• Grant money is used to replace equipment that generates power for appliances like this lamp.Desk Lamp on Wood Surface image by Andy Dean from Fotolia.com
  
  The United Kingdom launched The Low Carbon Buildings Program through the Department of Energy and Climate Change in 2006. Funds go to make homes more energy efficient. The program has two phases, called Phase 1 and Phase 2, which target different applicants for grants. Phase 1 targets homeowners. Phase 2 targets public sector and charitable organizations.
  
  

Maximum Grant Funds

• The Phase 1 and Phase 2 aspects of the Low Carbon Building Program (LCBP) have two very different ceilings for how much a grant recipient can receive. For Phase 1, to which homeowners apply, no recipient will be awarded more than 2,500 pounds. For Phase 2 recipients, which include charitable organizations and the public sector, the maximum award is 200,000 pounds. The funds are awarded in Phase 1 in a single year and cover the cost of the microgeneration technology you chose as well as the fee from the installer. For Phase 2, the funds go to 50 percent of the cost of installing microgeneration technology at the site.
  
  

Application Process

• Each phase has a slightly different application process. In Phase 1, homeowners have to choose which microgeneration technology would work best for their home. Then they have to find an installer and get a price quote on the installation. Finally, they apply, either by calling, mailing in an application or using an online form. Phase 2 is more complicated. Applicants must include technical specifications that are outlined in a Guidance Notes packet (See Resources) as well as an itemized budget, project summary and other standard aspects of large-scale grant applications, such as showing accreditation from the team involved as well as the organization itself.
  
  

Microtechnologies

• The microgeneration technologies available through the Phase 1 program are different from the available technologies in Phase 2. In Phase 1, homeowners can apply for funds to purchase and install: solar thermal hot water systems; ground source heat pumps; air source heat pumps; and biomass heating systems. Phase 2, on the other hand, can apply for these technologies as well as solar photovoltaic cells, wind turbines and hydro turbines.