The Green Homes Grant enables homeowners and residential landlords to apply for a voucher towards the cost of installing energy efficient improvements within the home.
It has been announced that the Green Homes Grant will continue until the end of March 2022.
What is the value of the voucher?
- Vouchers will cover two-thirds of the cost of eligible improvements;
- The maximum government contribution is £5,000; and
- Those on certain benefits may be eligible for 100% of the cost of improvements, up to £10,000.
What are the eligibility criteria?
- You must own your own home, including long-leaseholders and shared ownership; or
- Own your own park home on a residential site, including Gypsy and Traveller sites; or
- You are a residential landlord in the private or social rented sector, including local authorities and housing associations; and
- Green Homes Grant vouchers will remain valid for three months from the date they are issued or until 31 March 2022, whichever is earlier.
New build homes, that have not been previously occupied do not qualify for the Green Homes Grant.
There are various stipulations regarding the grant if you are already claiming other funding, including the Energy Company Obligation (ECO), Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) and the Local Authority Delivery Scheme. Details of these can be found here.
You can check eligibility here.
What are the requirements for landlords?
- The Green Homes Grant counts towards the total de minimis state aid you are allowed over a three-year period;
- Your must not exceed the de minimis state aid threshold of €200,000; and
- You will need to provide proof that you have met the minimum Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) of E, or provide proof of an exemption.
What improvements can the voucher be used for?
The government recommends seeking advice on the best way to create energy efficiencies within a home. One way of doing this is through the Simple Energy Advice (SEA) website.
- The government has identified various ‘primary’ and ‘secondary’ energy efficient improvements that will be covered by the Green Homes Grant;
- Labour, materials and VAT are covered by the voucher; and
- The cost of any advice cannot be claimed using the voucher.
What are the ‘primary’ and ‘secondary’ measures covered by the voucher?
The measures covered by the grant are split into two categories – ‘primary’ and ‘secondary’.
- The voucher must be used to install at least one primary measure;
- If you install at least one primary measure, your voucher can be used to cover the cost of any of the qualifying secondary measures;
- The voucher for the secondary measure can only be redeemed once you have installed a primary measure and redeemed the voucher for that measure; and
- The amount you receive towards the cost of the secondary measure cannot exceed the amount you receive for the primary measure.
Primary measures
Insulation
- Solid wall insulation (internal or external);
- Cavity wall insulation;
- Under-floor insulation (solid floor, suspended floor);
- Loft insulation;
- Flat roof insulation;
- Pitched roof insulation;
- Room in roof insulation; and
- Insulating a park home.
Further guidance on insulation measures can be found by downloading this document.
Low carbon heat
- Air source heat pump;
- Ground source heat pump;
- Solar thermal (liquid filled flat plate or evacuated tube collector);
- Biomass boiler; and
- Hybrid heat pump.
Further guidance on low carbon heat measures can be found by downloading this document.
Secondary measures
Windows and doors
- Draught proofing;
- Double or triple glazing (where replacing single glazing);
- Secondary glazing (in addition to single glazing); and
- Energy efficient replacement doors (replacing single glazed or solid doors installed before 2002).
Heating controls and insulation
- Hot water tank thermostat;
- Hot water tank insulation; and
- Heating controls (such as, appliance thermostats, smart heating controls, zone controls, intelligent delayed start thermostat, thermostatic radiator valves).
Who can carry out the installation work?
- Work covered by the voucher must be completed by a TrustMark-registered installer;
- The installer must be registered for this scheme;
- The installer must meet PAS and MCS standards when carrying out the installation; and
- Work cannot be completed by yourself, a member of your household or your immediate family.
How do I apply for the scheme?
- Firstly, check your eligibility using the government’s online service here;
- Decide which energy efficient improvements may be suitable for your home; then
- Find a certified installer, you can use this online checker to find trustworthy installers in your area.
Before using the government’s online service to apply for the voucher, ensure you have the following:
- The name and date of birth of the property owner or owners;
- The name and date of birth of anyone living in the property who is receiving benefits;
- A quote for the work from a TrustMark-registered tradesperson; and
- The TrustMark licence number of your chosen tradesperson.
You can then use this link to apply online for a Green Homes Grant voucher.