What is the Green Homes Grant scheme?
The government have introduced a fantastic new initiative to encourage homeowners and landlords in England to make their homes greener and kinder to the environment. Those who are eligible can apply for a voucher to cover 2/3 of the cost (up to the value of £5000) of installing energy efficient and low-carbon heating enhancements to homes, which according to gov.uk, could help save up to £600 a year on energy bills.
Customers may be able to get a higher level of subsidy to cover the entire cost (up to £10,000), if they or a member of their household receives one of the qualifying benefits (see gov.uk for more information). The Green Homes Grant scheme is due to end in March 2022.
How it works
Customers can check their eligibility by entering their details into the Simple Energy Advice’s website. They will then be able to add their desired energy-efficient improvements and see an estimate of how much it might cost. Once they’ve done this, they’ll be provided a list of registered installers in their area to get a quote (customers are recommended to obtain 3 quotes for the project).
This is where TradePoint members come in – if you’re not already, sign up to TrustMark to ensure that customers find your services. Once customers receive a quote for the project, they will be able to finalise their application and the government will issue them with a voucher. All measures must be professionally installed and only by companies that are TrustMark accredited. The voucher will contain the name of the tradesperson or business that the homeowner has selected to carry out the work.
Once you’re TrustMark registered, you’ll get on the list of registered installers in your local area on the Simple Energy Advice website. Homeowners must redeem their voucher and ensure improvements are completed by 31st March 2022.
What TradePoint can do for you
After working closely with our buyers, we’ve identified eligible products that fit within the primary and secondary categories outlined by the scheme (don’t worry, we’ll explain those below). On top of this you may be eligible for trade discount – if you’re not already a member, have a look at what you could be getting and sign up for exclusive perks.
What are the primary and secondary measures?
The measures have been split into two categories: primary and secondary. At least one measure from the primary category must be installed to qualify for the vouchers.
Primary measures include:
- Insulation (such as loft, cavity wall or underfloor insulation)
- Low carbon heating (such as heat pumps or solar thermal)
If applying for at least one measure from the primary category, homeowners will also be eligible for a grant for secondary measures. The cost of these measures cannot exceed the cost of the primary measures.
Secondary measures include:
- Double/triple glazing (only where replacing single glazing)
- Energy efficient doors (only where replacing doors installed prior to 2002)
- Draught proofing
- Heating controls and insulation, such as thermostats and smart heating controls.
Primary measures include:
- Insulation (such as loft, cavity wall or underfloor insulation)
- Low carbon heating (such as heat pumps or solar thermal)
If applying for at least one measure from the primary category, homeowners will also be eligible for a grant for secondary measures. The cost of these measures cannot exceed the cost of the primary measures.
Secondary measures include:
- Double/triple glazing (only where replacing single glazing)
- Energy efficient doors (only where replacing doors installed prior to 2002)
- Draught proofing
- Heating controls and insulation, such as thermostats and smart heating controls.
Don’t forget Speedy Hire for all the tools and equipment you may need to get the job done.
To carry out installations under the Green Homes Grant Scheme, you will need to be certified to either PAS 2030:2017 or PAS 2030:2019 by a Certification Body that has been accredited by UKAS. Find more information on the UKAS website. If you install low carbon heat measures such as heat pumps, you must be certified with the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS).
For more information on becoming TrustMark registered and how the Green Homes Grant Scheme can benefit your business, go to: www.trustmark.org.uk/ghgsopp.