What is the Great British Insulation Scheme?

As the UK presses forward in its endeavour to be carbon neutral by 2050, ensuring homes are more sustainable and energy efficient is more important than ever. With this goal in mind, in 2023 the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) was launched in a bid to not only reduce household energy consumption but to also help tackle the rising cost of household bills affecting people across the country.

What is GBIS?

GBIS is a government lead initiative which works alongside energy providers and contractors to provide funding and support for the installation of loft or cavity wall insulation. The scheme aims to reduce energy wastage which lowers carbon emissions and saves households hundreds on their annual energy bills.

Eligible households receive 80% to 100% funding to cover the cost of new or improved insulation for qualifying homes.

What are the benefits of GBIS?

Far more than just a government scheme, GBIS is helping homeowners and tenants across England, Scotland and Wales to improve their homes and their standard of living. With so many benefits, and with thousands of homes already improved under the scheme, it’s already been a game-changer. Here are a few of the ways that insulation installed under the scheme is helping people:

1. Lowering energy costs. By introducing more effective insulation into a home, people are able to save hundreds of pounds on their energy bills annually, tackling fuel poverty head on.
2. Making homes warmer and safer. Better insulation can not only help homes stay warmer, which has a multitude of health benefits for residents, but it can also prevent the growth and spread of mould which has the potential for serious health risks.
3. Reducing carbon emissions. With up to 33% of a home’s heat escaping through poorly insulated cavity walls, improved insulation significantly cuts down the amount of heat and energy able to escape a home, the overall environmental impact of that home is therefore cut down massively.
4. Allowing further improvements to be made. As GBIS provides most or all of the funding for insulation, some people are able to then make other energy saving improvements of their own, such as having solar panels, new boilers or air source heat pumps installed.
5. Increased property values. Improvements to the EPC rating of a home that come with improved insulation can increase the value of a property – potentially adding thousands of pounds!

Who is eligible for GBIS funding?

Eligibility for GBIS is dependent on two factors:

1. The EPC rating of your home.
2. Your council tax band.

The qualifying bands for both of the above depend on your location.

In England your home must have an EPC rating of D to G, and a council tax band of A to D to qualify for GBIS.

In Wales & Scotland your home must have an EPC rating of D to G and a council tax band of A to E.

Millions of UK households qualify for GBIS, regardless of earnings. People can also qualify for GBIS by being in receipt of certain qualifying benefits (known as the Low Income Group).

How to Apply

To discuss your options or apply for GBIS, contact us today and we can get the process started for you.