Government Pledges Support for Energy Efficiency in New and Existing Homes

Strategic Insights -

The UK Government has launched a green homes initiative, offering homeowners in England up to £10,000 in vouchers to cover two-thirds of the costs incurred by the installation of primary energy efficiency measures. These measures include cavity wall or roof insulation, biomass boilers, and solar thermal systems. The grant is available for works completed by 31 March 2021 and includes landlords, long leaseholders, and shared ownership in the scope of eligible homeowners. The government's support for net zero development is also a key focus, with initiatives like the Green Heat Network Fund aiming to decarbonize heat in homes by improving or creating new heat networks.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UK Government has launched a green homes initiative, offering up to £10,000 in vouchers to cover two-thirds of the costs incurred by the installation of primary energy efficiency measures.
  • The grant is available for works completed by 31 March 2021 and includes landlords, long leaseholders, and shared ownership in the scope of eligible homeowners.
  • Net zero development is a key focus, with initiatives like the Green Heat Network Fund aiming to decarbonize heat in homes by improving or creating new heat networks.
  • The Green Heat Network Fund proposes funding of £270 million to shift heat sources from power stations to zero-carbon alternatives like bi-product heat energy from industrial units.
  • Modern methods of construction (MMC) can create homes that use 20-30% less energy than traditional methods, according to the 2019 Government report on MMC.
  • Good design and layout of buildings can also reduce energy consumption, with around 30% of the UK's emissions coming from heating and cooling buildings.
  • The Government's consultation for the Green Heat Network Fund aims to support developers in building homes with zero carbon heat sources.

Statistics:

  • The grant offers up to £10,000 in vouchers for eligible expenses.
  • The funding available for the Green Heat Network Fund is £270 million.
  • The UK's emissions from heating and cooling buildings are around 30%.
  • Modern methods of construction (MMC) can create homes that use 20-30% less energy than traditional methods.
  • 31 March 2021 is the deadline for works to be completed under the green homes initiative.

Sources:

  • Guardian: "Green homes grant: homeowners in England can apply for up to £10,000 vouchers" - www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/sep/30/green-homes-grant-homeowners-apply
  • Mondaq: "Government Pledges Support for Energy Efficiency in New and Existing Homes" - Tel. +44 (0)20 8544 8300 - http://www.mondaq.com