The Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) and ECO4 are designed to help private homeowners take a step towards a greener future.

These initiatives are designed to make energy efficiency improvements more affordable and accessible, reducing both our carbon footprint and energy bills.

However… it’s important to prioritise measures that matter.

Insulation is one of the most effective ways to save energy at home. By improving your home’s insulation, you can keep your house warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, reducing the need for heating and air conditioning. This not only lowers your energy consumption but also significantly cuts down your energy bills.

ECO4, the latest phase of the Energy Company Obligation (ECO), is particularly focused on helping low-income households. It’s a government energy efficiency scheme in Great Britain, obliging larger suppliers to deliver energy efficiency measures to domestic premises, with a focus on heating and insulation measures.

Underfloor insulation is a smart choice, second to topping up your loft, for getting the most out of your energy rating increase. It’s quick. Non Intrusive when used with robotic technology too!

So, if you’re a homeowner looking to make sustainable choices that benefit both the environment and your wallet, then insulation is worth exploring as your first step towards being energy efficient and warmer too!

What does the ECO4 scheme cover?

Cavity Wall Insulation

Cavity wall insulation is a type of insulation used to improve the energy efficiency of a building by reducing heat loss. Insulation material (normally polystyrene beads in Scotland) is placed in between the inner and outer layers of your walls. This type insulation is waterproof and is approximately 99% air. This helps maintain ventilation.

Cavity walls were introduced in the UK in the 1930s and consist of two layers of brick or block with a gap, or cavity, of around 50mm between them. This gap was initially intended to prevent moisture from penetrating the inner walls but it was discovered that it also acts as a barrier to heat transfer. The insulation is injected into the cavity through small holes drilled into the outer wall, and then the holes are filled and finished to match the surrounding brickwork.

Cavity wall insulation helps to prevent heat loss from the building and can reduce energy bills and carbon emissions. It should be noted that not all properties are suitable for cavity wall insulation, and it is important to consult with a qualified energy assessor before installing CWI.

Solid Wall Insulation

For older properties which are not of a cavity construction type, solid wall insulation is a viable alternative. Internal wall insulation involves adding insulation to the inside surface of external walls of a building. This is done to improve the energy efficiency of a building and reduce heat loss through the walls.

The insulation material is typically fixed to the inner surface of the wall and then covered with a plasterboard finish. This approach can be particularly useful in buildings where external insulation is not possible, such as those in conservation areas or buildings with listed status.

Roof Insulation

Around 25% of the heat you generate with your boiler and central heating system is lost through your attic and roof.

ECO4 grants cover the cost of topping up your loft insulation with mineral wool fibre to the recommended level of 270mm. This is the depth that building regulations advice is the minimim for preventing heat loss.

For buildings which have rooms in their roofs, the process is similar to having internal wall insulation installed. Insulation boards are fixed to the surface of the upright stud walls, the sloping walls and flat ceilings if the loft is not accessible. Insulation is also fixed to the gable walls and dormer window ceilings where necessary.

This creates a sealed thermal unit in your roof and prevents heat escaping. ECO grants cover the cost of room in roof installation and all materials.

Solar Panels

Solar panels are becoming an increasingly popular renewable energy choice. Solar PV panels allow you to generate your own cheap, green electricity, enabling you to be more energy independent as you become less reliant on the electricity grid.

Solar PV panels absorb light from the sun and convert it via an invertor to provide electricity to power your home appliances. Solar electricity systems can help reduce heating bills by up to 60%. Any solar install under the ECO grant scheme in Scotland is supplied and fitted completely free of charge. You don’t have to pay any money back, even if you move home.

Air Source Heat Pumps

Air source heat pumps are a new type of renewable heating system which will replace traditional boilers. They are extremely energy efficient and environmentally friendly because they do not burn a fuel source like gas or oil. They work by absorbing moisture from the air and compressing it to generate heat for your hot water and central heating. They are powered by electricity and when installed with a solar panel system can lead to a huge reduction on your energy bills.

Upgraded Heating Controls

ECO4 grants also cover the cost of installing modern heating controls in your home. This may be a room thermostat or TTZC (time and temperature zone control) or a smart thermostat. Heating controls enable you to monitor and regulate the temperature throughout your house. They allow you to provide more or less heat depending on how often you use each room.