Green Homes Grant scheme launches to boost low-carbon economic recovery

The Green Homes Grant scheme has launched, part of £3 billion of government initiatives to boost the construction sector and ensure a low-carbon economic recovery following the coronavirus pandemic.

As part of the scheme, homeowners will be able to access government funding for up to two-thirds the cost, or £5000, of improvements to properties, such as installing insulation and energy efficiency measures, or low-carbon heating systems such as heat-pumps or solar thermal heating. Low-income homeowners will be able to access 100% of costs, up to £10,000.

Landlords will be able to utilise the Green Homes Grant to meet costs of improvements on their portfolio, who will now need to ensure private rented properties meet Energy Performance Certificate Band C requirements as a minimum.

The scheme aims to reduce household bills by up to £600 a year, and support over 100,000 jobs in trades and construction following the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Public buildings, including schools, hospitals and social housing will also benefit from a £1 billion investment in their energy efficiency and carbon footprints.

The Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme will help government departments, NHS trusts, schools and local authorities to improve energy efficiency of buildings and reduce carbon emissions, supporting an estimated 30,000 jobs.

As well as providing stimulus to the economy following the coronavirus pandemic, the measures also aim to meet the UK’s target of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

Business and Energy Secretary Alok Sharma said:

Our plan to upgrade the nation’s buildings and help build back better is good news for jobs, the environment and people’s back pockets, as we reduce emissions and help cut energy bills.

“I urge everyone to visit the Green Home Grants website to see how they can make the most of this fantastic scheme.”

Chancellor Rishi Sunak said:

We promised to support jobs and protect the environment – and the Green Homes Grant delivers on this. We’re giving homeowners, landlords and local authorities the funding they need to hire local tradespeople and make our homes more energy efficient. By supporting the green van men and women, we’ll save money, save jobs and save the planet.”