Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme

The UK Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme is a £1 billion fund established by the UK government in 2020 to help public sector organisations in England reduce their carbon footprint and promote sustainability. The scheme provides grant funding for capital projects that improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions in buildings and other assets owned by public sector organisations, including central government departments, local authorities, and NHS trusts.

The funding can be used to implement a range of energy-saving measures, such as upgrading heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, installing insulation and double-glazing, and upgrading lighting to more energy-efficient options. The scheme also covers the implementation of renewable energy technologies, such as solar panels and heat pumps.

The Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme aims to help the UK reach its target of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 by supporting public sector organisations to become more sustainable and energy-efficient. The scheme is expected to have a significant impact on reducing carbon emissions, as public sector bodies are responsible for a large proportion of the UK’s carbon footprint.

How can the Public Sector Decarbonisation scheme help my local government projects?

If you are a local government in England, the UK Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme can provide funding to help you implement energy-saving and carbon-reduction measures in your buildings and assets. This can include upgrades to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, insulation, and lighting, as well as the implementation of renewable energy technologies like solar panels and heat pumps.

The scheme can help you reduce your carbon footprint, save on energy bills, and improve the overall energy efficiency of your buildings and assets. Additionally, by investing in green technologies and promoting sustainability, you can help to set an example for the community and encourage others to follow suit.

To be eligible for funding from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, you must be a public sector organisation in England, including local authorities, central government departments, and NHS trusts. You must also demonstrate a clear financial and carbon-saving case for your project and provide evidence of support from senior management within your organisation.

If your project is approved for funding, the scheme can provide up to 100% of the capital required to implement your energy-saving measures. This can help to reduce the financial burden and make it easier for your organisation to invest in green technologies and promote sustainability.

How do we apply for the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme

To apply for the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, you must be a public sector organisation in England, including local authorities, central government departments, and NHS trusts. Here are the general steps you can follow to apply for the scheme:

  • Identify the projects you want to fund: Review your buildings and assets and identify the projects that will improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. The scheme covers a range of energy-saving measures, including upgrades to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, insulation, and lighting, as well as the implementation of renewable energy technologies like solar panels and heat pumps.
  • Determine the funding amount required: Once you have identified your projects, determine the amount of funding required to implement them. The scheme can provide up to 100% of the capital required to implement your energy-saving measures.
  • Prepare your application: To apply for the scheme, you will need to prepare an application that includes details of your proposed projects, the expected financial and carbon savings, and any supporting documentation required.
  • Submit your application: Once you have prepared your application, submit it through the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme online portal. You will be required to provide detailed information about your project, including financial projections and the expected carbon savings.
  • Await approval: Your application will be reviewed by the scheme administrators, and if approved, you will be notified and provided with funding to implement your energy-saving measures.

It’s important to note that the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme has specific eligibility criteria and deadlines for applications, so it’s important to review these carefully before applying.

Further Reading