Despite the earlier Government scrapping of their Green Deal and most recently the abrupt ending of their Green Homes Grant scheme after March 2021, Atoll Architecture can still help advise you explore a range of other energy efficient incentives that can benefit your new home or extension. This includes incentives to help implement the installation of cost neutral technology utilising good practice and energy-efficient materials, through to more complex eco system considerations such as Ground and Air Source Heat Pumps. The underlying sustainable ethos to Ian Banks’ interest was reinforced following several years living and working in the Maldives between 1986 and 1992, but was founded far earlier: Ian’s first ever architectural design scheme was for a solar-heated swimming pool design created as part of his Technical Drawing O-Level in 1976; whilst his architectural degree scheme in 1984 was for a Water Source Heat Pump and solar-heated Environmental Study Retreat at the derelict Porth Wen Brickworks in Anglesey.

At the time of writing this blog, the following Government announcements over environmental schemes and grants for householders, including the Each Home Counts Review (EHCR) are still valid. Check out a number of the national home energy efficiency grants and schemes by clicking on the links below or contact Ian Banks to discuss on 07717 710014 or ian.banks@atoll-uk.com

Each Home Counts Review (EHCR) – The Government-commissioned EHCR acknowledges the importance of consumers receiving trusted, impartial advice on energy efficiency. This Review also made recommendations on how energy efficiency advice could be improved. The EHCR site was developed in conjunction with the Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy. Recommendations you receive using the services on this site, are based on standards developed for Government as a way of understanding how houses and flats use energy, and how your home’s energy use could be improved.

Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) – If you have installed solar PV panels or other renewable electricity generation in your home or business like Wind Turbines or Micro CHP, you may be able to get money through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). Under the SEG, you can be paid for every unit of electricity that you feed back into the grid from your renewable system. You won’t be paid for any electricity that you use yourself.

Renewables Heat Incentive (RHI) –  The RHI is a long-standing government scheme that supports and encourages renewable heating systems like heat pumps and wood boilers. If you install a system that meets all the scheme requirements, you can effectively be paid for every unit of renewable heat you produce over a number of years. There are two RHI schemes, with the Domestic RHI being for households with a renewable heating system just for the one home, and that can support five technologies:

• Air source heat pumps
• Ground source heat pumps
• Wood boilers
• Wood pellet stoves with back boiler
• Solar water heating

Enter your postcode for national and local grants– Entering your postcode and answering a few questions on your circumstances will illustrate any relevant national and local grants that you might be eligible for.

Working With an Architect on Your Home

Check out the advice from the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and download their various free guides, including their information and advocacy on the benefits of Working With an Architect on Your Home .

Ian Banks has been a Chartered RIBA Architect now for over 30 years, and would be delighted to assist you. Call him now on 07717710014 or email him at ian.banks@atoll-uk.com .

Further information and guides are also accessible off the new Houzz Pro website for Atoll Architecture.