Scottish Government unlocks £15 million funding to help public sector bodies decarbonise
Public sector organisations in Scotland can apply for new round of grant funding to enable heat decarbonisation and energy efficiency projects.
The Scottish Government announced an open invitation to eligible public bodies to apply for funding through the Scottish Central Government Energy Efficiency Grant scheme, which launched in 2021. £100 million will be made available during this parliamentary session, £15 million of which is being made available through the scheme in 2022/23. The fund will remain open to applicants until 2025/2026.
This funding is targeted towards Scottish publish sector bodies, including NHS Boards and colleges, that have previously had limited access to borrowing funds for this type of work. Applications for single year and multi-year projects are welcomed. Applicants will be able to apply for up to £2 million worth of capital funding, and up to £50,000 worth of resource funding per applicant each year. There is no minimum value for applications.
Public sector emissions falling
The funding launch coincides with the publication of the latest analysis of Scottish public bodies’ emissions, which shows a 5.8% reduction in reported emissions in 2020/21 compared to the previous year.
Carbon emissions across Scottish Government operations by fallen by 45% between 2009/10 and 2019/20. Overall, public bodies’ reported emissions have now fallen by a third since reporting began six years ago.
Zero Carbon Buildings Minister Patrick Harvie said: “The ongoing cost of living crisis and energy security issues caused by Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine make the case for pursuing our vision to improve energy efficiency across Scotland’s homes and buildings, and transition away from high-carbon heating systems, even more compelling.
“It is imperative that every sector across Scotland, including public bodies, takes action to meet our climate obligations. The latest analysis shows further positive steps being taken by the public sector, and this funding will help accelerate action in the crucial years ahead while also realising energy savings that can be reinvested into important public services.”
