While comfort and style remain an important aspect of homeownership, energy efficiency continues to play centre stage. In 2025, it’s not just a nice-to-have  - high EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) ratings are becoming more critical than ever before. Let’s discuss why and, more importantly, how you can future-proof your home.   Factors Driving Energy Efficiency The days of cheap energy are likely behind us. Global events and increasing demand are pushing energy costs to unprecedented levels, directly impacting homeowners’ wallets, making energy bills a significant financial burden. 36% of families spent more than 10% of their income on energy in 2024 and this figure continues to increase each year. Efficient homes directly combat this by reducing energy consumption, for substantial savings. The government’s implementing stricter regulations to meet climate change targets. These regulations often include minimum energy efficiency standards for homes, impacting everything from new builds to existing properties. Today’s homebuyers, particularly younger generations, are increasingly environmentally conscious, recognising the long-term cost savings and positive environmental impact of energy-efficient homes. Homes with low EPC ratings are becoming less attractive, potentially leading to longer selling times and reduced resale value.   Future-Proofing: More Than Just Saving Money While saving money on bills is a major motivator, future-proofing your home goes beyond that. Energy-efficient homes are simply more comfortable. They maintain consistent temperatures, eliminate draughts, and provide better insulation year-round. Improved ventilation and reduced dampness in energy-efficient homes contribute to better indoor air quality, promoting the health and well-being of occupants. Energy-efficient homes are more resilient to energy price shocks and future regulatory changes, providing long-term security and peace of mind.   The VESA Advantage Navigating energy efficiency can be daunting. That’s where the Vibrant Energy Savings Audit (VESA) comes in. A VESA provides homeowners with a clear path to a greener future, identifying the most effective energy-saving upgrades for your home, helping you understand current and upcoming energy efficiency regulations and ensuring your home meets the required standards. By implementing our sustainable recommendations , you’ll create a more comfortable living environment while simultaneously increasing your property’s value and appeal to future buyers. Furthermore, we model each upgrade package to achieve a significant return on investment, where the savings often exceed the borrowing costs required for funding the installations. Contact us today to book your VESA and embark on your journey to a more sustainable and valuable home.

Many homeowners want to reduce their energy bills and environmental impact but aren’t sure where to begin. We’re here to guide you on how to create a warmer, greener, and more affordable home! This guide is designed for you - the everyday homeowner who wants to make a real difference to your bills and property’s energy usage. We’ll break down some easy starting points for energy-efficient upgrades and, best of all, show you how our UK-first Vibrant Energy Savings Audit (VESA) can help you save £500 on your journey! Where to Begin: Simple Steps, Big Impact Think of your home’s energy efficiency like building blocks. Starting with the foundation makes the rest easier to follow. Here are a few beginner-friendly areas to focus on: Draught-Proofing Imagine tiny gaps around your windows and doors letting precious heat escape in winter and cool air escape in summer. Draughts are a major culprit for wasted energy and can make your home feel constantly chilly or stuffy. Invest in some inexpensive draught excluders for doors, weather stripping for windows, and sealant for cracks around pipes or cables. You’ll be surprised at the immediate difference in comfort and your energy bills.   Smart Thermostats Traditional thermostats can be inefficient, heating your home even when you’re not there or overheating rooms unnecessarily. Smart thermostats offer much more control. A smart thermostat allows you to schedule heating and cooling, control it remotely via your phone, and even learn your habits to optimise energy usage automatically. Precise temperature control prevents wasted energy and ensures your home is comfortable only when you need it to be.   Efficient Lighting Incandescent and even some older halogen bulbs are energy guzzlers. Switching to LED bulbs is one of the quickest and most impactful changes you can make. Lighting accounts for a significant portion of household energy consumption. LEDs drastically reduce this, saving you money on your electricity bill.   Understanding Your Energy Usage Before making bigger changes, it's helpful to understand where your energy is going. That’s where we come in. A VESA will help you understand your energy habits in detail and also helps you identify areas where you can make the biggest impact with your upgrades, alongside recommendations for the most impactful energy upgrades, access to government funding and exclusive deals and savings with our industry-leading partners.   Ready to Take the Next Step? We hope you’re feeling more confident about where to start. But, sometimes, knowing what  to do is only half the battle. With a Vibrant Energy Savings Audit, we’ll help you make your home as energy-efficient and as effective as possible with our expert advice, installations and recommendations. With a VESA you’ll receive a specific, step-by-step report - designed specifically for homeowners like you. We take the guesswork out of energy-efficient upgrades by: Gathering in-depth, detailed information about your property and your energy needs. Based on your specific situation, we’ll suggest the most impactful upgrades for your home and budget. We’ll break down each recommendation into why and how it can benefit you. £500 off our exclusive Gold Get Off Grid package   How to Claim Your £500 Discount Visit our website or contact us directly.   With these beginner-friendly steps and the expert guidance of a VESA, you can start saving money, reducing your carbon footprint, and creating a more comfortable home today. Take the first step towards a more energy-efficient future. Contact us today.

