Wokingham Borough Council is encouraging homeowners and landlords to apply for a government green homes grant towards the cost of installing energy efficient and low-carbon heating improvements which could help save up to £600 a year on energy bills.
The government will provide vouchers worth up to £5,000 to help cover two-thirds of the cost of energy efficiency home improvements, such as home insulation or low carbon heating.
The council declared a climate emergency last year and committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2030. In July of this year, the council set out its roadmap on how it will achieve that.
The council recognises the level of commitment that is required by all sectors and partners. The achievement of this ambitious objective relies on the engagement and support of our residents, communities, local towns and parish councils, and local businesses.
“We have committed £50million over the next three years to assist in the reduction of the borough’s carbon footprint but we cannot reach carbon neutrality alone,” said Cllr Gregor Murray, executive member for climate emergency.
“The green homes grant is a fantastic opportunity for our residents to save money on a home improvement which will then save them money year on year. And, they’ll be helping to reduce residential carbon emissions across the borough and get the council closer to our goal of being carbon neutral by 2030.
“Domestic carbon emissions account for 45% of the total carbon emissions for the borough, so we need to improve the energy efficiency of our homes if we’re going to get to carbon neutrality.
“The application process is simple – I’ve just applied for a grant and it only took a couple of minutes. If my grant application is approved, I stand to save 25% on my annual heating costs while helping the council reach their carbon neutral goal and most importantly it’s good for the environment.”
A higher level of subsidy may also be available if a homeowner or a member of the household receives one of the qualifying means-tested benefits, which could result in 100% of the cost of the improvements being covered up to £10,000. More information on the qualifying benefits is available on the Simple Energy Advice website.
The council has applied to be part of the government’s Green Homes Grant: Local Authority Delivery, which would provide additional support for low income households across the borough.
If you are a home owner why not visit the Simple Energy Advice website to find out what green improvements could be made to your house and how to apply for a grant. Visit www.simpleenergyadvice.org.uk and search green homes grant.
