EWI Funding Updates for 2024

The landscape of energy efficiency and home improvement in the UK has undergone significant transformations, especially with the introduction of various schemes and grants aimed at promoting sustainable living. As we step into 2024, it’s crucial to stay informed about the latest updates and how they can benefit homeowners and builders alike. In this blog, we’ll delve into some of the key EWI Funding programmes: the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS), Home Upgrade Grant (HUG), Energy Company Obligation (ECO) Scheme, and The Future Homes and Buildings Standards 2023.

What EWI funding existed before 2023/24?

Before the introduction of the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS), Home Upgrade Grant (HUG), Energy Company Obligation (ECO) Scheme, and The Future Homes and Buildings Standards 2023, the UK had several other schemes and initiatives aimed at improving energy efficiency and supporting sustainable housing.

1. Green Deal: Launched in 2013, the Green Deal was a government initiative that helped homeowners and businesses in the UK to finance energy-saving improvements through savings on their energy bills. The scheme provided loans for improvements such as insulation, heating, draught-proofing, and renewable energy generation, which were then repaid via energy bills.
2. Feed-in Tariff (FiT): Introduced in 2010, the FiT scheme encouraged the adoption of renewable energy sources by offering payments to households and businesses that generated their electricity using renewable technologies like solar panels and wind turbines. The scheme paid participants for the electricity they generated and used, as well as extra for any surplus electricity exported back to the grid.
3. Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI): The RHI, launched in 2014 for homeowners, provided financial incentives to encourage the use of renewable heat. Participants received payments for generating and using renewable energy to heat their buildings. This included technologies like biomass boilers, solar water heating, and ground-source heat pumps.
4. Energy Saving Trust advice and grants: The Energy Saving Trust previously provided advice and sometimes grants or loans to help with energy-saving improvements in homes. This included a range of measures, such as insulation, energy-efficient boilers, and double glazing.
5. Warm Front Scheme: Operational until 2013, this scheme in England provided government funding for insulation and efficient heating systems in low-income households.

Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS)

Objectives

At its core, the GBIS is driven by several pivotal objectives. Primarily, it seeks to alleviate the burden of high energy costs by funding insulation improvements, thereby reducing energy bills for homeowners. This initiative also plays a crucial role in environmental conservation efforts by contributing to the reduction of carbon emissions, a step towards tackling the pressing issue of climate change. Furthermore, the scheme serves as a strategic approach to address fuel poverty, ensuring that those spending a significant portion of their income on energy bills receive much-needed support.

Features

The framework of GBIS is characterised by a set of well-defined features. Central to these is the provision of grants and funding to facilitate the installation of insulation in homes. This financial assistance is crucial in making insulation upgrades accessible and affordable. The scheme emphasises the installation of key insulation improvements, such as loft, cavity wall, and floor insulation, areas where energy efficiency can be significantly enhanced. Eligibility for the scheme is carefully determined, often based on household income, property type, and existing insulation levels, with a special focus on aiding low-income households. Ensuring the quality and safety of these installations, the GBIS mandates that all insulation improvements are carried out by accredited professionals who adhere to stringent standards.

Impact and reach

The impact and reach of the GBIS are far-reaching. It is designed to cater to a diverse array of housing types across the UK, including older homes which are generally less energy-efficient. The benefits of this scheme extend beyond the immediate reduction in energy bills. They contribute to long-term improvements such as enhanced property values and increased comfort in homes, while simultaneously reducing the environmental footprint of residential spaces.

Administration

Administering the GBIS involves a streamlined and accessible approach. Homeowners and landlords interested in availing of the scheme typically undergo a straightforward application process, which often includes an initial assessment of the property’s energy efficiency. The scheme frequently collaborates with local authorities and energy companies to identify homes that would benefit most from insulation upgrades and to effectively manage the allocation of funds. This collaborative effort ensures that the scheme remains responsive to the evolving energy needs of the population, aligning with technological advancements and shifts in energy policies.

Home Upgrade Grant (HUG)

Objectives

The Home Upgrade Grant (HUG) is a pivotal initiative by the UK government, dedicated to improving energy efficiency and facilitating sustainable living in residential properties. The primary aim of HUG is to support households, particularly in rural areas and those not connected to the gas grid, in upgrading their homes to be more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. This grant plays a significant role in reducing energy costs for homeowners, thereby addressing the critical issue of fuel poverty. By funding energy-efficient home upgrades, HUG also contributes to the broader environmental objective of reducing carbon emissions, aligning with the nation’s climate change mitigation efforts.

