Search for available funding

Funding available for:

All energy efficiency
Any measures
Heat recovery ventilation units
Heat recovery ventilation units & radiator panels
Heating systems inc. controls
Insulation
Renewable/sustainable construction
Transport

Funding Source:

Energy suppliers

Eligible region:

England
Scotland
Wales

Scheme type:

Any schemes

Eligible Organisation type(s):

Any organisations

Description:

The Carbon Emissions Reduction Target (CERT) is a statutory obligation on the six largest energy suppliers to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide in the domestic sector. CERT came into effect on 1 April 2008. In February 2009 the Government proposed amendments to the Carbon Emissions Reduction Target and this has now been extended to 2012.

CERT is the principal driver of energy efficiency improvements in existing homes in Great Britain. In addition to the energy efficiency measures suppliers are able to promote microgeneration measures (to those considered most vulnerable), biomass community heating and CHP and other measures for reducing the consumption of supplied energy. CERT maintains a focus on vulnerable consumers and includes new approaches to innovation and flexibility. However 68% of the total target must be achieved through installed insulation measures therefore there will be a focus on funding these measures over others.

It is estimated that CERT would stimulate approximately £3.2 billion of investment by energy suppliers in carbon reduction measures. 40 per cent of this will need to be invested in the priority groups which includes those on low income and the elderly (over 70). Within this 15% of the target is to be achieved within a super priority group of those perceived to be most vulnerable.

Each of the six major energy suppliers run their own programmes providing funding for energy efficiency measures directly to householders.

In addition, local authorities and housing associations can work in partnership with the energy suppliers to develop schemes in their area. Local authorities and housing associations are key partners for the energy suppliers in accessing households. The Energy Saving Trust has produced a briefing note for local authorities and housing associations on CERT and how to access CERT funding.

The Energy Efficiency Partnership for Homes has recently produced guidance on the 'Opportunities to improve hard to treat homes within CERT'. This publications can be downloaded here.

Eligibility criteria:

All domestic sector homes are eligible to receive measures under CERT. The energy suppliers can fund measures in any household, regardless of which company supplies them electricity and gas. Suppliers must direct at least 40% of carbon savings to a priority group of low-income and elderly consumers. In addition to people on certain benefits and tax credits, the priority group includes all people over the age of 70.

Eligible expenditure:

The types of measures that can be funded through CERT include:

a) Measures for improving energy efficiency.

b) Measures for increasing the amount of electricity generated or heat produced by microgeneration (within the super priority groups considered to be most vulnerable).

c) Measures for promoting community heating schemes powered wholly or mainly by biomass, not exceeding a size of three megawatts thermal.

d) Measures for reducing the consumption of supplied energy, such as behavioral measures.

Availabilty time update:

No

Time scale:

The current CERT round runs from April 2008 to Dec 2012.

Grant limit:

The amount of funding available is dependent on the supplier and therefore it is advisable to contact several suppliers in order to attain the best deal.

Application procedure:

Contact details for the CERT teams at the major energy suppliers can be found here.

Application deadline:

This funding programme runs from 2008-2012.

Contact details:

Contact details for the CERT teams within the major energy suppliers can be found here

Email:

Further information:

The Energy Efficiency Partnership for Homes has produced some guidance on the Opportunities to Improve Hard to Treat Homes within CERT and these documents can be found on their website here.

Keyword(s):

EEC, measures, insulation, suppliers, appliances, heating, energy, efficiency, commitment CERT Carbon emissions reduction target