Domestic Energy Efficiency Grants
Green Homes Wales Scheme
The Green Homes Wales scheme is slightly different to the typical Government grant schemes for energy efficiency. It’s designed to support eligible homeowners in making energy efficient improvements to their homes but is managed by the Development Bank of Wales.
That said it is an official Welsh Government initiative and so we are including it on Energy Efficiency Matters.
Green Homes Wales Scheme
As we said, Green Homes Wales is a Welsh Government initiative which is managed by the Development Bank of Wales. Its purpose is to support eligible homeowners in making energy efficiency upgrades and improvements to their homes.
The Green Homes Wales scheme is not so much a grant scheme but it provides financial support in the form of interest free financing along with free expert support. This means that if a homeowner in Wales is not eligible for grant funded measures under NEST Wales they may still be able to access very competitive ways to fund the works and hence save money on energy bills whilst reducing carbon emissions too.
The comprehensive support on offer includes::
- Expert guidance:
- FREE access to a Retrofit Coordinator who will put together a detailed assessment of your home as it is now before going on to make specific recommendations for energy efficiency and decarbonisation measures which will be tailored to your property and individual circumstances.
- Flexible financing:
- Interest free loans ranging from £1,000 to £25,000 with repayment terms up to 10 years. For larger projects, terms may be extended.
- Enjoy a 6-month upfront repayment holiday while your new energy efficiency measures begin delivering results meaning that some of the initial savings will help fund the monthly cost of the loan.
- Grant Funding:
- There MAY also be access to some degree of grant funding alongside loans for specific energy efficiency measures.
You should be aware that, as this is a financing initiative all applications will be subject to affordability and credit score checks.
Green Homes Wales – Eligibility
There some basic eligibility criteria to access Green Homes Wales finance. To qualify for the scheme, your home must:
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be located in Wales
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be owned by you
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be your primary residence
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not be a new build property (i.e. homes that have been built in the last 6 months and that have not previously been occupied)
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not be a listed building or be situated in a conservation area
Please note that applicants will not be means tested but you will be required to pass credit checks and affordability assessments.
Unfortunately private landlords cannot currently apply to this Scheme but should visit Climate Action Wales for further advice.
Green Homes Wales – Measures
As you’d expect, Green Homes Wales finance can cover all kinds to energy efficiency measures including
Green Homes Wales – Finance Done Right!
Green Homes Wales adopts the requirement for PAS 2035 compliance across its structure and conditions of third parties that are engaged with it, including Retrofit Coordinators and installers.
In summary it’s the overarching standards framework for UK retrofit (energy efficiency upgrades to properties). It lists in detail exactly how to carry out high quality energy retrofits of existing domestic buildings, alongside best practice guidance for implementing energy efficiency measures.
PAS 2035 is the official government backed standard and provides a thorough, whole house approach to ensuring quality and assurance to all retrofit work undertaken. You can read more about PAS 2025 here >
How To Apply
Before you are able to apply to the Green Homes Wales scheme you are required to seek general advice on the available options to you. This means that you kick off with a call with NEST Wales
This initial step is in your best interests because NEST will look to see if there any other existing grant support that you may qualify for before you apply for finance.
See our feature on NEST Wales for all the information you require >
The process is therefore as follows:
- Contact NEST Wales to discuss your requirements and options
- If NEST cannot help you your will be referred to Green Homes Wales
- Register your interest and apply to the free home assessment
- Consider the recommended options and gather quotes
- Decide on the measures you wish to take
- Apply for the finance / funding
- Install the measures.
Please note that this is a very popular scheme and due to high levels of demand, applications will be processed in phases.