Bold plans to reach net zero are a step closer thanks to the launch of new phase of government decarbonisation scheme

Phase 4 of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme is launched.

An ambitious green scheme aimed at enabling public buildings to achieve net zero and switch to cleaner heating and save on energy bills has launched today.

The Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme is available to help schools, hospitals and other public sector buildings decarbonise their sites. The scheme, run by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and delivered by teams at Salix, helps organisations fund new insulation, double glazing and low-carbon heating.

The energy efficient upgrades are aimed at reducing emissions and cutting bills as the UK continues to make progress towards its world-leading net zero targets.

Our director of programmes Ian Rodger said: “We are pleased to launch the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme today, enabling public sector organisations across England to progress their decarbonisation plans.

“We are facing a climate crisis. All of us must make change and with the help and support of government we can make a difference and reduce our carbon footprint. 

“The Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme enables the public sector to tap into a fund which can transform our public buildings. These are the sites we use every day and include our schools, universities, leisure centres. Thanks to this funding they can become more energy efficient as well as becoming more comfortable places to use.”

A number of changes have been made to Phase 4 of the scheme which are detailed in the Phase 4 guidance notes on the Phase 4 area of our website.

Our Phase 4 website area also has a number of other key documents and videos to help navigate the scheme.

One of the key differences to previous schemes, is that the government has changed the way the funding will be allocated. It has moved away from the ‘first come first serve’ system used for previous phases of the scheme.

The application portal for the scheme will open by mid-October and will close on 25 November.

The technologies funded include heat pumps and solar panels as well as new energy efficiency measures such as insulation and low-energy lighting. These projects will reduce the use of fossil fuels across the public sector and strengthen the UK’s energy independence, aimed at helping save taxpayers hundreds of millions of pounds.

Ian added: “Every day our teams at Salix work with the public sector to achieve ambitious net zero goals and we’re looking forward to seeing some innovative applications and then working with the latest successful Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme grant recipients.”

See our Phase 4 Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme website area for full details.