Announced in July 2020, The Green Home Grant Scheme was introduced by Chancellor Rishi Sunak to help homeowners and landlords make their properties more energy efficient. The scheme is set to launch in September and will be open to those living in England and Wales.
As well as helping landlords and homeowners reduce the carbon footprint of their properties, the government also hopes the scheme will kickstart the economy following the COVID-19 lockdown. With a whopping £2 billion available, this could be the perfect time to give your home the green makeover it needs.
How much will the scheme cover?
The Green Home Grant Scheme will cover up to two-thirds of the cost of upgrading the energy efficiency of a property. For most homeowners and landlords, the government’s contribution will be capped at £5,000. However, those on low incomes can claim 100% of the cost of the work up to a maximum of £10,000.
How to apply for the scheme
If you think your home could benefit from some energy efficient improvements, you can apply for vouchers for the scheme from the government website. You’ll then be given a list of TrustMark and/or Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS)
registered tradespeople in your local area. You can then get quotes from these suppliers and select the company that best fulfils your requirements. Vouchers for work will be issued from November.
What is covered by the Green Home Grant Scheme?
The Green Home Grant Scheme covers a wide range of energy efficient improvements. You can use the money to pay for insulation, double glazing, energy efficient doors and new water tanks. You can also use the scheme to cover two-thirds of the cost of an air source heat pump.
According to the Energy Saving Trust, installing an air source heat pump is the single-biggest carbon-saving measure you can take. While insulation in your floor will save 185kg of carbon a year and double glazing will save 345kg, an air source heat pump could help you reduce your carbon footprint by an incredible 2,600kg per year. This makes an air source heat pump by far the best choice for those looking to live a little greener.
If you already have an air source heat pump in place, you could choose to insulate your solid walls to save 930kg of carbon a year or you could insulate your loft and reduce your carbon emissions by around 610kg per year.
The Green Home Grant Scheme offers homeowners and landlords a fantastic opportunity to upgrade their properties and reduce their carbon footprints. To find out more, or to learn how we can help to make your home more energy efficient, explore our site or get in touch with a member of our team.
