What is the Great British Insulation Scheme?
The Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) is a UK government-backed initiative designed to help homeowners and tenants improve their home’s energy efficiency by installing insulation — often at no cost or heavily reduced cost. The programme was created to tackle heat loss in the least energy-efficient homes, reduce household energy bills and lower carbon emissions across Great Britain.
How the Scheme Works
1. Assessment – A qualified assessor visits your home to understand which insulation measure will deliver the greatest benefit.
2. Measure Recommendation – Based on your property’s characteristics and energy performance, the assessor recommends the most appropriate insulation solution.
2. Installation – Approved installers carry out the work, which is usually free for eligible households or part-funded where required.
Most homes only receive one insulation measure under the scheme, but in certain cases (e.g. for low-income or highly vulnerable households) additional support may be possible.
What Types of Insulation Are Covered?
The scheme supports a range of insulation upgrades that help keep heat in and energy bills down, including:
Cavity wall insulation – fills the gap inside cavity walls to reduce heat loss.
Solid wall insulation – either internal or external insulation for homes without cavity walls.
Loft and roof insulation – minimises heat escaping through the roof.
Under-floor and solid floor insulation – helps reduce loss under the home’s floor.
Park home and room-in-roof insulation – tailored measures for specific property types.
All installations are carried out by accredited professionals to ensure safety, compliance and quality.
Who Can Apply?
The Great British Insulation Scheme is broader than many other grant programmes — it welcomes:
Homeowners
If your home needs insulation and has a low energy efficiency rating, you may qualify whether or not you receive benefits.
Tenants
Private renters can apply with landlord consent, giving them access to energy improvements too.
Properties with Lower Energy Ratings
To qualify, homes generally need an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D to G and fall within certain council tax bands (typically A–D in England or A-E in Scotland and Wales).
Low-Income or Vulnerable Households
Households on low incomes, receiving qualifying benefits, or living in fuel-poor conditions may also receive targeted support.
Benefits of the Great British Insulation Scheme
Lower Energy Bills
Insulation can dramatically reduce heat loss — meaning less energy is needed to keep your home warm, and your annual bills can drop significantly.
Reduced Carbon Footprint
Homes with better insulation stay warmer in winter and more comfortable year-round — reducing draughts and cold spots.
Improved Comfort
By cutting energy demand, the scheme supports the UK’s climate goals and helps households shrink their environmental footprint.
Minimal or low up-front costs
For eligible households, insulation upgrades are often fully funded, with little to no contribution required from residents.
Why it matters
The Great British Insulation Scheme is part of a national effort to make homes more energy efficient — cutting costs for families and contributing to broader targets on carbon reduction and sustainability. It focuses on the least efficient properties, which are typically the ones with the highest fuel costs and poorest thermal performance.
The scheme has already helped thousands of households access crucial insulation work that would otherwise be out of reach, and it continues to offer opportunities for eligible applicants until March 2026.
Check Your Eligibility
The Great British Insulation Scheme is currently scheduled to run until March 2026, after which future schemes or replacements are expected to continue the government’s support for home energy efficiency..