Green homes

Hackney Green Homes Programme

The Hackney Green Homes programme aims to increase energy efficiency standards in private-sector housing by funding measures that improve household energy performance levels.

Phases 1, 2 and 3 of the Hackney Green Homes Programme have been popular with over 400 applications. This led to the successful installation of a variety of carbon reduction and energy-saving measures in 77 properties.

Measures installed so far through the programme include:

• insulation (wall, roof and floor)
• energy-efficient boilers
• led light bulbs
• solar panels and batteries
• electrical storage heaters

A more energy-efficient home will cost less to heat, is better for your health and wellbeing and helps us tackle climate change.

To see how some Hackney Residents have benefited from the scheme watch the video below.

Benefits

The Hackney Green Homes programme offers the following benefits:

• grants of up to £10,000 for owner-occupiers in receipt of a low income and with an EPC of D or below
• grants of up to £5,000 for private rented households, where the tenants have a low income and the EPC is D or below
• lower energy bills and CO2 emissions
• warmer homes and reduction of fuel poverty
• improved health for people who are vulnerable to cold and damp homes
• assistance with meeting climate emergency commitments

Phases 1 to 3 were delivered in partnership with Happy Energy, who extended residents applications to other eligible government funding schemes. As a result, some residents have received as much as £20,000 worth of work on their properties.

Why is insulation important?

If your home’s not insulated, you’re losing around 35 percent of its heat through the walls and around 25 per cent through the roof. By installing insulation, you can help:

• to make your house warmer
• lower your energy bills
• reduce dampness and mould

Insulating your home helps to improve health and wellbeing and tackle fuel poverty.

Condensation and damp in homes can lead to mould growth. Inhaling mould spores can cause:

• allergic-type reactions
• development or worsening of asthma
• respiratory infections
• coughs
• wheezing
• shortness of breath

Living in a cold home can worsen asthma and other respiratory illnesses and increase the risk of heart disease and cardiac events. It can also worsen musculoskeletal conditions such as arthritis.

Cold or damp conditions can also have a significant impact on mental health, with depression and anxiety more common among people living in these conditions.

Am I eligible?

The Green Homes programme is aimed at people who own or rent their homes privately, and who are on low income or receiving social benefits. We will need to carry out a home survey. The survey determines whether it’s possible to install insulation in your home, and the programme is subject to terms and conditions.

Grants for renewable heating upgrades will be subject to means-tested eligibility criteria.

You’re not eligible for the Green Homes programme if you live in a council home or rent your home from a registered social landlord. This is because we have a separate programme for improving the thermal efficiency of council homes.