TL;DR: Primary measures are the main energy-saving improvements, like wall insulation or heat pumps, required to unlock grant funding. Secondary measures, such as draught-proofing or heating controls, can typically only be installed if a primary measure is also completed. Failing to maintain property repayments or grant-related finance could lead to legal action or repossession.

Understanding what are “primary” vs “secondary” measures in the context of UK energy grants

If you are looking to improve the energy efficiency of your home, you have likely come across various government-backed schemes. In the UK, programmes like the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) and the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) are designed to help low-income households or those in inefficient properties reduce their carbon footprint and energy bills. However, the terminology used by installers and energy companies can often be confusing.

Central to these schemes is the distinction between “primary” and “secondary” measures. Understanding this classification is vital because it determines what work can be done on your property and how the funding is allocated. Generally, you cannot pick and choose secondary measures in isolation; they are tied to the installation of more substantial primary upgrades.

The role of the Energy Company Obligation (ECO)

To understand these measures, we must first look at the framework they sit within. The ECO4 scheme is a government energy efficiency programme in Great Britain to help reduce carbon emissions and tackle fuel poverty. It requires medium and large energy suppliers to promote help for households to improve their ability to heat their homes.

The rules regarding what are primary vs secondary measures in the context of these grants are set to ensure that the most impactful work is done first. The goal is to “fabric first,” meaning the building’s envelope (walls, roof, floor) should be insulated before or alongside upgrading the heating system. You can find more detailed information on GOV.UK regarding energy efficiency improvements.

What are primary measures?

Primary measures are the “heavy hitters” of energy efficiency. These are the improvements that provide the greatest reduction in heat loss or the most significant shift toward renewable energy. Under most UK grant schemes, a primary measure must be installed to “trigger” the eligibility for further, smaller improvements.

Common examples of primary measures include:

• Solid Wall Insulation: This involves adding a layer of insulation to either the internal or external walls of a property that does not have a cavity. It is often one of the most expensive but effective ways to save energy.
• Cavity Wall Insulation: For properties built with a gap between two layers of brick, filling this space with insulating material is a highly effective primary measure.
• Underfloor Insulation: Insulating the ground floor of a property, particularly if there is a cellar or crawl space beneath it, helps prevent heat from escaping through the floorboards.
• Loft and Roof Insulation: While sometimes categorized differently depending on the specific phase of the grant, major roof insulation upgrades often serve as primary measures because of the vast amount of heat that rises and escapes through the top of a building.
• Air Source or Ground Source Heat Pumps: Replacing an old, inefficient gas boiler with a renewable heating system is frequently treated as a primary measure due to the significant carbon savings.

Primary measures are generally the priority for energy companies because they contribute the most toward their mandatory carbon-saving targets. Without these, the smaller “secondary” measures may not provide enough of a benefit to justify the administrative cost of the grant.

What are secondary measures?

Secondary measures are supplementary improvements. While they do help save energy and improve comfort, their impact is usually considered smaller than that of primary measures. The crucial rule in most UK schemes is that you can only receive funding for a secondary measure if a primary measure is also being installed at the same property.

Typical secondary measures include:

• Draught Proofing: Sealing gaps around windows, doors, and skirting boards to prevent cold air from entering.
• Heating Controls: This might include smart thermostats, room thermostats, or thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) that allow for more precise control over when and where a home is heated.
• Hot Water Cylinder Insulation: Adding a “jacket” to a water tank to keep the water hot for longer.
• Glazing Upgrades: In some specific scenarios, moving from single to double glazing, or upgrading old double glazing, may be considered a secondary measure, provided a primary insulation measure is also being completed.

It is important to note that the cost of the secondary measure cannot usually exceed the cost of the primary measure it is attached to. This ensures that the grant is focused on the most effective structural changes first.

The “Golden Rule” of primary and secondary measures

The relationship between these two categories is often referred to as a “linkage” rule. The logic is simple: there is little point in installing high-tech heating controls (a secondary measure) if the walls are not insulated (a primary measure), as the heat will simply escape. By tying them together, the government ensures a holistic approach to home improvement.

If you apply for a grant and only want draught-proofing or a new thermostat, you may find that you are ineligible unless your home also requires—and you agree to—a primary measure like cavity wall insulation. This can sometimes be a point of frustration for homeowners who feel their property only needs minor “tweaks.”

