Phase 3 Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme knowledge sharing – Reading

We're keen to ensure that our Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme grant recipients are fully supported and able to meet key deadlines and deliver extraordinary projects.

To support this, we're running in-person knowledge sharing events, which will provide you with a chance to:

• Listen to those who have led successful Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme projects previously
• Discuss your projects and the challenges you may face
• Share knowledge and advice
• Network with other public sector bodies receiving funding under the scheme and experienced grant recipients
• Meet the Salix team

The day will be particularly beneficial for smaller-scale organisations such as schools, colleges or small local authorities with limited experience with decarbonisation works and modest estates teams.

You can view further details and register below or via our Eventbrite.

This event will be held at The Meadow Suite, University of Reading, RG6 6UA.

Edit 15.05: Please note the change in schedule for our first speaker and panel members.

• 10.00 - 10.30: Registration, refreshments and networking
• 10.30 - 10.45: Opening remarks with Simon Pettett, assistant director at Salix
  The opening session will discuss the schedule for the day ahead and touch on how the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme has evolved over the last for years.
• 10.45 - 11.00: Introduction: your responsibilities as grant recipients with our delivery team
  In this session, members of the Salix delivery team will talk about key actions and requirements for your project, and the support we will offer to you throughout the project lifecycle.
• 11.00 - 11.30: Lessons learnt from funded works: London Borough of Hackney Council with Jeremy Martin, head of energy and carbon management
  The London Borough of Hackney have successfully delivered projects across three phases of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme. Receiving total grant awards of over £25m to deliver more than 20 heat pump projects across a variety of council owned buildings including libraries, leisure centres and schools.
  Jeremy will talk about creative solutions to overcome electrical capacity constraints and the particular challenges of keeping buildings open during heat decarbonisation works.
• 11.30 - 12.30: Workshop: how to overcome challenges when delivering a decarbonisation project
  This interactive session will ask participants to split into small groups. Groups will then be presented with a number of scenarios and will discuss, debate and present potential solutions. Scenarios will be based on known challenges that projects face during delivery; the aim is to both spotlight common issues and to encourage participants to collaborate and think creatively about solutions to challenges they may face.
• 12.30 - 13.30: Lunch and networking
  Catering will be provided. If you have any specific dietary requirements, please advise us in your registration form.
• 13.30 - 14.15: Change requests: guidance with our technical experts
  Using examples from previous works, this session will cover how to ensure you continue to meet eligibility criteria for the scheme and the help, guidance and support we are able to offer should elements of your project need to change.
• 14.15 - 14.45: Lessons learnt from funded works: Mid-Kent College with Martin Peat, executive director of finance and estates
  Mid-Kent College have received a £5 million grant award through Phase 3b of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme. 
  Their multi-year project is working to install air source heat pumps at their Medway Campus and ground source heat pumps at their Maidstone Campus, along with significant solar PV installations to reduce their running costs. 
  This project is currently in progress on-site with completion expected March 2025. 
  Martin will be speaking about the trade-offs between ground source and air source heat pumps, as well as how to ensure a positive working relationship with your chosen consultants.
• 14.45 - 15.00: Refreshments and networking break
• 15.00 - 15.45: Panel discussion: the broader challenges with the journey to net zero
  Current panel members include Jeremy Martin, with further participants to be confirmed
  This panel discussion and Q&A offers an opportunity to openly discuss the climate emergency and the role that Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme and other funding schemes play in our transition toward a net zero future. Participants will discuss how funding enables change, the challenges of heat decarbonisation and getting the relevant approvals and backing for works, collaborating on the decarbonisation of heat, how to plan ahead, working with Distribution Network Operators (DNOs), mitigation, adaptation and more. This is your chance to ask questions and delve into the detail in an honest, open forum.
• 15.45 - 16.00: Closing remarks, forward look and further support available

*Please note this agenda is subject to change.

Please note that this event is for Phase 3 (3a, 3b and 3c) Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme grant recipients ONLY.

Attendance is strictly limited to direct employees and volunteers of public sector bodies who successfully applied to the fund. This will be checked on the day and anyone who is not a direct employee of a public sector body will be turned away.

Given spaces are limited, please register to attend only if you plan to be there.

Catering will be provided on the day. If you have any specific dietary requirements, please advise us in your registration form.

Please note this agenda is subject to change. If the event is oversubscribed, we may ask public sector bodies to limit representation on the day to one to two key contacts.