The National Insulation Association has welcomed the formal opening of applications to the Green Homes Grant Voucher Scheme on 30th September.
For families across Britain, a home energy upgrades will not just reduce energy bills, it will also radically improve health and well-being. Rolled out at scale the warmer homes can close the significant gaps in the Government’s climate strategy and deliver far-reaching benefits right across the country.
Today’s launch by Government provides some much-needed clarity for consumers and industry with a final list of eligible measures and a means of applying for grants. In a single note of caution, the NIA highlights the importance maintaining support beyond March 2021. Further commitment to a grant system like this will provide businesses with the financial confidence to further invest in upskilling new and existing employees. This in turn will get them ready to meet the evidently high demand for energy efficiency measures from households in every region.
Derek Horrocks, Chairman of the National Insulation Association, said: “The Green Homes Grant scheme is a much-needed intervention and a crucial part of delivering a green economic recovery. The unprecedented interest our members have received from homeowners and landlords in recent weeks is testament to that. It is a lifeline for many small energy efficiency and construction businesses, including members of the National Insulation Association, and should create huge job opportunities. Many are hopeful that this will be the start of nationwide revolution in the energy performance of our homes.
Businesses all over England will benefit, particularly in the context of economic uncertainty when people are less likely or perhaps more reluctant to have work done on their homes. Industry working practices are in place for companies to deliver work in a safe manner. We should treat this as a pilot scheme for longer term spend on energy efficiency: if take up goes as well as hoped, this could be the start of something huge.”
The FMB also commented on the launch, claiming it is a first step to creating greener, more energy efficient homes but a long-term strategy is needed if we are to retrofit our 28 million homes.
Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “Today’s launch of the Green Homes Grant Scheme represents the first step in the ‘build back greener’ agenda but the Government needs to commit to a long term retrofit strategy if it is serious about achieving its zero carbon target by 2050. 85% of our existing homes will still be standing in 2050 which is why it is very important that we make our homes more energy efficient.”
Berry concluded: “The FMB is working with organisations across the construction sector to develop an energy and water efficiency retrofit strategy for the nation’s homes. The coalition – formed under the umbrella of the Construction Leadership Council – stands ready to provide an oven-ready blueprint for Government to take forward.”
