Organisations are facing increasing pressure to produce sustainable strategies and reduce their carbon emissions. Achieving this will not only ensure that they can meet the UK’s Net Zero Target, but also generate higher levels of profitability.
With this mounting sense of urgency, many of our clients come to us with the same concern: how will we fund this and implement those changes? But avenues of funding are not so much of a barrier as you may think. Sometimes all you need is the right expertise to help you overcome the jargon and understand which is right for you.
At Barker we take advantage of the ever-evolving funding landscape, pairing great opportunities with the client in need. So, what is the right funding avenue for your organisation? Let’s look at the options:
1. Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS)
The Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS) offers funding support to public bodies. It allows organisations to upgrade existing heating systems using low carbon technologies such as air source, water source or ground source heat pumps. In previous years, £31 million worth of funding was allocated to the education sector, and we helped to our clients secure over £10 million of this.
Please note that there will be no Public Sector Decarbonisation Funding available for the 2025/26 financial year.
2. Public Sector Low Carbon Skills Fund (LCSF)
The Public Sector Low Carbon Skills Fund is a vital resource, providing grants to unlock decarbonisation in the public sector. For organisations that still heavily rely on fossil fuel-based heating, the LCSF is ideal as it enables you to develop energy strategies for more sustainable forms of heating. There is over £15 million worth of funding available, making it a fantastic funding avenue.
Please note that there will be no Low Carbon Skills Fund available for the 2025/26 financial year. Explore alternative funding opportunities here.
3. Less is More Capital
Less is More Capital is a social enterprise financial institution – their mission is to generate additional resources for children in education from disadvantaged backgrounds. They provide funding for PV and LED installations. These installations generate a surplus that can be reinvested into educational social outcomes. At Barker, we’re proud to be project management partners of Less is More Capital. If you think your school could benefit from their services, get in touch.
A Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) is an agreement between renewable energy providers and organisations. The provider owns, installs and maintains an energy system in any organisation, allowing them to receive tax credits and an income from the sale of electricity. For the organisation, PPAs allow for stable and low-cost renewable electricity with no upfront cost. PPAs are perfect for organisations that want to reduce energy costs, hedge against energy price increases, or improve the resiliency of their operations without spending their own capital.
The Let’s Go Zero campaign is a community initiative by Ashden that provides invaluable support for setting up zero-carbon targets for schools. They help to develop roadmaps for delivery and use these roadmaps to increase pressure on the UK government to receive more support. While not a direct avenue for funding, the Let’s Go Zero campaign works with schools and the government for lasting change. As more organisations join the campaign, the government is more likely to provide increased funding and generate fresh policies for the education sector.
Barker can help your organisation apply for funding, plan and implement a sustainability strategy. Just call us on 01279 647111 or drop us an email at info@barker-associates.co.uk.
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