Through GBIS, you can either get a contribution to the cost of insulation, or the full amount covered. This article will go into the reasons why some insulation measures are covered, and some aren’t.
The Great British Insulation Scheme is a contributory scheme because its primary aim is to help improve energy efficiency UK wide by providing as much incentive as possible to a wide range of properties. Here’s why it works this way and why certain measures, or property sizes might get full funding while others don’t:

Why GBIS Is a Contributory Scheme

  1. Targeting Limited Resources:
    • Funding for such schemes is often finite, requiring prioritisation to ensure resources are allocated effectively. Partial contributions allow more properties to benefit from the scheme, rather than fully funding fewer projects.
  2. Encouraging Private Investment:
    • Homeowners or landlords are encouraged to invest in improving their properties by covering part of the costs. This shared approach leverages government funds to maximise the impact of the scheme.
  3. Varying Costs of Measures:
    • Different insulation measures, such as loft, cavity wall, or external wall insulation, come with varying costs. A contributory model ensures that the grant can support a wider range of measures depending on the specific needs and budgets of applicants.

Why Certain Measures or Property Sizes Get Full Funding

  1. Prioritisation of Vulnerable Groups:
    • Households in low-income groups or those considered vulnerable to fuel poverty may receive full funding to ensure that cost is not a barrier to improving energy efficiency.
    • These groups often lack the financial means to contribute, so full funding ensures equitable access to the scheme.

  2. Energy Efficiency and Carbon Savings:
    • Some measures or property sizes may offer greater energy savings per unit cost, making them more attractive for full funding. For example measures which are typically lower-cost, high-impact are more likely to be fully funded, such as loft or cavity wall insulation. Loft is favoured for smaller properties, and cavity wall insulation is favoured for larger properties, as the most efficient way to reduce the heatloss. The grants therefore often don’t cover all of the cost for loft insulation in larger properties, or all the costs for cavity wall insulation in smaller properties.
    • Properties that may require higher-cost measures (e.g., solid wall insulation) that exceed grant limits, leaving a gap to be covered by the applicant.

  3. Scheme Objectives and Budgeting:
    • GBIS is designed to maximise cost-efficiency and energy efficiency improvements within budget constraints. Full funding is prioritised for measures and property sizes where:
      • The insulation will achieve significant improvements.
      • Costs are more predictable and manageable within grant limits.

  4. Measure Limitations in the Scheme:
    • GBIS focuses on specific insulation types and sizes that align with government priorities for reducing carbon emissions efficiently. Some measures or larger properties may exceed these priorities and budget allocations, necessitating partial funding.

Conclusion

GBIS operates as a contributory scheme to balance fairness, effectiveness, and budget constraints. Full funding is reserved for cases where it delivers the greatest social and environmental benefits or ensures inclusivity for vulnerable households. For others, shared costs encourage property owners to invest in their energy efficiency improvements while extending the scheme’s reach to a larger number of homes.