With energy prices rising and sustainability remaining a core component of government policies, there’s never been a better time for homeowners to invest in sustainable energy and efficiency upgrades. The UK government offer a range of grants and financial schemes to help households improve their property’s energy performance – in turn, reducing both carbon emissions and energy bills. Here, we break down the top UK government grants available in 2025, eligibility criteria, and how our VESA (Vibrant Energy Savings Audit) can help you find and access the best funding options for your home. The Great British Insulation Scheme Designed to help homeowners and tenants improve home insulation , this scheme provides grants for loft insulation, cavity wall insulation and solid wall insulation. Households in council tax bands A-D (England & Wales) or A-E (Scotland) and homes with an EPC rating of D or below are eligible. Grants typically cover up to 75% of insulation costs, making energy-saving improvements more affordable.   Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) A government-backed initiative offering grants to replace old gas boilers with low-carbon heating systems such as: air source heat pumps (£7,500 grant), ground source heat pumps (£7,500 grant)and biomass boilers (£5,000 grant – rural areas only). To meet the qualification criteria, you must be a homeowner in England & Wales, your property is replacing existing fossil fuel heating (oil, gas, or electric heating) and your property must have a valid EPC and has no outstanding loft or cavity wall insulation recommendations.   Warm Homes Grant The Warm Homes: Local Grant is a government-funded scheme delivered by Local Authorities that will take the first steps to delivering on the ambitions of the Warm Homes Plan. It will provide grants for energy performance upgrades and low carbon heating to low-income households living in the worst quality, privately owned homes in England to achieve energy bill savings and carbon savings. Delivery of the scheme is expected to start in April 2025 and will allocate £500 million across 270 local authorities over the next three years. Property is in England Are low income and meet one of the following criteria: gross annual household income of £36,000 or less those living in deprived areas (ranked in the lowest income deciles) those already receiving means-tested benefits (like Universal Credit or Housing Benefit) Have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) between D and G Are privately owned (owner occupied or privately rented)   Smart Export Guarantee The SEG allows homeowners with solar panels , wind turbines, or other renewable energy sources to sell excess electricity back to the grid. While it’s not a grant, it’s a great way to generate savings on your energy bills. Homeowners who install solar PV, wind, hydro, or micro combined heat and power (CHP) systems qualify – you also must use a SEG-licensed electricity supplier.   Find Out Which Grants Apply to Your Home with a VESA Understanding which government grants you qualify for can be confusing - but we’re here to help you with all your energy-related questions. Our Vibrant Energy Savings Audit provides a detailed report on how to improve your home’s energy efficiency with recommendations for specific upgrades, alongside which grants you are eligible for. When you book a VESA, we’ll help boost your EPC rating and reduce energy costs – you’ll also get £500 off the Get Off Grid Gold Package to offset costs on the energy efficiency upgrades you opt for. Book your VESA today!

