Navigating The Great British Insulation Scheme

If you like the sound of free or cheaper insulation to lower your home’s energy bills, then the Great British Insulation Scheme (or ‘GBIS’) is absolutely something you need to know about. 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key details of the scheme, how it benefits you and the environment, and of course, how you can apply for the home insulation funding.

What is the Great British Insulation Scheme?

The Great British Insulation Scheme might sound like the latest unlikely reality TV competition. But rather than competitively baking cakes, this nationwide initiative is for anyone looking for UK insulation grants. 

It’s all about helping households across the UK stay warmer, reduce their energy bills, and lower their carbon footprint. Launched in 2023, the scheme is a key part of the UK’s wider plan to reach net zero. 

What does the Scheme do?

The Scheme’s main goal is to make homes more energy-efficient by improving insulation, which is one of the easiest and most impactful methods to prevent energy loss. Proper insulation keeps the heat in during the colder months and stops your home from overheating in the summer, creating a comfortable environment whatever the season.

As well as helping the environment, there’s also the potential to save money. When your home is well-insulated, less energy needs to be used to get to the optimum temperature, so your heating costs will be lower.

The Great British Insulation Scheme is therefore a must if you're looking to future-proof your home, reduce your bills and keep the temperature of your home as comfortable as possible, whatever the weather.

No DIY expertise is required to get started (nor baking skills). It’s a simple, practical way to make your home more comfortable while doing your bit for the planet, so read on to learn about eligibility.

Who is eligible for the GBIS?

If your home is often chilly and your energy bills keep climbing, the Great British Insulation Scheme could be just the help you need. 

Draught-proofing your home will make it warmer, more efficient, and more affordable to run, especially for those who need it most. Here's who can benefit from receiving home insulation funding:

Households in council tax bands A-D (England) or A-E (Scotland/Wales)

If your home falls within these bands and has a lower-energy rating (see below), you're likely to be eligible. Best of all, you don’t need to be a homeowner to benefit. Whether you rent privately or from a housing association, you’ll just need to make sure you have permission to carry out the works.

Homes with poor energy efficiency

The scheme targets homes with an energy performance certificate (EPC) of D to G. Homes with this rating lose heat quickly, which is one of the main culprits for driving up energy bills. 

Even if your home just dips into band D, it qualifies for at least one insulation upgrade. And if you're in the low-income category, you should be eligible for up to two upgrades. 

If you’re unsure about your EPC, you can find an energy certificate using the official government website.

Low-income and vulnerable households

If you receive certain benefits or have a household income below £31,000, you might be eligible for additional upgrades to improve your home’s energy performance further. It’s the scheme’s way of ensuring the most vulnerable get the support they need. 

After all, when it comes to UK insulation grants, there’s nothing more important than ensuring support reaches those who’ll benefit the most from warmer, more energy-efficient homes.

What improvements are covered?

You’ve probably got a better idea now of the sorts of improvements that are included in the Great British Insulation Scheme. But let’s take a closer look at the types of upgrades that could help make your home warmer, greener, and more affordable to heat.

Loft and cavity wall insulation

These are among the most common and effective ways to prevent heat loss. Loft insulation acts like a thermal blanket, keeping warm air inside your home. In contrast, cavity wall insulation fills the gaps between your external walls to reduce draughts and energy waste. Together, they can make a big difference to your comfort and your bills.

Smart heating controls or draught-proofing

In some cases, additional upgrades like smart thermostats or draught-proofing may be offered to help you use energy more efficiently. These small changes can give you greater control over your heating and prevent unnecessary energy loss.

Tailored solutions for your home

The scheme isn’t one-size-fits-all. The type of insulation or efficiency upgrades you’re offered will depend on your property’s layout, construction, and current energy performance. So you’ll have peace of mind that each upgrade is tailored to your property’s specific needs, making the improvements effective and well worth doing.

How to apply to the GBIS in 3 easy steps

Applying for UK insulation grants might sound like a task you’d rather put off. But getting help through the Great British Insulation Scheme is a simple process. Plus, getting started could lead to a warmer, more energy-efficient home, often without paying a penny. Here’s how it works:

1. Check your eligibility

The first step is to see if you qualify. You can do this very easily online via the GOV.UK website or by contacting your energy supplier.

To recap what we’ve spoken about, eligibility is based on your home’s energy efficiency and council tax band. Plus, there’s extra support for low-income or vulnerable households.

2. Arrange a home assessment

If you’re eligible, the next step is to book a free home assessment through a participating provider. This helps determine what improvements your home needs, such as loft or wall insulation.

3. Approved installers carry out the work

Once everything’s confirmed, qualified installers will carry out the work. Depending on your individual circumstances, you’ll either make a decent saving or get it completely free of charge.

Why schemes like the GBIS matter

Having a government insulation scheme in place has many benefits. The Great British Insulation Scheme isn’t just about saving money, either. It’s part of a much bigger picture. Here’s why it’s so important:

• Helps reduce energy bills and carbon emissions - By improving insulation, homes retain heat more effectively, so you can lower the thermostat and still stay comfortable. Ultimately, this brings down your energy bills and reduces your household emissions. A win-win for your wallet and the planet.
• Makes homes warmer and more comfortable - Poor insulation can lead to draughts, cold spots, and higher heating costs. The scheme addresses these issues directly, helping create homes that are cosy and consistent in temperature. This has the added benefit of being better for your overall health and well-being.
• Supports the UK’s long-term energy and climate goals - Upgrading your home energy efficiency is crucial in helping the UK meet its net-zero targets. Home insulation funding is a practical step towards living more sustainably and protecting the planet.

Make your home more energy efficient

The Great British Insulation Scheme is a brilliant opportunity to make your home cosier, more energy-efficient, and cheaper to heat. Whether you’re a homeowner or a tenant, a few simple upgrades now can lead to lasting comfort and real savings. 

Make sure to check your eligibility and apply while you still can. Although the scheme has been running since 2023, it’s set to end in March 2026, so demand will likely increase as that date looms.

If you're interested in other ways to future-proof your home and reduce your carbon footprint, we’re here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our renewable solutions and how we can support your journey to a greener home.