Unlock Decarbonisation Funding for Schools and Universities

As Phase 4 of the UK Government’s Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS) launched on 23rd September 2024, public sector industries (including schools and educational institutions) in England and those with reserved functions in the devolved administrations have a prime opportunity to secure funding to lower their carbon footprint and reduce energy costs. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero will make capital funding available from 2025/26 to 2027/28, with a focus on reducing direct carbon emissions from public sector buildings. Applicants should apply for funding across financial years that best fit the delivery timeline of their projects.

Cooltherm can assist consultants working with educational facilities to deliver decarbonisation projects by providing high-efficiency heat pumps. These solutions will ensure projects meet the requirements of the PSDS while contributing to a more sustainable future.

What Can Cooltherm Do for You?

Cooltherm is a leader in delivering heat pump technology, transforming the way buildings are heated and cooled. With PSDS Phase 4 focusing on replacing outdated, natural gas-based systems with energy-efficient, low-carbon alternatives, our heat pumps provide an ideal solution.

1. High-Efficiency Heat Pumps: Cooltherm’s heat pumps are designed to meet the rigorous demands of educational facilities. By replacing older fossil fuel heating systems (which must generally be at the end of their useful life, usually over 10 years old), you can significantly reduce your carbon emissions and operating costs. Our renewable energy-driven solutions create a more comfortable and sustainable learning environment
2. Tailored Solutions for Education: Every project has unique needs. Whether it’s retrofitting an older building or designing a system for a new installation, Cooltherm offers heat pump solutions tailored to the specific requirements of each educational institution, from small primary schools to large university campuses
3. Seamless Integration: Our heat pumps are easily integrated into existing systems, meaning minimal disruption to students and staff during installation. We prioritise efficiency in both energy use and project timelines, making the transition to a greener system as smooth as possible

Why Act Now?

The PSDS Phase 4 offers an unprecedented opportunity for educational institutions to take meaningful steps toward decarbonisation. The scheme now prioritises projects based on their carbon savings and grant carbon cost rather than on a first-come, first-served basis. This means that educational institutions can secure funding for projects that demonstrate significant long-term carbon savings.

Key features of the scheme include:

• Building Eligibility: Applicants must be public sector organisations that own the building or have a lease arrangement where they are responsible for the building services. Private Finance Initiative (PFI) buildings are also eligible
• Whole Building Approach: Applicants are encouraged to include building fabric improvements and energy efficiency measures to reduce the heat or electrical demand of the building being heated by the proposed low-carbon heating system
• Targeted Allocation: Projects are now prioritised based on their sector and the application’s grant carbon cost, calculated by dividing the requested grant value by the direct carbon savings delivered

Key Timelines

• Mid-October 2024: Application portal opens
• 25th November 2024: Portal closes for submissions
• End of May 2025: Successful applications will be awarded funding
• 31st March 2028: Projects must be completed by this date

With Cooltherm’s tailored heat pump solutions, we are here to support your journey through the decarbonisation project. Our technology plays a pivotal role in helping the education sector meet sustainability goals, reduce carbon emissions, and create a greener future for the next generation.

For more information on how Cooltherm can support your project, contact us today, and let’s make a meaningful contribution to decarbonisation.