What is ECO4 and GBIS? How to Check Your Eligibility for the Grants in the UK

ByCarbon Future

Is your home cold, damp, or expensive to heat? Are you spending too much on energy bills? You could qualify for free heating and insulation upgrades through government-backed schemes: ECO4 and the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS).

These initiatives aim to improve the UK’s housing stock, tackle fuel poverty, and lower national carbon emissions. At CarbonFuture, we help households access 100% funded energy efficiency improvements through these schemes. If you’re eligible, the upgrades are completely free*.

What is ECO4?

ECO4 is the fourth phase of the Energy Company Obligation (ECO), which began in July 2022 and runs until March 2026. It is a UK Government initiative that requires large energy suppliers to fund energy-saving improvements in low-income and vulnerable households.

ECO4 Objectives

  • Cut carbon emissions
  • Reduce fuel poverty
  • Improve health through warmer homes
  • Upgrade inefficient housing stock

What Does ECO4 Cover?

ECO4 focuses on whole-house retrofits, meaning your entire home’s efficiency is assessed and improved as needed. Covered measures include:

  • Room-in-roof insulation
  • Cavity wall insulation
  • Loft and underfloor insulation
  • Air source heat pumps
  • Solar PV panels
  • First-time central heating
  • Smart thermostats
  • Boiler upgrades

CarbonFuture helps you get all eligible upgrades installed professionally and for free.

What is GBIS?

The Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) launched in August 2023. It is designed to help a broader range of households, not just those on low incomes. It aims to insulate 300,000 homes by 2026.

GBIS Guidance

  • Runs alongside ECO4 but with a different eligibility model
  • Focuses solely on insulation upgrades
  • Helps both low-income and middle-income households
  • Covers owner-occupiers and private tenants

What Does GBIS Cover?  

GBIS typically includes:

  • Loft insulation
  • Cavity wall insulation
  • Solid wall insulation (internal/external)
  • Flat roof insulation
  • Pitched roof insulation
  • Draught proofing
  • Secondary glazing (where needed)

Difference Between ECO4 and GBIS   

Feature

ECO4

GBIS

Purpose

Whole-house energy upgrades

Single insulation measures

Measures Funded

Insulation, heating, renewables

Insulation only

Target Audience

Low-income & vulnerable homes

Wider income brackets (low to medium)

Eligibility

Based on benefits & EPC

Based on EPC & council tax bands

EPC Requirement

D, E, F or G

D or below

Tenure

Owner-occupied, private rental, social housing

Owner-occupied, private rental

Funded By

Energy suppliers via ECO obligation

Energy suppliers (separate obligation)

ECO4 and GBIS Eligibility Criteria

Benefits-Based Eligibility (ECO4 Focused):

You may qualify if someone in your household receives:

  • Universal Credit
  • Pension Credit
  • Housing Benefit
  • Child Tax Credit / Working Tax Credit
  • Income Support
  • ESA / JSA (income-based)

Low-Income Households (Both ECO4 & GBIS):

  • Annual household income under £31,000
  • Vulnerable to cold-related health risks (e.g., respiratory illness)

Property Conditions (EPC Rating):

  • EPC rating of D, E, F or G (older, energy-inefficient homes)
  • You can check your EPC here

Council Tax Banding (GBIS only):

  • England: Council Tax Bands A-D
  • Scotland/Wales: Council Tax Bands A-E

Tenure:

  • Owner-occupiers
  • Private renters (with landlord consent)
  • Some social housing (with EPC E-G)

How Much Do ECO4 and GBIS Cost?  

If you’re eligible, ECO4 and GBIS cost nothing. The full cost of insulation or heating system upgrades is covered. There are:

  • No loans
  • No upfront charges
  • No hidden costs

You’ll receive free consultation, survey, and installation through certified installers like CarbonFuture.

Free ECO4 and GBIS Consultation with CarbonFuture

CarbonFuture is your trusted partner for:

  • Free eligibility checks
  • Expert grant guidance
  • Fast-track grant applications
  • Professional installation

Our consultation takes just minutes, and our team will manage everything from paperwork to installation — at zero cost to you.

How to Check If You’re Eligible for ECO4 or GBIS Grants?

Here’s how you can check your eligibility in under 2 minutes:

We offer full support for both ECO4 and GBIS grants in England, Scotland, and Wales.

FAQs about ECO4 and GBIS 

ECO4 supports full energy efficiency upgrades (heating + insulation), while GBIS focuses on insulation only. ECO4 targets low-income households; GBIS supports a broader range.

Homeowners or renters in Council Tax bands A-D (England) or A-E (Scotland/Wales) with low EPC ratings (D or below) may qualify. You don’t need to be on benefits.

Only insulation measures — including loft, cavity wall, and solid wall insulation. Heating systems are not covered under GBIS.

Energy suppliers fund GBIS under the UK Government’s Energy Company Obligation. Ofgem regulates the scheme.

Yes. But you’ll need written permission from your landlord.

Visit the UK EPC Register and search by your postcode.

Yes. If you’re eligible, all services are funded — no payment, no debt, no repayment.