When selling or renting a home, one of the most overlooked factors influencing property value is its Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating. A higher EPC rating not only makes your home more energy-efficient but also makes it more attractive to buyers and lenders, which helps increase its market value. Improving your EPC rating can add real benefits to your property, including higher value, a lower carbon footprint, better mortgage rates and complying with government regulations. At Vibrant, we also help you access exclusive grants and schemes to make those upgrades more affordable. Higher Property Sale & Rental Prices Energy efficiency is now a key selling point for buyers and tenants. Research shows that homes with higher EPC ratings can sell for up to 14% more than lower-rated properties. Buyers are willing to pay more for homes with lower running costs, and landlords can charge higher rents for properties that meet or exceed new energy efficiency standards. Government data suggests homes rated EPC C or above sell faster and at higher prices than those rated D or below. Loft insulation , energy-efficient lighting, and sustainable heating upgrades can significantly boost your EPC score.   Lower Running Costs & Increased Buyer Appeal A home with a higher EPC rating costs less to run. Buyers today are more conscious of energy bills, and with rising energy prices, a cost-efficient home is far more attractive. A property upgraded from EPC D to EPC B could save homeowners hundreds of pounds per year in energy costs, making it more desirable to future buyers. Modern boilers, heat pumps , and improved insulation can significantly reduce energy costs.   Better Mortgage Rates & Green Finance Options Many mortgage lenders now offer ‘green mortgages’ with lower interest rates for energy-efficient properties. Buyers purchasing a higher EPC-rated home can access better borrowing terms, making it more affordable to buy a well-rated property. Major UK banks offer discounted mortgage rates for homes rated EPC B or above. Upgrading your home’s heating system and insulation can make it eligible.   Future-Proofing Against Government Regulations With the UK government tightening energy efficiency rules, homes with low EPC ratings may become harder to sell or rent. With EPC C soon to be the minimum standard for all rented properties, homes below this grade may require expensive upgrades - which could have been sorted out sooner - before they can be sold or let. The proposed Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) for landlords will ban rentals with an EPC below C by 2028 for new tenancies and 2030 for the remainder of tenanted properties. Investing in renewable energy solutions, and insulation now will keep your home compliant and valuable in the long term.   Exclusive Brand Discounts & Cost Savings on Upgrades The biggest barrier to improving a home’s EPC rating is the upfront cost of energy-efficient upgrades. That’s where we can help. A   Vibrant Energy Savings Audit (VESA) helps with: Recommending specific energy efficiency upgrades for your home Access to grants and funding you may qualify for Exclusive brand discounts with our partners to make improvements more affordable When you book a VESA, you’ll also get an exclusive £500 off the Get Off Grid Gold Package , helping you upgrade your EPC rating at a lower cost and off shooting the overall costs of the sustainable installations you opt for. Upgrading your EPC has never been easier or more cost-effective – book your VESA today .

Your home’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating plays a crucial role in its energy efficiency, running costs, and even property value. If your EPC rating is lower than you’d like, the good news is that there are money-saving and effective ways to improve it - some of which you can implement immediately. At Vibrant Energy Matters , we help homeowners and landlords identify the most impactful home improvements through our UK-first, exclusive VESA (Vibrant Energy Savings Audit) offering. Plus, we’re offering £500 off our Vibrant Gold Package to help you achieve an even better EPC rating, future-proof your home and reduce both your carbon footprint and reliance on the grid.   Why Improve Your EPC Rating? A more energy-efficient home means lower heating and electricity costs. Homes with better EPC ratings are more attractive to prospective buyers and tenants. Landlords must meet minimum EPC standards, with regulations tightening in the coming years. Some lenders offer better mortgage rates for energy-efficient homes.   Step-by-Step Guide to Boosting Your EPC Rating Quick Wins Switch to LED Bulbs Replacing old halogen or incandescent bulbs with LEDs is one of the simplest ways to cut energy use - LEDs use up to 90% less energy and last significantly longer. Draught-Proof Your Home Block gaps around windows, doors, and chimneys to prevent heat loss. Draught excluders and sealant strips are low-cost solutions that help improve comfort and energy efficiency. Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat Smart thermostats like Nest or Hive optimise heating schedules based on usage patterns. This small change can reduce heating bills by up to 15%. Install Radiator Reflectors These inexpensive panels reflect heat back into the room rather than being absorbed by walls. Install or Top up your Loft Insulation Ensuring you have at least 250mm – 300mm of loft insulation in your roof space will significantly reduce the heat loss rate of your property. In most cases this will generate significant energy bill savings and improve the EPC rating of your property.     