The Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) is a UK government-backed program designed to help households improve their home insulation and reduce energy bills. If your home feels cold in winter or your heating costs keep rising, the gbis scheme could be the support you need. 

This guide explains what the scheme is, who can qualify, what upgrades are available, and how it can make a real difference to your home.

What Is the GBIS Scheme?

The GBIS scheme focuses on one main issue: heat loss. Many UK homes lose warmth through poorly insulated walls, roofs, and gaps. This forces heating systems to work harder, leading to higher bills and uncomfortable living conditions.

GBIS solves this problem by funding insulation upgrades. Instead of homeowners paying high installation costs, the scheme is funded through energy suppliers. For eligible households, insulation improvements can be free or heavily subsidised.

Why the Great British Insulation Scheme Was Introduced

Rising energy prices and inefficient housing pushed the government to act. Millions of homes across the UK still have basic or outdated insulation, making them expensive to heat.

The GBIS scheme was introduced to:

• Reduce heat loss in homes
• Lower household energy bills
• Improve home comfort
• Cut carbon emissions

By improving insulation, households use less energy while staying warmer for longer.

Who Can Qualify for the GBIS Scheme?

The GBIS scheme is designed to help a wider group of households compared to older energy programs. You may be eligible if:

• Your home has poor insulation
• Your property falls within certain council tax bands
• You are on a low or middle income

You do not always need to receive benefits to qualify. This makes GBIS ideal for households that struggle with energy costs but don’t meet strict benefit-based criteria.

What Insulation Upgrades Are Available?

Through the gbis scheme, eligible households may receive insulation upgrades such as:

• Cavity wall insulation
• Solid wall insulation (internal/external)
• Loft/roof insulation (pitched & flat)
• Underfloor/solid floor insulation
• Room-in-roof insulation
• Park home insulation

These upgrades focus on keeping heat inside your home, reducing the need to constantly turn up the heating.

Required Documents for Application

Applying for the gbis scheme is simple, and you’ll usually need:

• Proof of address
• A recent energy bill
• Property ownership details or landlord consent
• Basic income information if requested
• Most applications are processed quickly, with minimal paperwork.

What Impact Can GBIS Have on Your Home?

The impact of insulation upgrades can be felt almost immediately. Homes become warmer, rooms retain heat for longer, and heating systems don’t need to work as hard.

Long-term benefits include:

• Reduced energy bills
• Improved indoor comfort
• Less strain on heating systems
• Lower carbon footprint

For many households, the gbis scheme provides long-lasting savings without upfront costs.

How the Application Process Works

The process is designed to be stress-free:

• Complete a quick eligibility check
• Property assessment is arranged
• Approval for insulation measures
• Installation by certified professionals

Time is running out. Check your eligibility now. It only takes a few minutes.

Why You Should Apply Soon

Funding for the gbis scheme is limited. Once yearly targets are met, applications may pause or close. Delaying could mean missing out on free insulation that could lower your bills for years. If your home feels cold or your heating costs are high, applying now could make a real difference before the next winter season. If you want to compare it with ECO4, you can, because we have posted a blog about it.

Conclusion

The Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) offers a practical solution for households struggling with energy efficiency. By upgrading insulation, the scheme helps reduce heat loss, cut energy bills, and improve comfort. If you’re not sure whether you qualify, it’s still worth checking. The process is quick, simple, and could lead to free insulation upgrades that improve your home for years to come.

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