As the UK continues its journey towards a more sustainable future, the need for comprehensive energy efficiency measures has become increasingly crucial. The GBIS, a government-backed initiative, aims to address this pressing issue by providing households with the resources and support they need to improve the insulation in their properties.  By targeting one of the most significant contributors to energy waste, this innovative scheme offers a practical and cost-effective solution to reduce household emissions, lower energy bills, and enhance the overall comfort and well-being of residents across the country.  Throughout this article, we will discuss the details of the Great British Insulation Scheme, exploring its key features, eligibility criteria, and application process.

What is Great British Insulation Scheme GBIS?

The £1 billion funded Great British Insulation Scheme, formerly known as the ECO+ scheme, aims to help eligible households in the UK, and specifically England, Wales and Scotland insulate their homes so they can reduce energy consumption and save their heating costs. As the name suggests, these grants are strictly aimed at helping households with insulation, such as roof insulation and wall insulation, in an effort to save money spent on heating their homes.

What are Some of the Main Features of the Great British Insulation Scheme GBIS?

• Started in April 2023 and will run March 2026
• It is expected to benefit up to 70,000 homes
• Grants are funded by the main energy companies (with at least 150,000 customers).  
• Insulation grants of up to £1,500 are available to households for a range of insulation measures
• Aimed at helping households not currently benefiting from government support for home ECO measures

80% of the funding available for households considered some of the least energy-efficient in the country (includes those with an EPC rating of D or below or in the lower Council Tax bands. 20% of the funding aims to help the most vulnerable households, including those on benefits or those classed as in ‘fuel poverty.

What Types of Insulation are Available Under the Great British Insulation Scheme?

The main focus will be on low-cost ways to insulate, like loft/roof insulation and hollow wall insulation, so that it can help as many people as possible. However, grants could be given for other insulation steps, like solid wall insulation, through the GB Insulation Scheme or the ECO4 scheme. All types of insulation that can cover the system include:

• Loft insulation
• Exterior wall insulation
• Flat roof insulation
• Internal wall insulation
• Solid flooring 
• Underfloor insulation
• Cavity wall insulation

There is a space between the inside and outside walls of most homes made after the 1920s. This space can be filled with hollow wall insulation to keep heat in and cold air out. It’s possible that these holes were never closed in, or the insulation could have broken. Perhaps the most cost-effective way to reduce heat loss is through platform insulation, which is relatively inexpensive to install, but can reduce heat loss in a home by up to 25%. If you qualify for income, you will usually get an insulation measure. The rules for Great British Insulation Scheme GBIS scheme’s criteria may let more families join, even those who weren’t able to make it in previous ECO schemes. Instead of focusing on low-income homes as ECO did, GB Insulation helps energy-inefficient families in lower Council Tax groups.

How Much Could You Save With a Great British Insulation Scheme?

While the scheme aims to help households reduce their energy bills through insulation, you will no doubt wonder how much money you can save with such infrastructure on the establishment of energy efficiency. People in the UK thought that adding new insulation would save them about £310 a year on their energy bills when the plan was first made public. Your savings will depend on a number of things, such as the type of insulation being put in, the features of your home, and the price of energy right now. These are the two types of insulation that will probably be worked on the most as part of the plan:

Insulation type	Typical installation cost (without grant support)	Energy bill savings (£/year)	Carbon dioxide savings (kgCO2/year)
Cavity Wall insulation	£2,700	£280	650kg
Loft insulation (adding 270mm of insulation to a previously uninsulated loft)	£930	£270	620kg

Energy bill/CO2 savings With the Addition of New Insulation

Based on fuel prices in January 2024, how much insulation cost, how much it saves, and how much carbon dioxide it cuts. The cheapest way to insulate a home is simply to put insulation in the roof or attic. This can be done for a low cost, and it will be even less expensive if you get a grant. Since about 25% of heat loss in an insulated home is through the roof space. As with any insulation, it bears fruit year after year. Not only could a substantial Great British Insulation Scheme grant see your insulation fully or partially paid for, but it would also result in decades of long-term savings.

Eligibility Criteria

• You should have a UK household
• Your house must have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating: D-G
• You’re liable for Council tax band:
  • England: A-D
  • Scotland and Wales: A-E
• Below are the detailed criteria for each group with ownership:

Household Category	Low-income Group	General Group
Owner Occupied	If the household owns the home and its EPC/SAP is D, E, F, G, it can receive any qualifying insulation measure, plus heating controls.	Must be living in a Council Tax band A-D home in England or A-E in Scotland and Wales. If the household owns the home and EPC/SAP D, E, F, G, then the household can receive any qualifying insulation measure.
Private Rented	Private renters having homes must have an EPC rating of D or E and can receive any qualifying insulation measure	Private renters with home EPC D or E can receive any qualifying insulation measure other than cavity wall insulation and loft insulation
Social Housing	The household can receive any qualifying insulation measure if it lives in EPC E or below social housing. Only a qualifying innovation measure is allowed if the home is EPC E, F, or G.	All social renters are ineligible for the general group.

How to Apply For Great British Insulation Scheme GBIS

If you meet with council tax requirements, Contact us.