Bigger Upgrades for a Long-Term EPC Boost Upgrade Your Boiler If your boiler is over 10 years old, replacing it with an A-rated condensing boiler can dramatically improve efficiency. Modern boilers use less fuel and work more efficiently with thermostats and heating controls. We are government funding specialist with access to the UK Boiler Upgrade Scheme , which offers grants of up to £7,500 for air source and ground source heat pumps and £5,000 for biomass boilers. Improve Wall Insulation Cavity wall insulation can cut heating costs by up to £275 per year. If you have solid walls, internal or external insulation can be even more effective. Our cavity wall insulation service fills the gaps in your walls. This solution prevents heat from escaping, keeping your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer, all while reducing your energy usage. Install Double or Triple Glazing Replacing old single-glazed windows with A-rated double glazing reduces heat loss and improves soundproofing. Consider Renewable Energy Solar panels or air-source heat pumps can significantly lower energy costs while improving your EPC rating. Our Solar PV including Battery reduces your reliance on the grid and lowering your energy bills. This is one of the most effective ways to improve the energy efficiency rating of your home. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Doors Old, poorly insulated doors can leak heat; replacing them with energy-efficient versions can improve your rating.   How a VESA Helps You Find the Most Cost-Effective Improvements Not all improvements will have the same impact on every home. That’s where a VESA (Vibrant Energy Savings Audit) comes in. Our expert assessors identify the most effective upgrades specific to your home, ensuring you get the best return on investment. Some green energy improvements qualify for government grants or incentives – we will handle sourcing the grants, off shooting your final cost. Exclusive Offer Get £500 Off Our Vibrant Gold Package! For a limited time, Vibrant Energy Matters is offering a £500 discount on our comprehensive Vibrant Gold Package, helping you implement the most impactful EPC improvements. Book your VESA today and start saving on energy bills while improving your home’s value.

When it comes to improving your home’s energy efficiency , most homeowners are familiar with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). But while an EPC provides a general rating, it often falls short in delivering actionable insights and recommendations, unique to a property. That’s where a VESA (Vibrant Energy Savings Audit) steps in, offering a deeper, more practical analysis to help homeowners cut energy costs, future-proof their home and make smarter home upgrades – as well as unlocking and accessing government grants. What is an EPC? An EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) rates a property’s energy efficiency on a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). It provides an overview of a home’s energy use and estimated running costs, along with generic recommendations for improvement. However, EPCs have limitations: its basic overview provides a snapshot but lacks detailed insights. The generic recommendations don’t consider the homeowner’s budget, goals, or eligibility for grants . There’s no cost-benefit analysis which means no priority on the most impactful changes. This means homeowners often receive a report but don’t know where to start or which upgrades will offer the best return on investment.   How is a VESA Different? A VESA (Vibrant Energy Savings Audit) goes beyond a standard EPC by offering a comprehensive, specific action plan for homeowners. Here’s how: Through detailed energy efficiency insights, a VESA analyses not just the fabric of the building but also heating systems, insulation , and renewable energy potential. Instead of generic advice, you’ll receive a step-by-step plan showing which upgrades will have the biggest impact – and how to access funding for the installations. Many homeowners qualify for financial support but don’t realise it. A VESA identifies which grants and funding you can apply for, potentially saving you thousands. With a VESA, you’ll get £500 off the Vibrant Gold Package , making energy-saving improvements more affordable, and exclusive deals with our partners such as B&Q, Nissan, Skipton Building Society and much more.   Why Homeowners Need More Than Just an EPC A standard EPC might tell you that your home needs better insulation or a more efficient heating system , but it won’t show you the best order to make improvements for maximum savings, tell you which grants or incentives you qualify for or provide in-depth cost-saving estimates for each upgrade. With energy prices on the rise, making informed decisions about home energy efficiency is more important than ever. With a VESA, you get the most practical, cost-effective sustainable solutions which can really make an impact on your home. A VESA goes beyond outlining the sole benefit to the occupant of reduced energy costs, it also looks at factors such as resultant maintenance and compliance costs, savings from relevant energy tariffs and impacts on the home’s value and potential rental income. Don’t settle for a basic EPC when you could have a personalised energy savings roadmap! Book your VESA assessment today and claim £500 off the Vibrant Gold Package to future-proof your home, save money and reduce your reliance on the grid.

