£1bn fund to improve energy efficiency of public buildings launches

The government has launched a new £1bn fund to help councils, schools and NHS trusts improve the energy efficiency of public buildings.

The Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS) will help councils install energy efficiency and low carbon heating measures, reducing energy bills and carbon emissions.

According to the government, the scheme could support up to 30,000 low-carbon jobs.

The fund itself will be delivered by Salix Finance, which was founded in 2004 to tackle carbon emissions in the public sector.

‘The announcement today paves the way for workers in the energy efficiency sector to see their jobs secured, and, for the country to know that public sector organisations will be leading the way in reducing the carbon footprint of the UK,’ said Salix Finance chief executive, Anne Shepperd.

‘Salix is wasting no time in opening the application for these funds and we have a great team who are ready to support all public sector organisations who want to be part of this scheme.’

The government has also made £50m available for energy efficiency improvements in social housing through a demonstrator project for the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF).

This UK-wide scheme will see grants supplied to upgrade the energy efficiency of over 2,000 of the worst-performing social homes.

The government estimates that those living in upgraded properties will save between £300 and £500 on their energy bills each year.

Energy UK’s chief executive, Emma Pinchbeck added: ‘Building back better can begin at home. Improving the energy efficiency of our houses makes them healthier and more comfortable to live in and can cut hundreds of pounds a year off bills – all while reducing emissions and creating jobs. It shows how a green recovery focused on net zero can benefit the environment, the economy and customers.’

For further information, support or guidance relating to the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, please contact the dedicated Salix team at Grants@salixfinance.co.uk

Photo Credit – AKuptsova (Pixabay)