WHAT SHOULD I TELL MY CUSTOMERS ABOUT THE GREEN HOMES GRANT SCHEME?
The Scheme
The Green Homes Grant Scheme (GHG) offers vouchers worth up to £5,000 or up to 66% of the project value for the majority of homeowners with an eligible project. This increases to £10,000 for low income families.
The scheme is currently for England only and is designed to increase and protect jobs whilst improving the energy efficiency of homes to meet 2050 climate commitments. The scheme is due to start from 30 September 2020.
The initial announcement of the scheme by the Treasury with the lack of clear information about rules has had a negative impact on the glazing sector. We’ve had reports of homeowners cancelling or delaying orders of windows & doors.
Certass Trade Association has been in meetings with Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy and lobbying the Government for further clarity. Below is a summary of the scheme and the latest updates provided to us by Certass TA.
Is glazing included?
The primary measures for improvements are mostly insulation – cavity wall, loft, underfloor and external wall. Low carbon heating is also included. Grants for home improvements will only be approved if the project includes a primary measure.
It was announced that glazing would be included in the scheme. However, the grant will probably be restricted to replacing single glazed windows or fitting secondary glazing.
Clarification on eligibility from Government is coming, but the scheme is not designed for replacing existing double glazing or replacing windows and doors as part of re-modelling the home. If you talking to homeowners about this type of work, its highly unlikely that they would qualify for a grant voucher. There was a mention of energy efficient doors but there have been no further details on this yet.
Replacing single glazing with double will be classed as a secondary measure in the grant scheme, this means that it can only be carried out alongside one of the primary measures.
Can I insulate the loft then add glazing to the job?
Its unlikely, currently it seems that there would need to be comparative funding for primary and secondary. This would mean if £200 is spent on the primary measure of insulation, then only £200 can be spent on the secondary measure of single to double replacement glazing.
Next Steps
To be involved with the Green Homes Grant scheme, the Government is saying that you will need to be a member of TrustMark. If you are already a member of Certass Competent Persons Scheme, it will cover the TrustMark sign-up fee for you, so that you can join TrustMark for just £5+VAT per month. So if you want to apply to be on the GHG Scheme, Trustmark is your first step.
More information from Government is expected soon, so we will send you the latest details as we receive them. Certass members can keep updated by visiting the Certass Trade Association Members Forum on Facebook.Explaining the scheme to customers
- The Green Homes Grant Scheme will include replacing single glazing with double glazing. But it is highly unlikely to include replacing existing double glazing.
- It will not cover windows or doors being upgraded as part of an extension or remodelling work.
- The homeowner will have to meet the Government eligibility criteria which is still to be announced. The work will also have to include a primary insulation measure – e.g. cavity wall insulation.
- Although it’s not included in the Green Homes Grant – there are significant benefits of replacing old double glazing with new ‘A’ rated windows:
- Increased comfort and energy efficiency – the latest glass unit and weather-seal technology prevent draughts and cold spots, so the heating can be turned down.
- Extra natural light – thermally efficient, slim frames let in more light, warming the room with sunlight and making the home brighter.
- Enhanced aesthetics – lots of colour and design options in either PVCu or aluminium frames.
GJB Group are Supply Chain Members of Certass Trade Association.