The cumulative decline in UK house prices is urging estate agents to think outside the box when looking to sell homes within their current property portfolio. A seemingly endless plethora of economic obstacles, higher interest rates, the possibility of job cuts and a spike in the cost of living, are currently making it more difficult to sell residential properties, putting pressure on agents to drop their asking prices. According to The Guardian ( The Guardian, 30 December 2022, UK house prices fall for fourth month in a row, longest run since 2018 ), UK property prices have been falling at the fastest rate in 14 years and on 1 February 2023 Nationwide Building Society announced that prices had at the end of January fallen for the fifth consecutive month, making this the longest negative run since the global financial crisis in 2008. No surprise in rising mortgage rates This is not a total surprise as in December 2022, Nationwide Building Society’s chief economist, Robert Gardner, predicted a 5% drop in prices in 2023, while Halifax painted a more gloomy picture with an 8% forecast, a single percentage point less than the Office for Budget Responsibility’s prediction of 9% ( Reuters, 20 December 2022, UK’s Nationwide forecasts 5% house price fall for 2023 ) With sluggish growth affecting all regions in the UK, the annual growth rate, according to The Guardian ( The Guardian, 1 February 2023, UK house prices fall for fifth month in a row ), is currently at 1.1%, down from 2.8 % in December 2022. This is the lowest it’s been since June 2020 when the UK housing market emerged from a hard lockdown in the initial stages of the Covid-19 pandemic. In addition, the mortgage approval rate is the lowest it’s been since the start of the pandemic; even lower than economists had expected. Paying off a property has become much more expensive. Forbes reported on 19 January 2023 ( Forbes, 19 January 2023, What’s the latest UK mortgage rates?) to curb inflation, the Bank of England raised interest rates on 15 December 2022 from 3.0% to 3.5%, marking the ninth rise since December 2021 when the Bank rate stood at just 0.1% The downward trend in property prices is set to continue with Forbes expecting the market to slow down further and property prices to fall by another 2% in 2023. As a result, buyers are more reluctant to buy, opting to see how the market develops this year. How Vibrant can shield you and your customers from this downward trend Fortunately, there is a way to cushion the blow for your customers. Moving your customers property to a greener portfolio and maximising the energy efficiency of their buildings makes it financially attractive to your buyers as they would save on monthly energy bills. A few simple changes can make your customers property and your overall property portfolio more attractive and therefore easier to sell and at a better price. It all starts with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), a certification that measures the energy efficiency of a property on a scale from G (least efficient) to A (most efficient) as well as provide guidelines and estimates of costs on how to improve the energy efficiency of a property. More on EPC Plus Having committed to a Net Zero carbon position by 2050, the government is encouraging everyone to be a C (or better) by 2035. Money Supermarket recently published an article explaining how a better energy efficiency rating would improve the value of a property ( Money Supermarket, 13 September 2022, How energy efficiency impacts property values) . They said increasing the EPC rating from a D to an A would increase the value of a property by as much as 14%, while simply improving from a D to a C would add an average of 10% to the value of a house. More buyers are moving towards “greener” energy efficient properties. Residential development head at Shakespeare Martineau said in Inside Housing ( I nside Housing, 11 August, 2022, Buyers want green homes. But the market and government need to catch up ) 77% of people in the housing market have indicated they are likely to consider a green home as their next property, mostly due to environmental concerns. Add to that the financial incentive of a more energy efficient house, and your residential property becomes highly sought after. To learn more, contact Vibrant

Don’t be alarmed; be ready: as of the 1 October, 2022 landlords are required to take responsibility for the installation of smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms in specified areas let as living accommodation. This follows seven years of in-depth consultation to finalize amendments to the 2015 Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations to create safer homes for residents. A Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarm is a device that detects the presence of CO to prevent Carbon Monoxide poisoning. Annually causing about 20 deaths, 200 major injuries, which require hospitalization, and 4 000 minor injuries, measures had to be taken to snuff out the colourless, odourless and tasteless “silent killer” known as Carbon Monoxide