Check with OHMA if your home is eligible for free Net Zero upgrades
Most of Scotland's existing housing stock will require to be significantly upgraded – but for many the cost of such an undertaking may appear daunting.
However, as OHMS director Gordon Tennant explains, there are millions of pounds available in free funding to help tenants, housing associations and landlords achieve overall Net Zero. 'At OHMS Renewables, we're not just illuminating spaces; we're lighting up a brighter, cleaner future for all,' he says.
This impressive source of funding – some £12m-£14m has been made available to OHMS through the ECO4 Scheme in Scotland, which provides 100% grants for free insulation and renewable energy products.
ECO4 is the fourth and latest incarnation of The Energy Company Obligation (ECO), a UK government-backed scheme where qualifying homeowners and private tenants on certain means-tested benefits could have their inefficient heating systems replaced.
ECO4, adds Tennant, is designed to help Scottish households deemed to be living in fuel poverty. 'If anyone living in your household qualifies for one or more benefits there is a significant chance that you will qualify for this free government scheme.
'We just need the homeowner to approve the assessment of the property, and we can let you know what products will benefit you most,' he adds. 'It's the chance to join us on the path to a more sustainable tomorrow – and we can help you get started on your project today.'
OHMS was launched three years ago as a partnership of two and since then has grown from being a subcontractor into a main contractor and a trusted partner with Octopus.
'After years of successful partnerships with utilities and subcontractors alike, we are now in a position where via our utility companies we have available that significant amount of money to invest in solar panel and heat pump products for people who qualify under the criteria for the scheme,' says Tennant.
These include those entitled to Child Benefit, Income Support Income Based Jobseekers Allowance, Income Based Employment Support Allowance (ESA), Pension Credit Guarantee Credit and Pension Credit Savings Credit.
The company manages domestic and commercial electrical projects, offers landlord certifications, conducts EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) assessments and holds MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) certifications for Solar PV, battery storage, Air Source Heat Pump Installations and installs Electric Vehicle Charging Points.
'Basically, the whole aim of the scheme is that we take an existing building and retrospectively bring it up to today's standard and, while doing that, create a carbon saving,' says Tennant.
'The client sees the benefit from the free installation of heat pump and/or panels or high heat retentions through cavity wall installation – whatever it takes to bring the house up to today's standard.'
OHMS has grown its team to around 60 people operating from 20 vans and one example of the ECO4 projects undertaken by the company was at Waterside Cottage in the Scottish Borders and consisted of three Energy Efficiency Measures (Solar PV, loft insulation and High Heat Retention Heaters) which enhanced the properties EPC Rating, the valuation of property for landlord and had wider environmental benefits.
'We were able to offer free renewable and fabric measures to ensure inclusiveness and best working practice while striving toward a fully-fledged Net Zero policy,' says Tennant.
This is all part of a new narrative in approaching home energy, he adds. 'The UK is committed to reducing its carbon footprint and transitioning to clean energy sources. OHMS Renewables shares this vision and stands at the forefront of the solar energy revolution.
'Our mission is to make Solar PV and other means energy efficiency accessible to everyone, helping the nation move closer to a sustainable, eco-friendly future.'
An additional benefit is that investing through ECO4 in solar panels and renewable heating could increase the value of a property and help sell it more quickly when someone decides to move.
'Increasing numbers of UK homeowners are becoming environmentally conscious, so properties with solar and other energy-efficient installations are increasingly attractive to potential buyers,' he says.
To see if your home is eligible, go to ohmsrenewablesuk.co.uk or call 0141 611 5777
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