Government agencies can now compete for a share of £230 million to help fund low-carbon energy renovations to their buildings.

With the newest round of funding from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, more schools, hospitals, and other public facilities will be able to reduce energy use.   

Organisations can apply for £230 million in government funding

These upgrades include heat pumps, solar panels, and new energy efficiency measures such as insulation and low-energy lighting. The latest bidding process begins on the programme’s third anniversary, granting more than £2 billion to over 1,000 public sector organisations throughout England.

The money announced today is another step in the government’s approach to reaching net zero.

The pledge came after the UK achieved tremendous progress towards net zero emissions, decreasing total emissions by 48% between 1990 and 2021, faster than any other G7 countries. 

Decarbonising the public sector is predicted to save the public sector £650 million annually.      

Lord Callanan, Minister for Energy Efficiency and Green Finance, stated: “We are a world leader in decreasing carbon emissions; we want to assist public bodies such as schools and hospitals in doing their part. So far, we’ve made excellent progress, assisting over 1,000 schools, hospitals, and recreation centres.”

“The funds announced today will assist even more organisations across England to lower their bills and emissions.”

Over the last three years, the following organisations have benefited from a share of more than £2 billion under the scheme:   

  •  University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust has saved £54,500 on their yearly energy expenditure thanks to a new air source heat pump at St Cross Hospital in Rugby and new solar panels and piping insulation.
  • The new Kingston Centre in Stafford has air-source heat pumps and solar panels installed by Staffordshire County Council. The school will also install a building energy management system, LED lighting, double glazing, roof insulation, cavity wall insulation, and piping insulation. 
  • The Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme seeks to help the government’s objective to cut emissions from public sector buildings by 75% by 2037, relative to 2017 levels, as outlined in the 2021 Heat and Buildings Strategy.  

Salix‘s Director of Programmes, Ian Rodger, stated: “Salix is excited to provide the next phase of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme to assist public sector bodies on their journey to net zero emissions. The project enables companies throughout England to significantly reduce their carbon impact from heating public facilities.”

“The overwhelming response to the initiative demonstrates how much public sector organisations care about reducing their carbon footprint, and Salix is happy to help them accomplish their goals through financial and technical assistance.”

Final Thoughts

Investing in energy efficiency for public institutions is an investment in the future of our community. We can lower energy costs and free up resources for schools, hospitals, and other public facilities by investing more cash to assist them modernise their buildings and equipment.

Students would benefit from modernised classroom surroundings, patients would benefit from modern hospital care, and taxpayers would gain from long-term utility savings. Energy efficiency requires resources, but it offers continual returns.

Increased financing today will allow our vital public institutions to minimise their carbon footprints, operate sustainably for decades, and continue to play vital roles in our society. We can create an efficient, healthy, prosperous community infrastructure if we work together.

  1. Consumer Rights – Suppliers Report That UK Homes Have Reduced Energy Use By 10% – consumer-rights.org/news/suppliers-report-that-uk-homes-have-reduced-energy-use-by-10/ – (.html)
  2. Consumer Rights – Series Of House Fires In The UK As An Attempt To Reduce Energy Bills – consumer-rights.org/news/series-of-house-fires-in-the-uk-as-an-attempt-to-reduce-energy-bills/  – (.html)
  3. Consumer Rights – This October, household energy expenditures could be reduced by £150 –  consumer-rights.org/news/this-october-household-energy-expenditures-could-be-reduced-by-150/ – (.html)