poisoning in the home. Because CO is almost impossible to detect without a CO alarm, and symptoms are similar to that of flu, poisoning is often wrongly diagnosed as flu, and patients miss out on the appropriate treatment for this life-threatening condition. The new Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Regulations introduce three key safety measures to new and existing homes in the private and social rental markets, as well as owner occupied premises. Going forward, social landlords will be required to ensure that at least one smoke alarm is installed on each storey of the premises on which there is a room used wholly or partially as living accommodation. Private and social landlords are also required to install a carbon monoxide alarm in any room used as living accommodation, where a fixed combustion appliance (excluding gas cookers) is used. Furthermore, amendments to the statutory guidance, supporting Part J of the Building Regulations, require that carbon monoxide alarms are fitted alongside the installation of fixed combustion appliances of any fuel type (excluding gas cookers). While these changes offer clear benefits to residents, how will it impact property owners, lenders, estate agents and social housing? As we said in the opening line of this article: don’t be alarmed; be ready. The additional impact on private and social landlords will be negligible. While the cost to house builders and owner occupiers would be about £208 million over ten years, the assessed benefits will add up to about £183 million over a 20-year period. These benefits are calculated by estimating the monitised health benefit through reduced fatalities and injuries. It is estimated that owner-occupiers will spend about £27 per additional alarm, including parts and installation. However, over time, the cost of alarms is expected to drop, while the average lifespan of these devices is expected to improve. While there will be a small increased impact on smaller landlords, they are not expected to be disproportionately affected. For more information on CO Alarms and possible solutions for your property portfolio, contact us.  Issued by Vibrant, 3 November 2022.

At Vibrant Energy Matters , we provide the highest-quality energy-efficient solutions for homes across the UK. We are trusted by thousands of homeowners and landlords every month to reduce a property’s carbon footprint while increasing the property value and reducing energy bills. As part of our ongoing commitment and ethos, we are proud to be backed by TrustMark , the only UK Government-Endorsed Quality Scheme for work carried out in and around the home. What Does It Mean to Be TrustMark Registered? Being a TrustMark Registered Business means that we have met the highest standards for technical competence, customer service , and good trading practices. The TrustMark endorsement ensures that our work is regularly inspected to guarantee consistent quality and adherence to the strict guidelines set by the government. When you see the TrustMark logo, it’s a symbol of trust, reliability, and assurance. For our customers, this means that the work we carry out in their home will be of the highest quality, completed by professionals who care about getting the job done right. It also demonstrates that we operate transparently, following industry best practices to ensure satisfaction. Why TrustMark Matters to You When you choose to work with a TrustMark Registered Business like Vibrant Energy Matters, you’re getting peace of mind and expert service. Commitment to Quality: our work undergoes regular inspections to ensure technical excellence and compliance with government standards. Customer-Focused Service: TrustMark requires us to prioritise customer service, ensuring that your experience with us is a smooth process, with transparent pricing, and reliable timing. Confidence in Your Decision: choosing a TrustMark business provides confidence that you’re working with professionals who are trusted by the UK government to maintain the highest standards.   Setting the Benchmark for Energy Solutions We believe in doing more than just providing energy-efficient solutions . We are here to set the benchmark for excellence in home improvements, supporting sustainability while giving homeowners the assurance they deserve. Working with TrustMark helps us achieve that, offering you a trusted, reliable partnership as you take the journey into making your home more energy-efficient. By choosing Vibrant Energy Matters, you’re choosing a company that is backed by the only UK Government-Endorsed Quality Scheme – ensuring quality, trust, and the highest quality service for every project. Learn more about our energy-efficient solutions today: Energy Efficiency | Vibrant ( vibrantenergymatters.co.uk )

