Government Grant Assistance

LOW CARBON BUILDING PROGRAMME

The DTI’s Low Carbon Building Programme will provide grants to householders for renewable technologies, including solar thermal hot water systems.

The programme will run over three years, starting from 1st April 2006, and replaces DTI’s Clear Skies and Solar PV programmes which closed for applications on 31st March 2006. The programme is UK wide (apart from the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man). Two streams of grant are available.

Stream one applies to smaller projects for homeowners and community groups among others.

Stream two applies to larger projects, including larger businesses, community organisations and the public sector.

There are a number of energy efficiency measures that must be undertaken before the homeowner is eligible to apply for a grant under the low carbon buildings programme. These measures will ensure that energy requirements are minimised and are as follows:

• A minimum of 270mm loft insulation.
• Installed cavity wall insulation (if house has cavity walls).
• Using low energy light bulbs in all appropriate light fittings.
• Installed basic controls for the heating system to include a room thermostat and a programmer or timer.
• For further details of grants available, please contact the Energy Saving Trust on 08009157722 or visit www.lowcarbonbuildings.org.uk