The Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme for the Net Zero Strategy
In 2019, the UK government committed to the Net Zero Strategy to decarbonise all sectors of the economy by 2050. The Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme is designed to help overcome one of the biggest challenges in achieving this ambitious target – whole building heating systems.
Finding green and energy efficient ways to heat buildings is key to reducing carbon emissions in all sectors. Whilst many local authorities are seeking to reduce their energy consumption, many public sector buildings still rely on fossil fuel heating systems. For large buildings including schools, hospitals, universities and leisure centres, the amount of energy required to operate these facilities is significant. As a result, their carbon footprint is considerable despite efforts and some investment to become more energy efficient.
Since the launch of the first Phase of the Public Decarbonisation Scheme, Evonic has worked with a wide range of local authority organisations to successfully obtain grant funding, reduce their carbon footprint, and improve the energy efficiency of public buildings.
What is The Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme?
The Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS) was introduced in Autumn 2020 to support the decarbonisation of the public sector. Operated by Salix, this scheme provides the opportunity for public bodies to secure up to 100% of the capital build cost of decarbonising projects. Funding amounts are directly linked to the reduction in carbon footprint proposed.
With PSDS funding, the public sector can take a whole building approach to heating decarbonisation, including LED lighting and upgrading heating systems with modern low carbon technologies. As archaic heating systems in public owned buildings come to the end of their useful life, or begin to require substantial maintenance costs, this funding provides an opportunity for public sector bodies to secure government support to address the replacement of obsolete equipment and move away from historical reliance on fossil fuels.
Decarbonisation Funding Eligibility Criteria
A wide range of public sector departments are eligible to apply for a PSDS grant, including:
- Central government departments
- Local authorities
- Emergency services
- NHS Trusts and semi-autonomous foundation trusts
- Schools within state education
- Institutions of higher and further education
- Local authority maintained nursery schools
Decarbonisation projects funded under PSDS must include the replacement of fossil fuel reliant heating systems with low carbon heat sources (for example, the replacement of gas boilers with heat pumps). In order to be eligible for a PSDS grant, the heating systems currently in place must be nearing the end of their useful life.
Applying for PSDS Support
Currently in Phase 3b, we expect the Public Sector Decarbonisation Fund to open for further applications in the near future. At Evonic, we have the knowledge and experience to work with public sector organisations to devise a suitable heating decarbonisation plan and support them in applying for PSDS funding.
Demand for the funding is high, and a robust and well thought out application is essential. We are here to provide end to end support, guiding you through each step of your grant application form. We work with you to plan a detailed heating decarbonisation project, making our recommendations for low carbon heating technologies, control systems and other relevant energy efficiency measures.
To help you create the highest quality application bid, we assist you with every step, including:
- Project description
- Cost breakdown of your decarbonisation project
- Expected carbon savings
- A detailed explanation of how the project proposal meets the PSDS criteria
In addition to filling out your application form, to strengthen your bid we help you compile important supporting materials that provide further detail to substantiate the calculations and costs provided.
Public Sector Decarbonisation Support
For Public Sector bodies seeking to reduce their emissions by replacing outdated heating systems with new low carbon technology solutions, Evonic is here to help you achieve the funding to put your decarbonisation plans into action for a lower emission, energy efficient future.
Get in touch with our team today to talk through the challenges you face. We work closely with you to devise and implement the most effective solution, devising a decarbonisation plan and helping you win the funding to put it into action.
Learn how we assisted the London Borough of Hounslow in the decarbonisation of heating systems for Brentford Leisure Centre.
