Grants to go green
According to the Energy Savings Trust, an average UK household creates around 5.5 tonnes of CO2 a year, nearly double the emissions of an average car.
But by insulating our homes and generating heat more efficiently, we could reduce our heating bills and reduce CO2 emissions.
There are lots of grants available to help with the cost of making energy-saving improvements to your home.
Where to find financial help
Financial support is available from the Government, energy suppliers and local authorities.
If you live in England and are on certain benefits, you may be able to receive up to £3,500 (or £6,000 where oil, low carbon or renewable technologies are recommended) from the Government’s Warm Front Scheme to spend on insulation and heating improvements (equivalent schemes available in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland).
The Government’s Feed-in Tariff scheme (FITs) requires energy suppliers to make payments to householders who generate their own electricity from renewable sources, such as small wind turbines and solar panels.
Many energy suppliers offer discounts to customers looking to install cavity wall and loft insulation. Local councils may also offer grants or subsidies to residents wanting to make their energy usage more efficient.
A greener home could save you money
Remember, even small steps can produce significant results: if every household in the UK installed one energy saving light bulb in place of an old incandescent bulb, the CO2 saved would be equivalent to taking 70,000 cars off the road.
If you want to calculate the carbon footprint of your home and find ideas for energy-efficient switches, as well as ways to save on your energy bills, check out the Energy Saving Trust website.
5 ways to grab a green grant
1. Apply directly online for government grants at EAGA
2. Search for grants with the Grant Information Database on the EST website
3. Contact your local authority to see if it provides green grants for local residents
4. Check for offers from EDF Energy
5. Find out more about the Government’s Feed In Tariffs (FITs) scheme
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