying for free insulation grants under the Great British Insulation Scheme and ECO4 is straightforward and hassle-free with ByEco. Follow these simple steps to start your journey toward a more energy-efficient home:

• Fill Out the Application Form: Begin by filling out our application form. Once submitted, our team will review your details promptly.
• Schedule an Assessment: After reviewing your application, we will contact you to schedule a comprehensive home assessment. Our partnership with the government ensures a smooth process, free of charge. ByEco’s experts will evaluate your home to confirm eligibility and determine the most effective insulation measures for your property.
• Application Processing: Once the assessment is complete, we handle all the paperwork to ensure your application is processed as quickly as possible. Our team will make sure all necessary documents are in place, so you can start benefiting from proper home insulation without delay.
• Choose the Best Installer: Choosing the right installer is crucial for optimal results. We simplify this process by providing you with quotes from top-rated installers in your area. This way, you can be confident that the work will be done to the highest standards.
• Installation: Finally, we oversee the entire installation process to ensure everything runs smoothly and meets the highest quality standards. Our commitment to excellence means you can enjoy the benefits of improved energy efficiency and reduced energy bills sooner.

Get Started Today!

Take the first step towards a more energy-efficient home by filling out the application form. Enjoy a seamless process and start reaping the benefits of proper insulation with the help of ByEco.