Features

The structure of the Home Upgrade Grant is built on several key features designed to maximise its effectiveness and reach. Central to this scheme is the provision of financial assistance to eligible households, covering costs associated with energy-efficient upgrades such as installing renewable energy systems and improving insulation. The HUG is particularly focused on supporting low-income households and those in areas with limited access to mainstream energy sources, ensuring that the benefits of energy efficiency are accessible to a wider demographic. The scheme mandates the involvement of qualified professionals for the installation of these energy-efficient systems, ensuring that all upgrades meet high standards of quality and safety.

Impact

The impact of the Home Upgrade Grant is extensive, both in terms of its geographical reach and the scope of its benefits. It targets a broad spectrum of residential properties across the UK, with a special focus on rural and off-grid homes. The upgrades funded by HUG not only lead to immediate reductions in energy bills but also contribute to long-term benefits such as increased property value and improved living conditions. The environmental benefits of these upgrades are equally significant, with reductions in household carbon footprints contributing to the nation’s overall environmental sustainability goals.

Administration

Administering the Home Upgrade Grant involves a comprehensive and user-friendly process. Homeowners and landlords are required to apply through a specific procedure, which often includes an assessment of the property’s current energy efficiency status. The HUG works in conjunction with local authorities and energy providers to identify properties that would most benefit from these upgrades, ensuring an effective distribution of resources. This collaborative approach ensures the scheme remains adaptable and responsive to the evolving energy needs of UK households.

The Energy Company Obligation (ECO)

Objectives

The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) Scheme is an innovative initiative by the UK government, designed to enhance energy efficiency in homes, particularly for low-income and vulnerable households. This scheme plays a pivotal role in reducing household energy bills and improving living conditions for those most in need. A key objective of the ECO Scheme is to tackle fuel poverty by making energy-efficient home improvements more accessible. Additionally, it contributes to the broader environmental goal of reducing carbon emissions, aligning with the nation’s commitment to combat climate change and promote sustainable living.

Features

At the heart of the ECO Scheme are several key features that define its operation and impact. One of the most significant aspects of this scheme is its requirement for larger energy companies to fund the installation of energy-saving measures in homes. This unique approach not only helps households in need but also engages major energy providers in the nationwide effort to improve energy efficiency. The scheme focuses on a range of energy-efficient improvements, such as insulation, heating system upgrades, and the installation of renewable energy technologies. Eligibility for the ECO Scheme is typically based on factors like household income, energy efficiency status of the property, and whether the occupants are considered vulnerable.

Impact

The ECO Scheme’s reach and impact are substantial. It targets a wide array of residential properties across the UK, with a particular emphasis on those in low-income groups and vulnerable situations. The immediate benefit of the scheme is the reduction in energy bills for the households involved, but the long-term impacts are far more significant. These include enhanced comfort and living conditions in homes, improved health outcomes due to better heating and insulation, and increased property values. Additionally, the environmental impact of these upgrades is profound, contributing to a decrease in overall carbon emissions and fostering a culture of energy efficiency.

Administration

Administration of the ECO Scheme involves a structured and accessible process, ensuring that those who need it most can benefit from it. The application process is designed to be straightforward, often involving an initial energy assessment of the property to determine the most beneficial improvements. The scheme operates in collaboration with energy companies, local authorities, and approved installers, ensuring that the upgrades are carried out efficiently and to high standards. This collaborative framework allows the ECO Scheme to adapt to changing energy needs and technologies, maintaining its relevance and effectiveness in the UK’s journey towards sustainable living.

The Future Homes and Buildings Standards 2023

Although introduced in 2023, The Future Homes and Buildings Standards continue to significantly impact the construction industry in 2024. These standards mandate significant reductions in carbon emissions for new homes and buildings, setting a new benchmark for sustainable construction. The focus is on utilising renewable energy sources, improving insulation, and ensuring that all new constructions are future-proofed against climate change. Compliance with these standards is not just about adhering to regulations but also about embracing a greener future.