Carbon saving funds announced

Academies and schools wanting to carry out carbon-saving energy schemes can apply for funding from a £1 billion grant pot just launched by the Government.

You can apply for money both:

to carry out capital projects and
to pay for experts to help you make your application and support projects once underway.

The scheme applies to energy efficiency and heat decarbonisation projects across the public sector. The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) hopes to stimulate the energy-efficiency industry and help recipients achieve significant carbon savings.

Up to 100% of costs covered

You can apply for up to 100% of the cost of capital energy-saving projects such as heat pumps and connections to low-carbon heat networks; insulation, glazing, ventilation; and gas-fired CHP and gas boilers replacing coal or oil-fueled heating systems where a low-carbon heating system is not viable.

The scheme only covers new projects, not those already started, but there is no limit to the amount academies can apply for. Applications will be reviewed case by case.

The application process for the Public Sector Decarbonisation Fund (PSDS) is relatively complex so the BEIS is offering additional funding to help, through a new Public Sector Low Carbon Skills Fund (LCSF) so that you can:

engage specialist and expert advice to identify and develop energy efficiency and low-carbon heat upgrade projects for your buildings.
prepare robust and effective applications for the £1 billion grant scheme.
engage the expert advice and skills required to deliver your project.