With rising energy costs, increasing pressure on school budgets and a growing focus on decarbonisation, many schools and academy trusts are looking for practical ways to improve sustainability across their estates.
Whether you’re considering solar PV, LED lighting upgrades, heating improvements or a wider decarbonisation strategy, one question usually comes first: how will we fund it?
The good news is that schools still have access to a range of funding and investment routes. While government grant programmes have evolved significantly in recent years, there are still viable opportunities available. The key is identifying the most appropriate route for your organisation and understanding how different funding mechanisms can support your objectives.
At Barker, we help schools navigate the funding landscape, assess available options and develop investable projects that deliver long-term energy, carbon and financial benefits.
For eligible single academy trusts, small multi-academy trusts and voluntary-aided schools, the Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) remains one of the most effective routes to securing capital funding for estate improvements.
While CIF is primarily focused on building condition and compliance, sustainability measures can often form part of a successful application, particularly where they are linked to roof replacement projects, energy efficiency improvements or reducing the lifecycle costs of school buildings.
Barker has extensive experience supporting schools through the CIF process, helping organisations maximise the value of their bids and identify opportunities to incorporate energy-saving measures within wider estate improvement projects.
A note: The current CIF competitive bidding process is scheduled to run annually until autumn 2028 before being completely replaced by a new maintenance funding model. Barker will provide more information on the new process when it becomes available.
Government-backed initiatives are increasingly supporting the deployment of solar PV across the education estate. Recent programmes have enabled hundreds of schools to benefit from funded solar installations, helping reduce energy costs and carbon emissions while improving energy resilience.
As new schemes emerge, Barker works closely with schools to identify eligibility, assess technical feasibility and provide the professional support required to secure and deliver these opportunities.
A Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) allows a school to install solar panels with little or no upfront capital investment.
Under this model, a third-party provider finances, installs and maintains the system. The school then purchases the electricity generated at an agreed rate, typically below market energy prices.
This approach enables schools to benefit from renewable energy, reduced utility costs and lower carbon emissions without committing significant capital expenditure. Solar PPAs in particular are becoming an increasingly attractive option for schools looking to progress sustainability projects while preserving budgets for educational priorities.
Less is More Capital is a social enterprise finance provider focused on supporting education settings through sustainable investment.
The organisation provides funding solutions for projects such as solar PV and LED lighting upgrades, enabling schools to reduce energy costs and redirect savings back into teaching and learning.
As project management partners to Less is More Capital, Barker can help schools explore whether this approach is suitable for their estate and support delivery from initial feasibility through to project completion.
Securing funding is only part of the challenge. To maximise the benefits of investment, schools also need a clear understanding of their estate, energy consumption and long-term sustainability goals.
This may include:
By taking a strategic approach, schools can prioritise the interventions that will deliver the greatest environmental and financial returns while supporting wider net zero ambitions.
Initiatives such as the Let’s Go Zero campaign continue to provide valuable guidance, resources and peer-to-peer support for schools looking to reduce their environmental impact. While not a direct funding source, these programmes help schools develop sustainability roadmaps and strengthen the case for future investment.
Barker has supported decarbonisation and renewable energy projects across hundreds of schools nationwide, helping education organisations secure funding, develop investment strategies and deliver projects that generate measurable savings.
From feasibility studies and funding applications to procurement, project management and programme delivery, our specialists provide end-to-end support tailored to the needs of the education sector.
To discuss funding opportunities for your school or academy trust, get in touch today.