Sustainable housing is becoming an attractive option for current homeowners and potential buyers alike, within the ever-evolving UK property market. As energy experts and champions of sustainable living, we know first-hand that eco-friendly and energy-efficient homes aren’t simply a passing trend but will change how we will view property and live in 2024 and beyond. Sustainable homes create environmentally friendly living spaces through the installation of sustainable, energy-saving and money-saving products . By using these resources efficiently, more people are gravitating towards eco-friendly homes, motivated by the opportunity to reduce their ecological impact and lower energy costs. As the cost-of-living crisis continues to escalate, we’re seeing a rise in individuals moving towards sustainable, eco-friendly properties. Because of this it’s becoming more common for those in the property market to prioritise energy efficiency to save on utility bills and secure a more financially sustainable future. This is backed up by stats from the recent Rightmove Greener Homes Report  where 13% of home-buyers and 19% of renters planning to move in the next 12 months consider energy efficiency as a major factor in choosing a property. Here are some examples of how to boost energy efficiency if you’re considering transitioning to sustainable living: Improving insulation will reduce how much you rely on your traditional heating systems, and investing in solar panels will create electricity and heat water for the household. Another aspect of sustainable living is using materials with minimal environmental impact. These materials are often responsibly sourced such as recycled wood flooring which offers a sustainable alternative due to its renewable nature. Investing in appliances that focus on water conservation is another way to promote sustainability at home such as specialised taps, showers, and toilets designed to minimise water usage. With electric cars becoming more and more common, installing an electric charging station not only future-proofs your property but can also enhance its value if you plan to sell in the future. The Rightmove Greener Homes Report states the number of listings that mention an electric car charging point has increased by 592% since 2019. Whether you’re looking for a new property or want to increase the value of your current home, these features and installations can reduce your environmental footprint and improve overall energy efficiency.   The benefits of improving your property’s sustainability extend beyond environmental impacts, offering advantages that can improve both your lifestyle and financial security: By maximising energy efficiency and water usage, you’ll benefit from lower monthly utility bills in comparison to traditional homes. With elements like energy-saving appliances, improved insulation, and water-saving technologies, sustainable homes offer cost savings and economic stability . Sustainable homes have gained considerable appeal in the property market, and continue to do so. The escalating demand for features such as energy-efficient appliances and electric vehicle charging stations can lead to better value for your property. Alongside increasing your property’s value, sustainable features can improve its marketability, resulting in quicker selling times. Investing in sustainable features not only results in financial benefits but also provides a competitive advantage in the market. The rise of sustainable housing represents a major shift in the UK property landscape, and will remain crucial for individuals contemplating purchasing a new property or enhancing their existing one. Interested in the benefits of a more energy-efficient home? Give us a call or download our exclusive Get Off Grid guide, which will provide you with the benefits of our Bronze, Silver and Gold packages. HVCO - Get Off Grid | Vibrant ( vibrantenergymatters.co.uk )

The UK’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme  (BUS) is a government initiative aimed at helping homeowners transition from traditional, fossil-fuel heating systems to modern options, such as heat pumps and biomass boilers, which help save considerable money on bills compared to their older counterparts. Launched in 2022, this scheme is part of the UK government’s broader efforts to reduce carbon emissions and meet its net-zero targets. If you're considering upgrading your heating system  to a sustainable solution that saves money on energy bills, the BUS scheme could be just what you’re looking for. Here’s how to get started. What is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)? The BUS scheme provides financial support in the form of grants to help homeowners in the United Kingdom switch to low-carbon heating alternatives. You can receive grants of: £7,500 for air-source heat pumps £5,000 for biomass boilers These grants are intended to make the installation of these systems more affordable, encouraging wider adoption and reducing the UK’s reliance on fossil fuels.   Why Change to the BUS? In a nutshell, the BUS scheme helps you save money in the long term and short term through the installation of modern heating systems. Older alternatives use more energy  which means your bills will be higher, but when options such as heat pumps or biomass boilers are installed, you’ll benefit from lower bills. And who doesn’t want more money in their pocket? The BUS scheme also enables you to contribute to a greener planet, through lower emissions which reduce your carbon footprint. This will contribute to a sustainable future for the generations to come.   