Decarbonisation in Public Sector through PSDS

As the awareness of renewable energy and its positive impact on the assets and environment is spreading, public organizations and services strive for a more sustainable future by looking at ways to decarbonize their sites and become energy efficient.

Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme or PSDS helps organisations in the state sector deliver their energy efficiency measures through government-funded schemes, to help reach carbon neutrality within the districts. Under the scheme, public sector organisations can apply for funding to support the installation of energy-efficiency improvements such as solar PV installations, LED lighting, insulation of the buildings or heat pumps.?

PSDS, or Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, supports the aim of reducing emissions from public sector buildings by 75% by 2037. It represents a grant funding for public sector bodies that covers 100% of the cost for any low to zero carbon project that guarantees the reduction, or elimination, of CO2 emissions, and restricts businesses’ negative impact on the environment.?? ?

Phase 3 of the scheme is set to provide ￡1.4 billion of grant funding over fiscal years 2022/23 to 2024/25 through multiple application windows. Unfortunately, phase 3a closed to applications in November 2021, and Phase 3b window closed in November 2022, however, we are expecting another window to open in autumn 2023, giving even more organizations a fantastic opportunity to procure their renewable energy project. Through these funds, our government clearly states their eagerness to help fight climate emergency and support decarbonization across the public sector.??

?Who can apply:?

• Central government departments and their arm’s length bodies??
• Emergency services??
• Institutions of further and higher education??
• Local authorities??
• Schools within the state education system, including maintained schools, academies, Multi-Academy Trusts and free schools??
• Nursery schools maintained by a local authority??
• NHS Trusts and Foundation Trusts?

Funding may be used for estates located anywhere within the UK.?

Project Measure definition:

• Low carbon heating measures that save direct carbon
• Other measures that save direct carbon
• Measures that save indirect carbon
• Enabling measures

Applicants can also use their own funds, in addition to the like-for-like costs, to top up a project which they wish to complete.??

It is essential to prioritize achieving carbon neutrality within the public sector through on-site generation. This will help to reduce extra costs and carbon emissions, allowing more funds to stay within communities. Additionally, there is a high interest in renewable energy, which can lead to increased job creation, particularly in underdeveloped areas. Another benefit is the mass savings on electricity bills, which can enable public sector organizations to subsidize various activities such as research, innovations, or community support. By implementing an effective and efficient plan to minimize carbon emissions and save money, they can contribute towards a safer and greener future.

Look at some of the installations delivered thanks to this wonderful scheme helping future sustainable development across the country.?