Low Carbon Buildings Programme - How can it help me?
The Low Carbon Buildings Programme (LCBP) is an initiative for UK home owners, which seeks to bring forward the demonstration and deployment of energy efficient technologies. Formed under the UK Environmental Transformation Fund (ETF) and managed by the Energy Saving Trust, the LCBP have provided grants to help towards the installation of microgeneration technologies all across the country, including; solar photovoltaics, wind turbines, small hydro, solar thermal hot water, ground sources heat pumps, bio-energy and more.
Since the publication of the BERR’s Microgeneration Strategy in March 2006, the LCBP have opened their doors to householders, public, not for profit and commercial organisations across the UK, and have already set about showing how energy efficient and microgeneration can work together to create low carbon buildings.
The aims of the programme are simple. To support and see demonstrated the national awareness of a more holistic approach to reducing carbon emissions, whilst integrating both energy efficiency measures and microgeneration products in individual developments. In short, the LCBP are providing some of the finances required to encourage and emphasise Britain’s capability of becoming a more sustainable and energy efficient nation.
To be eligible for a LCBP grant candidates must first ensure that they are using a BERR certified installer and an accredited product. All of which can be discovered before any money has to be spent, through LCBP directly.
Once the product and installer are certified, you should ensure that your application is inline with the LCBP’s energy efficiency measures. These measures are set to ensure that you are minimising your energy requirements and are not just after a quick fix of cash - they include; making sure you have fitted appropriate loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, controls for your heating system, etc.
After your specific requirements have been met and checked, the LCBP grant can supply you with up to 50% towards Solar photovoltaics, 30% towards Wind turbines, £2,500 or 30% Small hydro costs, and many more initiatives that look to encourage the positive approach displayed already.
There is a maximum limit on grants per household. Households can apply for more than one technology but LCBP funding will be limited to a maximum of £2,500 per household, depending on the technologies involved.
One thing that the LCBP want to make clear is that microgeneration and energy efficient technologies are here, today, to help us endorse a change. The BERR and LCBP are searching for candidates who deserve the financial encouragement that a grant can give. It is this sort of financing that is really helping Britain adopt a more eco-aware outlook. But more to the point, it is organisations like LCBP that are sourcing all areas of the UK with a contribution in which we can begin to make our own.
Ryan Whatley is the low carbon expert at EcoSwitch The environmental social network.
