Can I get GBIS if I’ve already received ECO4 support?

Yes. Many households qualify for both ECO4 and GBIS funding. Combining insulation upgrades from GBIS with heating improvements from ECO4 can maximise savings and increase your home's EPC rating.

Do I need to own my home to apply?

No. Tenants are also eligible to apply for GBIS as long as the property owner or landlord gives permission for the work to take place.

How much will I save on bills with GBIS insulation?

Savings vary depending on the property, but most households see annual reductions of £200 to £500 after insulation is installed under GBIS.

Can landlords apply on behalf of tenants?

Yes. Landlords can apply for GBIS grants as long as the property and tenants meet the scheme’s eligibility criteria.

GBIS Explained: Full 2025 Guide to the Great British Insulation Scheme

The Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) is one of the UK government’s most important initiatives to tackle fuel poverty, lower carbon emissions, and make homes warmer and cheaper to run. Launched to complement the ECO4 scheme, GBIS focuses on delivering free or heavily subsidised insulation upgrades to millions of homes across the country.

If your home is cold, expensive to heat, or has a poor Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating, GBIS could make a huge difference. Potentially saving you hundreds of pounds a year on energy bills. This guide will explain everything you need to know, including eligibility, EPC requirements, what measures are covered, and how to apply.

What is the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS)?

GBIS is a government-funded grant programme aimed at improving the energy efficiency of UK homes. It’s part of the government’s wider plan to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 and reduce household energy costs especially for those who are most vulnerable to fuel poverty.

While ECO4 offers a broader range of energy upgrades (such as new boilers or heat pumps), GBIS is focused specifically on insulation, one of the most effective ways to retain heat and cut energy usage.

The scheme targets two main groups:

Low-income or vulnerable households – often eligible for 100% funding
Homes with low EPC ratings – especially those rated D, E, F, or G

If you live in a home with poor insulation, there’s a strong chance you qualify for help under GBIS.

Why Insulation Matters More Than Ever in 2025?

Heating accounts for over 60% of the average UK household’s energy bills, but a huge amount of that heat is wasted due to poor insulation. According to government data:

Homes with no loft insulation can lose up to 25% of their heat through the roof.
Poorly insulated walls can account for up to 35% of total heat loss.
Adding cavity wall insulation alone can save the average household £300 per year.

GBIS helps solve these problems by providing free or low-cost insulation to the homes that need it most. For residents of cities like Birmingham, Manchester, Nottingham or Stoke-on-Trent, where thousands of properties are older and inefficient, GBIS can significantly improve comfort and reduce monthly bills.

GBIS Eligibility Criteria (2025 Update)

Eligibility for GBIS depends on several factors, including your income, benefits, property type, and EPC rating. Here’s a breakdown:

1. EPC Rating

Homes with an EPC rating of D or below are usually eligible. GBIS prioritises homes rated E, F, or G, as these tend to lose the most heat.

2. Household Income & Benefits

You may qualify if you receive certain government benefits (such as Universal Credit or Pension Credit) or have a combined household income under £31,000 per year.

3. Property Ownership

Homeowners: Typically eligible if they meet the EPC and income criteria.
Private tenants: Can apply with landlord permission.
Social housing: May qualify under certain local council-led schemes.

4. Location-Based Flexibility

Local councils can also use a "flexible eligibility" route to support additional households. This means even if you don’t receive benefits, you could still qualify based on income, property type, or local needs.

What Upgrades Can You Get with GBIS?

GBIS focuses on a range of insulation measures designed to make your home retain more heat and reduce energy consumption. These include:

Loft Insulation – Prevents heat escaping through the roof
Cavity Wall Insulation – Reduces heat loss through external walls
Solid Wall Insulation – Ideal for older homes without cavity walls
Underfloor Insulation – Helps retain heat on ground floors
Draught-Proofing – Seals gaps to prevent cold air entering

In some cases, GBIS can also fund secondary measures (like radiator upgrades or heating controls) to further improve efficiency when installed alongside insulation.

EPC Bands Explained And Why They Matter

Your home’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating is crucial for eligibility. Here’s how it breaks down:

A – B: Highly efficient (usually not eligible for GBIS)
C: Fairly efficient (may qualify if other criteria are met)
D – G: Poor efficiency (most likely to qualify)

GBIS vs ECO4, What’s the Difference?

While GBIS focuses specifically on insulation, the ECO4 scheme covers a wider range of energy efficiency measures including boilers, heat pumps, solar panels, and whole-house retrofits. Many households qualify for both schemes, which means you can combine insulation upgrades from GBIS with heating upgrades from ECO4 for maximum benefit.

For example:

Install cavity wall insulation via GBIS
Then apply for a boiler replacement or heat pump through ECO4

This combination can cut your bills by up to £800 per year and significantly boost your home’s EPC rating.

Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Apply for GBIS

With rising energy prices and colder winters, improving your home’s energy efficiency has never been more important. The Great British Insulation Scheme offers an easy, cost-effective way to make your home warmer, greener, and cheaper to run but and most importantly, it’s funded by the government.