What is GBIS and ECO 4

As the UK pushes toward a greener future, homeowners and builders are encountering new terms like ECO 4 and GBIS more often. But what do these mean, and how do they impact your journey to a more energy-efficient home? Let’s break it down in simple terms.

What is ECO 4?

ECO 4 is the latest phase of the UK government’s Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme. This long-running program helps make homes across the country more energy-efficient, especially focusing on those in fuel poverty or with low incomes.

Here’s what ECO 4 means for you:

• Funding for Home Improvements: ECO 4 provides funding and incentives to help homeowners install energy-saving measures, such as insulation, new boilers, or renewable technologies.

• Focus on Decarbonisation: Unlike earlier phases, ECO 4 puts more emphasis on reducing carbon emissions, aligning with the government’s net-zero targets for 2050.

• Priority for Vulnerable Households: ECO 4 prioritizes vulnerable people to ensure that those who need help the most receive it first.

If you’re looking to improve your home’s energy efficiency but worry about the cost, ECO 4 could provide valuable financial support.

What is GBIS?

GBIS stands for Green Book Information Service. It’s a comprehensive digital tool used by industry professionals, including retrofit coordinators and builders, to access accurate and up-to-date information on building materials, products, and retrofit standards.

Here’s why GBIS matters:

• Reliable Information Source: GBIS offers trusted data on energy-efficient products and methods, helping ensure retrofit projects meet quality and compliance standards.

• Supports Retrofit Coordination: By providing detailed product specs and guidance, GBIS helps professionals design effective retrofit plans that save energy and money.

• Standardisation: GBIS promotes consistency across retrofit projects, which is essential for achieving the government’s environmental goals.

For homeowners, knowing that your retrofit team uses GBIS means you can have confidence in the quality and effectiveness of the improvements made to your home.

Why ECO 4 and GBIS Matter Together

ECO 4 sets the rules and funding framework for energy upgrades, while GBIS provides the technical knowledge needed to deliver them correctly. Together, they help ensure that retrofitting your home is not only affordable but also high-quality and sustainable.

How UK Green Homes Can Help

At UK Green Homes, we specialise in guiding homeowners through the retrofit process. We understand the latest schemes like ECO 4 and use tools like GBIS to coordinate your project efficiently. Our goal is to help you achieve a warmer, greener home that saves you money and reduces your carbon footprint.