The Green Deal is an energy saving programme that was first launched by the government in January 2013 and then relaunched in 2014. The goal of the Green Deal is to help upgrade the energy efficiency of homes in the United Kingdom. It can help you make improvements to your home in order to increase your home’s energy efficiency, and it can help you find the best way to finance the improvements. The government has set aside £125 million to help with the initiative.
Common improvements available through the Green Deal that can save you the most money in energy costs include:
- Adding solid wall, cavity wall or loft insulation
- Upgrading to an energy-efficient furnace
- Draught-proofing your windows, doors and fireplaces
- Upgrading your windows to double glazed
- Purchasing solar panels or heat pumps to generate renewable energy for your home
In order to benefit from the Green Deal, you need to have your property assessed to determine what improvements you can make and how much you can save on your energy bills. After your assessment, you will receive a Green Deal advice report stating recommended improvements, an estimate of your possible savings and a statement of whether the improvements will be cost-effective through reduced energy costs.
If you wish to complete any of the improvements, you can find a Green Deal provider to do the work for you, or you can even do the work yourself. The way you pay for your improvements is your choice, too, You can pay in advance, get a Green Deal finance plan or use other arrangements to fund your work. The programme is meant to be flexible and to provide many options for improving your home.
Any households in England, Scotland or Wales with an electricity meter are eligible for the Green Deal. If you rent your home or are a landlord, both the tenant and the landlord must agree to the improvements. For more information on this programme, go to www.gov.uk/green-deal-energy-saving-measures/overview
