Low Carbon Grants

What are Low Carbon Grants and why is the Council providing this service?

Domestic dwellings are responsible for 27% of CO2 emissions produced in the UK. This can be reduced by improving the energy efficiency of the property through the installation of insulation and modern efficient heating systems and controls. We currently provide heating and insulation grants to help many people access these measures. However, a significant number of properties in Wolverhampton are difficult to insulate through conventional means due to the age, construction or number of people living in the property.

As a result we are now providing Low Carbon Grants to look at measures that go beyond the more familiar ways of making the home more energy efficient. This will in turn help you to save money on your fuel bills and decrease our reliance on fossil fuels much of which is imported from outside the UK.

Am I entitled to a grant?

The most important way to reduce your home's carbon footprint is to install basic energy efficiency measures. Therefore before we can award a Low Carbon Grant the following measures will need to be addressed:

Where applicable you must have installed cavity wall insulation, loft insulation and a hot water tank jacket
If using solar technology: 3-4 m2 southeast to southwest facing roof is needed for main part of day
Consultation may be needed with Conservation Team if property falls within conservation area
Fitted low energy lighting in all appropriate fittings
Installed basic controls for heating system to include a room thermostat and a programmer or timer

Please note that we cannot approve solar hot water systems where there is a working combi boiler that is less than 10 years old.

If these criteria have been met you must meet the following criteria to be eligible for a grant:-

Owner Occupiers and private tenants aged over 18 to 59 years who are in receipt of one of the benefits triggering eligibility for the Warm Front grant and who are judged to be at risk of ill health due to cold housing conditions (currently use criteria for access to free NHS flu injection).
Owner Occupiers and private tenants over 60 years of age who are judged to be at risk of ill health due to cold housing conditions (currently use criteria for access to free NHS flu injection). (No benefit restrictions).
Owner Occupiers and private tenants aged over 18 who are registered disabled persons (RDP) (or who have a dependant child who is registered disabled) and are judged to be at risk of ill health due to cold housing conditions (currently use criteria for access to free NHS flu injection). (No income restriction).
In the case of private tenants’ applications, the landlord must agree to the works being carried out and to make the property available for letting and not to increase the rent at the property due to the grant aided works for a period of 2 years after the works have been completed.

How do I apply for a grant or find out more information about the different measures available?

If you would like to find out more about the scheme please contact the Energy Saving Trust Advice Centre on free phone 0800 512 012. An energy adviser will explain more about the grants and what help is available. They can also send out information booklets about specific energy saving measures including heating, insulation and renewable technology. The following guides in relation to Low Carbon Grants include:

'Renewable Energy - which technology is right for me' (booklet)
'Solar water heating - a guide for householders' (booklet)
'Biomass heating - a guide for householders' (booklet)
'Heat pumps - a guide for householders' (booklet)
'Photo-voltaic panels - a guide for householders' (booklet)
'Solid wall insulation - helping you to save energy, money and the environment' (leaflet)
'West Midlands Warmer Walls' (booklet about Sempatap - see below)

What help / measures are available?

Solid wall Insulation

If your home is of solid brick construction you will not be able to install cavity wall insulation as there is no cavity to fill. However, under the Low Carbon Grant we can insulate the INTERNAL side of the external walls with a flexible insulation foam/plasterboard called Sempatap. An article about this product can be found in the City's Winter 2008 Affordable Warmth Newsletter. This is particularly effective in terraced properties built before the 1930's of which there are a considerable number across Wolverhampton.

Solar Hot Water Systems

A solar hot water system can help reduce running costs by approximately 30 - 50% per year. This can make a significant difference to people on a low income who are concerned about spending money on hot water. It will help cut carbon emissions and enable the householder to generate their own energy whilst reducing reliance on imported gas.

Other renewable technology measures

We are willing to consider other renewable technology measures under low carbon grants and these will be developed as the scheme progresses.

What are the next steps for Low Carbon Grants?

Although the grants are focused primarily on older people or those with low incomes we would like to expand the scheme in the future to enable more residents to access the grants. Once the current service is firmly established we will look at other options for residents who are able to make contributions towards the grant. Updates will be made on this webpage when these go live.

Please note the Government does currently provide small grants for renewable technology via its Low Carbon Building Programme for all households in the private sector.