Details of the new £2bn Green Homes Grant scheme have been announced today (Aug 4), with Government funding up to two-thirds of home improvement costs for over 600,000 homes.
To take part in the scheme, builders, plumbers and other tradespeople across England will need to sign up for TrustMark accreditation.
The scheme will cover green home improvements, from insulation of walls, floors and roofs, to low-carbon heating such as heat pumps or solar thermal measures, saving homeowners up to £600 a year on energy bills.
The move will also support over 100,000 jobs in green construction, outlined in the Chancellor’s Summer Statement, with households given quality assurance through the accreditation requirement.
Business and Energy Secretary Alok Sharma said:
“Green home improvements will save people money on their energy bills, help to cut carbon emissions, and create new work for many thousands of builders, plumbers and other tradespeople.
“Our TrustMark scheme will guarantee that building work is completed to a high standard by accredited tradespeople, ensuring consumers are fully protected.”
The vouchers, worth up to £5,000 for homeowners, will cover two thirds of the work required. Households on low income can receive vouchers covering 100% of the improvement costs up to £10,000, with £500m of the grant earmarked for low income, fuel poor households.
Further energy saving measures include double or triple glazing, energy efficient doors and heating controls.
Homeowners across England will be invited to access advice and support on how to improve the energy efficiency of their homes, from the Simple Energy Advice (SEA) service including support with the application.