Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS)

The Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS) provides SALIX grants to assist publicly funded organisations, including MATS and academies, pay for energy efficiency upgrades and reduce their CO2 emissions.

Specifically, funds prioritise the replacement of ‘end-of-life’ fossil fuel systems (such as gas boilers) and install environmentally sustainable low-carbon heat sources instead. However a ‘whole site’ approach is encouraged allowing public organisations the ability to decarbonise their buildings, working towards net zero targets.

Grants awarded through successful application offer organisations up to 100% of the cost of capital projects, providing valuable funds otherwise unachievable.

Eligibility and the Application Process

The Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme provides grants for public sector bodies to fund heat decarbonisation and energy efficiency measure. This includes schools and colleges, however, schools funded by charities, private schools, private colleges, and private universities are not eligible to apply.

Applicants must have and be using a fossil-fuelled heating system which is coming to the end of its useful life. Successful applications will include the installation of low carbon heating options.

Application is via an online application portal made available at each phase of funding – usually once or twice a year.

PSDS and How Ashley Consultants Can Assist You

The process is relatively complex and subsequently the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy offers additional funding – called the Public Sector Low Carbon Skills Fund (LCSF) ­– so that applicants can pay for experts to help them apply and to support projects once underway.

Ashley Consultants, with our experience and expertise in this field, can assist you with your organisation’s green agenda from feasibility to application and project support following successful application, acting as a single point of contact.

We suggest a 2 stage approach providing:

• PSDS Viability Assessment – initial assessment of the entire site to establish your existing heating carbon commitment and where additional energy efficiencies can be included in an application, to maximise ‘whole site’ decarbonization.
• PSDS Project design, bid preparation and application submission – following confirmation of viable decarbonization project.

PSDS Timeline

The Application process is currently closed. Further rounds are expected to be announced in the Spring and Autumn. Once the application portal is open, the deadline is dependent on the fund value being reached by successfully qualifying bids, so is often only available for a matter of a week. We therefore strongly advise that interested organization establish project viability prior to application announcement.