Who is Eligible for the BUS? To be eligible for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, you must: Own your property (either as a homeowner or landlord ) in the UK. Have an existing fossil-fuel heating system (e.g., gas, oil, or electric resistance). Install a heat pump or biomass boiler in a property that meets minimum energy efficiency standards (demonstrated through a Vibrant Energy Saving Audit).   Steps to Getting Started Ready to begin your journey towards contributing to a greener UK and reducing your energy bills? Here’s how to get started: 1.       We’ll Assess Your Current Heating System Speak to us  to arrange an appointment where we’ll evaluate your current heating system and the benefits of upgrading to a heat pump or biomass boiler. This involves calculating your current energy costs, researching the efficiency of low-carbon alternatives, and considering how the upgrade could impact your home’s value and environmental footprint.   2.       Get an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) Get a valid EPC  from Vibrant. This certificate assesses the energy efficiency of your property and is a key requirement for eligibility. The EPC will highlight any necessary improvements, such as insulation, which you’ll need to address before applying for the grant. The Vibrant Energy Saving Audit provides everything you need to obtain a good energy rating, and an EPC certificate.   3.       Apply for the Grant We’ll make the application process straightforward and will apply for the grant on your behalf. The grant is paid directly to the installer, reducing the amount you’ll need to pay upfront.   4.       Enjoy the Benefits After installation, you can begin enjoying the benefits of your new low-carbon heating system, including lower energy bills and reduced carbon emissions.   The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is an excellent opportunity to modernise your home’s heating system, and save money on energy bills while contributing to the UK’s environmental goals. Take the first step today, find out how we can help you upgrade to a more sustainable future. UK Boiler Upgrade Scheme | Vibrant ( vibrantenergymatters.co.uk )

As the UK works toward its ambitious net-zero carbon goals, solar panels are playing an increasingly vital role in reshaping the nation’s energy landscape. At Vibrant Energy Matters , we’re proud to be part of this transformation by providing assessments, support and installations to homeowners, businesses, and landlords looking to invest in sustainable energy. Solar Panels: Powering Progress Solar panels utilise the sun’s power, transforming it into clean electricity. With falling costs and   home Battery technology improving rapidly, solar adoption is surging across the UK. This shift not only reduces household energy bills but also decreases reliance on fossil fuels, bringing us closer to a greener, more sustainable future. Tangible Benefits for the Environment Each kilowatt-hour (kWh) of solar energy generated replaces energy from traditional, high-emission sources. By installing solar panels, UK households and businesses collectively prevent millions of tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year. The integration of battery storage has further enhanced solar efficiency, enabling users to store surplus energy and reduce grid dependency. Boosting Energy Efficiency Across Properties At Vibrant Energy Matters, we understand the importance of energy efficiency in creating sustainable homes. Solar panels not only contribute to greener energy but also improve property EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) ratings - a crucial factor for buyers and renters prioritising sustainability. Research indicates that improving a property's energy rating from E to C can boost its value by 8%, which translates to nearly £30,000 for the average property. Given that solar panels are one of the most effective methods to enhance a property's energy efficiency, installing them is increasingly considered a worthwhile investment. Challenges and Opportunities Despite these advancements, the UK still faces hurdles in solar adoption, including property suitability and upfront costs. Our expertise helps overcome these barriers by identifying the best opportunities for solar installation, ensuring systems are both cost-effective and impactful. Vibrant Energy Matters: A Greener Future We support the UK’s green revolution by helping property owners make informed energy decisions. From EPC assessments to niche, expert advice, our goal is to create sustainable living spaces that benefit both the environment and people. As solar technology evolves and becomes even more efficient, its role in reducing emissions and lowering energy costs will only grow. Investing in renewable energy not only reduces your carbon footprint but builds a brighter, greener future for generations to come.