Green Homes Grant now up and running!
12 Oct 2020
The Government’s new Green Homes Grant Scheme is up and running. It’s a two-pronged initiative, designed to help improve energy efficiency and promote low carbon heating in homes across England as well as boost the market for installers working in the sector.
It’s estimated that if all available vouchers are claimed, the scheme will support 100,000 jobs, giving a considerable lift to the renewables sector. The Green Homes Grant also provides LCL Awards' training centres with an excellent opportunity to highlight qualifications in Heat Pump and Solar Thermal Hot Water installation.
How does the scheme work?
It’s up to householders and private landlords to apply to the scheme and then, assuming they are eligible, they are free to choose from a list of tradespeople approved to undertake work.
Installers with the relevant skills are urged to register to the scheme through the Government website.
Most will be able to claim up to £5,000 towards the costs of upgrades, with those on low incomes eligible for 100% of costs – up to a total of £10,000.
What’s covered by the Green Homes Grant?
The scheme has been split into two. There are Primary Measures: focussing on upgrading insulation and then, once the property is suitably insulated, the installation of air source or ground source heat pumps, solar thermal or biomass heating.
It’s then possible to claim for a range of Secondary Measures. These improvements, include draught proofing, updating windows and doors to double or triple glazing and replacing hot water tank thermostats and heating controls with smart technology.
More details can be found on the designated Green Homes Grant Scheme website
Get involved
In a recent open letter to Stakeholders, Alok Sharma, the Secretary of State, Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, urged all relevant organizations to participate to the fullest extent in delivering the scheme.
If you already offer our awards in the installation of and maintenance of Heat Pump systems and Solar Thermal Hot Water Systems there’s never been a better time to tell your learners about these courses, which are ideal for heating and plumbing engineers looking to up-skill.
If your centre doesn’t currently offer these qualifications, please get in touch with us. As part of our suite of awards in Renewables, they’re clearly significant for the future of energy in the UK and we can help you deliver them.
LCL Awards Level 3 Award in the Installation and Maintenance of Solar Thermal Hot Water Systems