Higher and further education institutions in Wales can now apply for additional funding to improve their buildings’ energy efficiency through the Digarbon scheme.
First launched in May 2024, Digarbon supports the drive towards net zero in tertiary education. In this second funding round, an extra £10 million is available for qualifying organisations with a fixed borrowing rate of 2.05% which will not change during the loan term.
Loans can be used for decarbonisation projects such as low-carbon heating systems, energy efficiency retrofits, heat pumps, insulation, renewable energy, and EV charging. Digarbon encourages a ‘whole building approach’, focusing on reducing a building’s overall energy demand.
When will the application portal open?
Application forms will be available from April 2025, with the application portal opening in May 2025. Prior to this, the government will release Guidance Notes and further information to support applicants.
Salix will also host a series of three webinars that will provide an opportunity for people to ask any outstanding questions they have about the Digarbon funding. These dates will be published in April alongside the Guidance Notes.
Deputy First Minister with responsibility for Climate Change, Huw Irranca-Davies said: “This additional £10m of loan funding for the higher and further education sectors will help in our collective response to the climate and nature emergencies.
“Not only will the energy savings produced by these projects help drive forward our decarbonisation ambitions but also reduce costs for the organisations.”
If you have further questions about Digarbon, get in touch for a no-obligations chat with one of our specialists at Sustainable Energy First.