Apply for the Great British Insulation Scheme.

We want to make new energy work for everyone, so we’re removing the barriers to improved home energy efficiency. This is why we’re taking part in the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS), a government initiative helping homes across Britain boost their energy efficiency rating.

What’s more, the GBIS isn’t just for those on benefits or a low income. You could qualify simply from your council tax band and EPC rating. Read on to find out how the GBIS could help you get free¹ or discounted insulation for your home.

What is the Great British Insulation Scheme?

Well, it launched in the summer of 2023 and was previously known as ECO+. The current scheme will continue until March 2026.

The GBIS aims to help eligible homes improve energy efficiency through potential access to free or discounted insulation². There are lots of potential benefits when upgrading your home insulation – from making temperatures more consistent and boosting comfort to helping reduce your energy bills.³

How could GBIS home insulation help me save?

According to the Energy Saving Trust⁴, the average household spends more than half their energy bill on heating and hot water. Yet, a large amount of that heat can seep outside through our windows, walls, roofs, and more. On average, around 33% of heat is lost through uninsulated walls alone.

Insulating your home is like wrapping it in a warm blanket in the winter, while cooling it down in the summer months. The insulation helps trap in the heat, so your boiler doesn’t have to work quite so hard to keep you warm. Improving your insulation through the Great British Insulation Scheme could save you energy and money on heating your home.

For example, a semi-detached home with cavity wall insulation installed could save you an average of £240 per year.⁵ Plus, with our dual measure offer, you could save up to £470 with cavity wall and loft insulation.⁶

A cold, damp home can be a breeding ground for health issues. In fact, according to research by Citizens Advice, upgrading insulation in 13 million UK homes could significantly improve people’s health, and save the NHS £2 billion by 2030.⁷

Understanding each insulation type and their benefits.

Each type of insulation offered through the Great British Insulation Scheme has different benefits. However, the option you’ll need really depends on where you live and the design of your home. If you’re scratching your head, don’t worry – we can recommend the most suitable upgrade based on your home and the scheme's criteria.

What insulation types does the GBIS cover?

There are several types of insulation you can receive through the Great British Insulation Scheme, including:

• Cavity wall insulation.

• Loft insulation.

• Room in roof insulation.

Cavity wall insulation.

By adding or improving the insulation in your home’s cavity walls, you could prevent heat loss and save money off your heating bills.

The majority of houses built after the 1920s have cavity walls and could require improved cavity wall insulation. Houses built before this period usually have solid walls. Unusual properties, such as timber framed houses, will need specialist advice on wall insulation as they may not be suitable for either. Through the GBIS, cavity wall insulation is always free.

Loft insulation.

There are several places you can add insulation around your home. However, according to the Energy Saving Trust, around a quarter of heat escapes through the roof⁸, which makes loft insulation a good place to start. The cost for adding or upgrading the insulation in your loft starts from £500.

Room in roof insulation.

Rooms in roof spaces can lose heat if they’re not insulated properly. Therefore, adding effective insulation is vital. Room in roof insulation involves fitting insulation boards between the rafters of attic conversions or loft rooms. This process creates a thermal barrier that helps to reduce heat loss, which could lower your energy bills. The cost for adding or upgrading the insulation in this area of your property starts from £1500.

Continue boosting your home’s energy efficiency.

If you’re eligible, the Great British Insulation Scheme could be your pathway to a more sustainable and energy-efficient way of life. Enhancing insulation around your home and finding smart complementary solutions, like air source heat pumps and solar panels, could help you on your way to a greener future – because who doesn’t want a cosy, eco-friendly home?

If you aren’t eligible for the GBIS, there are several other grants and schemes that might be able to take its place. Browse all our current energy-efficiency initiatives and find out if you qualify.

For other tips and advice on how to boost your home’s energy efficiency and potentially lower your energy bills, explore our useful A-Z guide.

Great British Insulation Scheme FAQs.