A government grant scheme has opened to assist island residents in reducing household carbon emissions and energy bills.

The Green Living Grant Scheme can provide financial assistance, up to a maximum of £6,000, to help make residential properties more energy efficient.

It operates in two parts, the first provides a Manx Home Energy Audit, and the second provides funding of up to 50% towards the cost of energy saving solutions identified by the audit.

The Manx Home Energy Audits will be based on the UK Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), and will provide an overall energy rating and a list of energy saving solutions in priority order for each property.

To qualify for funding towards improvement works, home owners, landlords (up to six properties) and tenants must be in receipt of this certificate, have a gross household annual income of below £112k (before tax allowances), and have received an asset rating of ’D’ or lower for their property.

Homes built in the island since January 1, 2020, will have an asset rating of at least C or higher.

Once the improvement works have been completed, a second Manx Home Energy Audit will be completed to measure the improvements made and to recertify the energy rating of the property.

It is estimated that the support provided through the Green Living Grant Scheme could significantly lower emissions in around 1,200 properties and save nearly 100,000 tonnes of CO2 entering the atmosphere - the equivalent to taking 1,500 cars off the road over the next 30 years.

Potential applicants who are unsure of their eligibility are encouraged to contact the Department of Enterprise by email at [email protected] or by telephone on 687333.

More details, including how to apply, can be found by visiting: www.iomdfenterprise.im/green-living