The government has just launched a bold initiative for the green construction sector, to help boost the economy and curb the threat of rising unemployment post COVID 19. The scheme, which is designed to encourage homeowners to upgrade the energy efficiency of their homes, also shows a commitment to its carbon cutting agenda.

£2 billion to support over 100,000 jobs and improve 600,000 homes

The Green Homes Grant offers homeowners and private/social sector landlords grants towards a range of home improvements to existing properties. New builds are exempt from the scheme. In most cases, two-thirds of the costs will be met by the grant, but those on low incomes and receiving benefits will be able to recover 100% of the cost of their upgrade.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak said:

‘The Green Homes Grant is a vital part of our plan for jobs as we secure the UK’s economic recovery from coronavirus. This is going to be a green recovery with concern for our environment at its heart. It will help to protect and create jobs, while also saving people money and cutting carbon.’

New measures could save families £600 a year on their heating bills

The government has just launched a bold initiative for the green construction sector, to help boost the economy and curb the threat of rising unemployment post COVID 19. The scheme, which is designed to encourage homeowners to upgrade the energy efficiency of their homes, also shows a commitment to its carbon cutting agenda.

Primarily, the scheme focuses on insulation and the introduction of low-carbon heating systems such as air source or ground source heat-pumps and solar thermal systems, but there is also the potential to receive further funding for the replacement of single glazing, upgrading to energy-efficient doors and the introduction of a range of smart heating and thermostatic controls.  The maximum grant per household is £10,000.

Accredited tradespeople boost confidence

In order to ensure that the improvements are carried out to a high standard, those employed to undertake the work must be accredited to TrustMark or the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS). Both these organisations offer more information on their websites.

LCL Awards renewable courses may therefore have increased interest from installers looking to take advantage of this new marketplace.

Homeowners are invited to apply for a grant, by accessing information and support from the Simple Energy Advice (SEA) service from late August. Once their application has been approved, they will be sent a list of local approved tradespeople to take things forward.

To find out more about the grant scheme, please click here for details.