The Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme launched last week. The fund supports public sector organisations in reducing their carbon emissions from heating. Moreover, NHS building managers are in a unique position to benefit, as we explain below.
Subsidising Energy Efficiency
Salix Finance, not to be confused with Salix Homes, is backing the two-part scheme. The Capital Grant Scheme (CGS) makes up one half of it and aims to support heat and electricity decarbonisation efforts in certain public sector buildings.
The Public Sector Low Carbon Skills Fund is the second half. It will create thousands of low-carbon roles in support of the new green economy.
Under the CGS, public sector bodies can apply for financing for up to 100% of the costs of capital energy-saving projects fitting certain criteria. The criteria are split into four categories, which, in tandem, take a holistic view of decarbonising building heating.
This scheme will act as a non-domestic version of the Green Homes Grant, helping to address the carbon footprint of heating beyond the residential sector.
Applications to the fund will be subject to Salix’ discretion. As such, organisations must have a robust understanding of their current energy expenses. In addition, they will need accurate means to estimate the savings they stand to make.
The 5.4 percent
Many public organisations stand to benefit from such a scheme. However, the NHS has perhaps the greatest potential for decarbonisation by taking part.
The NHS is responsible for 5.4% of the UK’s total carbon emissions and recently announced plans to reduce emissions to zero by 2040, a full ten years ahead of the national deadline.
Five percent may seem negligible, however consider that the combination of all public sector emissions only constituted 6% of UK GHG (Greenhouse Gas Emissions) in 2018.
Achieving those ambitions relies, in part, on improved energy efficiency and conversion to low-carbon heating alternatives. These include moving away from coal-fuelled boilers and installation of a £50 million LED lighting scheme.
There are also bodies, such as Monitor, that act as a regulator to ensure that NHS foundation trusts submit a sustainability strategy in their annual reports.
The technologies supported by CGS are all focused on driving down the CO2 emitted in building heating. Naturally, low-carbon heating solutions like heat pumps and heat networks are eligible.
Technology able to reduce heat demand or offset energy from the National grid also qualifies. Solar PV, battery storage, and metering systems fall under this category.
At Monarch, we provide Sustainable Development Management Plans (SDMP) to NHS trusts all over the UK. Our SDMP includes consultancy for on-site renewable solutions and smart meter installation. This allows you to secure several of the CGS’ eligible technologies under a single plan.
We can also oversee energy audits, bill validation, and insights into the EU emissions trading systems to guarantee a bespoke and comprehensive decarbonisation service. For further information on how Monarch can support your journey to net zero 2040, contact us.
