The move to extend the Green Homes Grant scheme to March 2022 gives renovation, maintenance and improvement (RMI) contractors a chance to capitalise on the subsequent increase in demand for sustainable retrofit projects. Here, Gareth Dunn, Service Innovation Director for British Gypsum, explains how installers can prepare themselves to take advantage of the impending boom in energy efficiency improvement projects.
The Green Homes Grant scheme was introduced in September and enables homeowners to apply for grants up to £5,000 towards the cost of primary and secondary energy efficiency improvements. The scheme is part of the government’s drive for net zero emissions by 2050 and was introduced to reduce the amount of CO2 generated by domestic properties, which currently accounts for a fifth of the UK’s total emissions.
Internal wall insulation (IWI) is one of the key types of primary improvement work permitted under the scheme and is a relatively quick and inexpensive way for homeowners to improve the energy efficiency of a property. Demand for IWI improvements is therefore expected to increase significantly over the next year or so.
IWI substantially improves the thermal performance of a property and is extremely effective for increasing energy efficiency. Many residential properties today, especially those built more than 20 years ago, are no way near as energy efficient as they could be, with as much as 35 per cent of heat lost through poorly insulated walls. IWI improves the insulation properties of solid walls to enable them to maintain a more constant temperature, and in turn help to lower the homeowners’ energy bills. Additionally, once installed, there’s no ongoing maintenance or servicing required.
To yield the best results for the homeowner it is vital installers use the highest performing product for the surface application. For example, British Gypsum’s DriLyner RF is designed specifically for use on cleaned, painted surfaces. It can be fitted directly onto the existing surface once the skirtings and any other fixtures and fittings are removed. Specialised products are also available for applications where the existing plasterwork is decaying and falling off, helping to improve speed and ease of installation, and keeping encroachment on floor space to a minimum.
In order to carry out this kind of work under the Green Homes Grant scheme, installers must first receive PAS2030/35 accreditation and register to the voluntary Trustmark scheme. This makes it important to receive comprehensive training, with IWI courses such as the one we run offering a great way to train towards PAS2030/35. In deciding on a course it will be important to consider whether it will offer not only an overview of IWI techniques and best practice but also practical demonstrations on how to improve insulation, minimise air leakage and better understand the effects of condensation when fitting systems. Receiving the right training on energy efficiency regulations will also help installers complete jobs to a high standard and ensure they earn professional business recommendations.
The extension of the Green Homes Grant scheme will generate lots of new business opportunities for installers over the next 15 months or so. However, putting in the preparatory work now, will ensure they have the necessary paperwork and tools to do the job.
