Collaboration with the North West Net Zero Hub
From left to right: Laura Couldrey, Archie Balkwill and Chiara Lorenzetti Balogun
Key challenges around decarbonising buildings and reaching net zero was on the agenda during this regional in-person seminar held at the Solaris Centre, one of Blackpool’s ‘Eco Buildings’ thanks to the inclusion of 60 photo voltaic panels, two 6kW proven wind turbines and two solar thermal panels feeding into a gas-powered CHP unit that provides hot water and electricity to the building.
The event, Public Sector Decarbonisation Readiness, organised by the North West Net Zero Hub in collaboration with Salix Finance and Energy Systems Catapult was aimed at bringing public sector organisations from the North West region together to highlight and discuss the challenges around decarbonisation.
The North West Net Zero Hub is one of five net zero hubs that have been established across England to support organisations in identifying, developing and implementing energy projects. The programme is supported by the central government and is overseen by the five local enterprise partnerships in the North West of England.
Chiara Lorezetti Balogun, assistant director, Salix said: “We are grateful to the Northwest Net Zero Hub for inviting Salix to the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme Readiness event in Blackpool.
"Laura, Archie and I had the opportunity to share Salix's support to applicants and grant recipients and inform attendees on how to approach an application.
Now more than ever is important to continue building strong relationships across the Country and ensure that the crucial financial tools that Salix delivers, on behalf of DESNZ, are well known and continue supporting public sector bodies' journey to Net Zero."
As well as focusing on planning, those present were provided with key information on how unlocking progress enables opportunities to optimise the overlap between social inclusivity and place-based decarbonisation. The event also featured presentations from both Blackpool Council and Liverpool City Region on the challenge of decarbonisation and barriers to decarbonising public buildings, setting an example to other sectors in attendance.
Find out more about our Public Sector Funding Schemes