Schools benefit from decarbonisation scheme

The first round of funding allocated through phase three of the government’s Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme have been announced, with schools included in the 160 public sector organisations chosen for clean heat and energy efficiency projects.

The Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme supports the aim of reducing emissions from public sector buildings by 75%, compared to 2017 levels, by 2037.

One of the education settings that will receive funding is Hartismere Family of Schools, which will receive more than £600,000 to install a heat pump and improve the energy efficiency of Somerleyton Primary School in Suffolk, a school which was built in 1845 and still has a thatched roof.

Leeds City Council meanwhile is receiving £4.3 million to decarbonise 6 primary schools and 4 child day care centres.

The scheme will be delivered on behalf of the government by Salix Finance.

Salix Finance chief executive Annie Shepperd OBE said: "This investment is transforming public buildings, driving down their carbon footprint and improving the experience of their users, including school pupils, patients and visitors to hospitals, and all those people using libraries and leisure centres.

"Salix staff are proud to be working as the delivery partner for this scheme and seeing the impact it’s having."