GBIS Explained: A Beginner's Guide to the UK Insulation Scheme

In the face of rising energy bills and growing concerns over climate change, energy efficiency has become a top priority for homeowners across the UK. One key government initiative designed to help address this challenge is the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS). Launched as a successor to earlier schemes like ECO (Energy Company Obligation), GBIS aims to improve the energy efficiency of British homes by providing support for insulation upgrades — especially for low-income and vulnerable households.

If you're new to GBIS or are simply curious about how it works, this beginner’s guide will walk you through everything you need to know: what it is, who it’s for, what types of insulation it covers, and how you can benefit.

What is the Great British Insulation Scheme?

The Great British Insulation Scheme is a UK government initiative introduced to help households lower their energy usage and reduce utility bills through improved home insulation. It is part of a broader effort to meet the country’s net-zero emissions goals while tackling fuel poverty.

The scheme was officially launched in autumn 2023 and is expected to run until March 2026, although the timeline may be extended depending on policy reviews and funding.

The GBIS is different from previous insulation programs because it targets single insulation measures rather than requiring households to install multiple upgrades. It also extends its reach to a wider group of households, not just those in extreme financial hardship.

Why Was GBIS Introduced?

There were two primary reasons behind the launch of GBIS:

1. Rising Energy Costs: With global energy prices surging and millions of UK households experiencing financial pressure, the government needed a strategy to help reduce domestic energy consumption.

2. Climate Commitments: The UK has legally committed to reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Insulating homes is one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce national carbon emissions.

How Does GBIS Work?

GBIS operates by working with energy suppliers, who are obligated by the government to provide financial support for insulation improvements. This is done through:

• Assessment: Eligible households undergo a home assessment to determine which insulation measures would be most effective.

• Installation: Certified installers carry out the insulation work, funded either fully or partially by GBIS.

• Verification: Once the work is completed, checks ensure that the improvements meet required standards.

While the scheme covers a wide variety of insulation options, it does not typically extend to full home energy retrofits or high-cost upgrades like heating systems. The focus is on affordable, impactful upgrades that can be completed relatively quickly.

Who is Eligible for GBIS?

Unlike some previous schemes, GBIS is not limited to low-income households. The program is divided into two main categories:

1. Low-Income Eligibility Group

Households are eligible if they:

• Receive certain income-related benefits, such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or Income Support.

• Live in homes with Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings of D to G.

• Own or privately rent their home (rented homes must have landlord consent).

This group typically receives the most generous support, often covering the full cost of the insulation upgrade.

2. General Eligibility Group

This includes households that:

• Do not receive benefits, but still live in homes with poor insulation (typically EPC bands D–G).

• Live in council tax bands A to D in England (or A to E in Scotland and Wales).

These homes can still receive assistance but may be asked to contribute toward the cost, depending on the measure and property type.

What Types of Insulation Are Covered?

GBIS supports a wide range of insulation measures, including:

1. Loft Insulation

One of the most effective and affordable upgrades, loft insulation prevents heat from escaping through the roof, reducing heating bills significantly.

2. Cavity Wall Insulation

This involves injecting insulation material into the gap between inner and outer brick walls. It’s a popular option for homes built after the 1920s.

3. Solid Wall Insulation

For older homes with no cavity, solid wall insulation is installed either internally or externally. This is a more expensive measure but highly effective.

4. Underfloor Insulation

Especially beneficial for homes with suspended timber floors, underfloor insulation can prevent heat loss through the ground level.

5. Room-in-Roof Insulation

For homes with converted lofts or attic bedrooms, this type of insulation ensures the space remains warm and energy efficient.

6. Flat Roof Insulation

A specialist measure used for properties with flat roofs, which are prone to heat loss.

Benefits of the GBIS Scheme

1. Lower Energy Bills

Insulation reduces the amount of energy needed to heat or cool a home. With less heat escaping, households can enjoy significant savings on heating costs.

2. Increased Comfort

Insulated homes maintain a more stable and comfortable indoor temperature, reducing cold spots and draughts.

3. Environmental Impact

Using less energy means fewer carbon emissions, helping the UK reach its climate targets.

4. Boosted Property Value

Energy-efficient homes often have higher property values and are more attractive to buyers.

5. Support for Vulnerable Groups

By targeting those most at risk of fuel poverty, GBIS helps improve quality of life for elderly residents, families, and those with health conditions.

The Role of Energy Companies

Under GBIS, large energy suppliers (those with over 150,000 customers) are legally obligated to deliver insulation upgrades. They can do this either through their own programs or by partnering with registered installers and contractors.

Customers don’t have to use their own energy supplier to benefit from the scheme. If you qualify, you can apply through any participating provider or installer.

How to Apply for GBIS

Here’s a general step-by-step guide to applying for the Great British Insulation Scheme:

1. Check Eligibility
   Use a government-approved eligibility checker or contact a registered provider to see if your household qualifies.

2. Home Energy Assessment
   An assessor will visit your home to evaluate its current insulation and energy performance.

3. Quote and Proposal
   You’ll be given details of what insulation measure is recommended and the amount of funding available.

4. Installation
   A certified installer will carry out the work, often within a few weeks of approval.

5. Final Inspection
   Once the installation is done, a quality assurance check ensures it meets all required standards.

Things to Keep in Mind

• Landlord Approval: If you’re renting, you’ll need your landlord’s written consent before applying.

• Planning Permission: For some types of external insulation, planning permission may be required, especially in conservation areas.

• Partial Funding: Not all households receive 100% funding — it depends on your eligibility group and the type of insulation.

Final Thoughts

The GBIS Grant is a win-win initiative. It helps households cut energy costs, enhances comfort, and contributes to a greener, more sustainable future. Whether you're eligible for full or partial support, it’s worth exploring how GBIS can help improve your home’s energy performance.

With energy prices showing no signs of dramatic decline, there's never been a better time to insulate your home. Taking advantage of government-backed support now can result in long-term savings and a significant improvement in your home's livability.

If you're considering upgrading your home's insulation, take the first step by checking your eligibility and arranging an energy assessment. The path to a warmer, more efficient home starts here — and the Great British Insulation Scheme is here to help.