Jayne Bryant MS, Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government
Today, in conjunction with the Development Bank of Wales, I am pleased to announce the Green Homes Wales pilot scheme. The scheme will help households across Wales to implement energy and carbon-saving measures, which can lower both energy consumption and energy bills. This is a step forward in delivering our priorities to tackle the climate crisis while also working to boost energy efficiency and make families better off.
The launch of the scheme reaffirms our clear commitment to the decarbonisation of Welsh homes and contributes to our broader aim to ensure that everyone in Wales live in homes that are energy-efficient, low-carbon and cheaper to run.
We have a considerable challenge to move away from our dependency on fossil fuels and to improve the quality of our homes. Through this scheme homeowners in Wales can access interest-free loans to decarbonise their homes and make them use less energy. This is an exciting step to help homeowners make green and energy-efficient choices to improve the long-term quality and comfort of their home.
As part of the scheme, homeowners can be funded to get specialist advice from a retrofit co-ordinator to help decide which type of decarbonisation technology works for their home. They will also be supported to access existing funding schemes such as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme and targeted grant funding to encourage them to take green measures. Eligible works may include the installation of an air source heat pump, external wall insulation and smart home energy systems.
This pilot continues to support our test and learn approach to decarbonisation as set out in Net Zero Wales: Carbon Budget 2. The launch of this scheme signals a clear commitment to decarbonise homes across all tenures and to encourage the uptake of low carbon heating choices, as outlined in our recently launched Heat Strategy for Wales. It will also support the market to develop and strengthen our local supply chains.
Anyone interested in applying can access free impartial advice through our Nest helpline on 0808 808 2244 (Monday to Friday from 9am to 6pm, excluding bank holidays) or find out more at Green Homes Wales.