How measures are assessed: The EPC and PAS 2035

Before any work begins, a property must typically undergo an assessment. In the UK, this involves looking at the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). If your home has a low rating (usually D, E, F, or G), you are more likely to qualify for primary measures. Under the current ECO4 rules, there is a “multi-measure” approach, meaning the goal is to move the property up by several EPC bands.

Assessments are carried out under a standard known as PAS 2035. This ensures that the combination of primary and secondary measures is appropriate for the specific building. For example, installing wall insulation without adequate ventilation (a secondary measure or “ancillary” work) could lead to damp and mould. Therefore, the professional coordinator will design a package that balances both types of measures.

Financing the remaining costs

While many of these grants cover 100% of the costs for eligible households, some homeowners may be required to make a contribution, especially if the cost of the primary measure is particularly high (such as external solid wall insulation). In these cases, residents might look toward personal loans, remortgaging, or other financial products to bridge the gap.

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If you choose to use a bridging loan or a secured loan to fund these improvements, you must be aware of the risks involved. Bridging loans are typically short-term finance options. They can be “closed,” where there is a fixed repayment date (usually from the sale of a property), or “open,” where there is no fixed end date but an expected exit strategy. Most bridging loans involve “rolled-up” interest, meaning you do not make monthly payments, but the total interest is added to the loan balance and paid at the end.

Your property may be at risk if repayments are not made. If you default on a loan secured against your home, you could face legal action, repossession, increased interest rates, and additional charges. Always ensure that the energy savings you expect to make are balanced against the cost of any finance you take out.

Why the distinction matters for landlords and tenants

For landlords, understanding what are primary vs secondary measures in the context of these grants is vital for staying compliant with Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES). Currently, most private rented properties must have an EPC rating of E or higher to be legally let. If a landlord can access a grant for a primary measure, they can often get the secondary measures “thrown in” as part of the package, significantly improving the property’s value and tenant comfort at a lower cost.

Tenants also benefit, as primary measures like insulation lead to much lower utility bills. However, tenants usually need the landlord’s written permission before any primary measures can be installed, as these involve structural changes to the building.

Common misconceptions

One common misconception is that you can choose any secondary measure you want once a primary measure is agreed upon. In reality, the secondary measure must be recommended by the energy assessment and must be technically compatible with the primary measure. For instance, you cannot usually get double glazing as a secondary measure if your primary measure is loft insulation, as the two are often not considered sufficiently “linked” under certain grant sub-schemes.

Another misconception is that primary measures are always “free.” While the grant covers the cost, there may be “consequential improvements” required by building regulations that are not covered by the grant. Always read the contract from your installer carefully before signing.

People also asked

Can I get secondary measures without a primary measure?

Generally, no. Under schemes like ECO4, secondary measures are only funded if they are installed alongside a qualifying primary measure. This ensures the most significant energy leaks are addressed first.

Is a new boiler a primary or secondary measure?

Under ECO4, broken boiler replacements are strictly limited and often categorized differently. However, renewable heating systems like heat pumps are typically treated as primary measures, whereas heating controls are secondary.

Does loft insulation always count as a primary measure?

In many schemes, loft insulation is considered a primary measure because it is one of the most effective ways to stop heat loss. However, it must meet specific thickness requirements to qualify.

Will installing these measures increase my property value?

While not certain, improving a property’s EPC rating through primary measures like wall insulation is generally viewed favourably by buyers and may increase the marketability and value of the home.

How do I know which measures my house needs?

A qualified retrofit assessor will visit your property to produce a report. They will identify the most effective primary measures based on your home’s construction and current energy performance.

The future of UK energy grants

The UK government is committed to reaching Net Zero by 2050. This means that the definitions of primary and secondary measures may evolve as technology changes. We may see more emphasis on “smart” secondary measures as the electricity grid becomes more digitised. However, the fundamental principle will likely remain: fix the fabric of the building first with primary measures, then fine-tune the efficiency with secondary ones.

By taking advantage of these grants, homeowners can not only save money but also contribute to a more sustainable future. If the grant does not cover the full cost of the desired upgrades, ensure you seek professional financial advice before taking out any loans secured against your home. Remember, your property may be at risk if repayments are not made, and default can lead to repossession or additional legal charges.

Navigating the world of energy grants may seem daunting, but focusing on the primary measures first is the most reliable way to secure funding and make a lasting impact on your home’s warmth and efficiency. Always use an TrustMark-registered installer to ensure the work is carried out to the required standards and that you remain eligible for the grant funding available.