ECO4 Scheme: Externe Dämmförderung 2026 (GB)

The Energy Company Obligation 4 (ECO4) is the UK government's flagship fuel poverty scheme, running from April 2022 to March 2026 and administered by Ofgem. It places a legal obligation on larger energy suppliers to fund energy efficiency improvements — including external wall insulation (EWI) and external insulation finishing systems (EIFS/WDVS) — in the least energy-efficient homes. For painting, rendering and WDVS contractors, ECO4 represents a significant source of publicly backed project volume.

Eligibility on the household side is restricted to owner-occupiers and private tenants in properties with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D, E, F or G, where the household receives qualifying means-tested benefits (such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit or Child Tax Credit) or is referred through a local authority flex scheme. Social housing tenants with EPC ratings of E, F or G are also covered. Tradespeople and installers must be TrustMark-registered and hold a current PAS 2030:2019 (or PAS 2035) certification to carry out ECO4-funded work — without these, work cannot be claimed against the scheme.

Funding covers up to 100% of eligible installation costs for qualifying households, with no cap specified per measure in many cases, though energy suppliers set their own project budgets. Solid wall insulation (including EWI with render finish) is one of the highest-value measures under ECO4, reflecting its higher installation cost and carbon-saving potential. Installers typically work via an approved ECO4 supply chain: energy suppliers, managing agents or retrofit coordinators who aggregate referrals and manage compliance under PAS 2035.

To participate, contractors should first obtain TrustMark registration and PAS 2030:2019 certification through a UKAS-accredited certification body (e.g. BBA, KIWA, or similar). They should then approach energy supplier supply chains or ECO managing agents directly to be approved as sub-contractors. Project documentation — including a Retrofit Assessment and Medium-term Improvement Plan under PAS 2035 — must be prepared by a qualified Retrofit Coordinator. After installation, a Retrofit Installer signs off the works, and the managing agent lodges a claim with Ofgem's ECO reporting portal (HHCRO/ECO portal). With ECO4 closing in March 2026, contractors should also monitor government announcements regarding a successor scheme (provisionally ECO5).

Note: This article does not constitute legal or financial advice. Please consult a qualified professional for advice specific to your circumstances.

Umsetzungs-Checkliste

1. Obtain TrustMark registration as an installer
2. Achieve PAS 2030:2019 certification via a UKAS-accredited body
3. Understand PAS 2035 retrofit process and roles (Retrofit Coordinator, Installer)
4. Identify and apply to ECO4 managing agents or energy supplier supply chains
5. Ensure all project properties have a valid EPC rating (D–G) before starting
6. Co-ordinate with a qualified Retrofit Coordinator for documentation and compliance
7. Lodge completed works via the managing agent through Ofgem's ECO reporting portal
8. Monitor government announcements for ECO5 / successor scheme from April 2026