Davide Natuzzi, assistant director, energy, carbon and technical, Salix
Over the course of my career, I have observed with great interest Scotland’s green revolution, working to meet ambitious climate goals and drive a sustainable plan.
Perhaps because of its green landscape, rich natural resources and commitment to innovation, I’ve seen the country setting strong examples for energy efficiency and decarbonisation. I’ve observed that an important element of this progress is the availability of green funding which has enabled collaboration between the public sector and private companies.
At Salix we’ve also been involved in this collaboration and innovation, delivering a variety of grant and loan-based schemes that support the decarbonisation of the public sector estate.
As well as delivering grants on behalf of government, at Salix we also provide interest-free loans for energy efficiency measures and heat decarbonisation projects in the public sector.
Our work aligns seamlessly with Scotland’s ambitious target to achieve net zero emissions by 2045. Through the work carried out in partnership with Scottish Government, tailored financial schemes have been created to empower public sector organisations to reduce their carbon footprint and improve energy efficiency.
In 2023 and 2024 we worked with Scottish civil servants to introduce Scotland’s Public Sector Heat Decarbonisation Fund, a flagship initiative to accelerate the decarbonisation of heat in public buildings across the country.
The fund has offered grant support for projects that improve building fabric efficiency and/or replace fossil-fuel-based heating systems with zero direct emission alternatives. This included heat pumps, biomass boilers and district heating networks.
For Scotland’s public sector, this scheme represents a step forward in addressing the transition from fossil fuel heating sources to low emission technologies and a more sustainable future for all.
The scheme based its criteria on the quality of applications, awarding funds to those with the highest scores. Applications could fall into two categories: concept applications and detailed applications. This dual approach was adopted to acknowledge that projects may be at different stages of development.
Applications were scored based on quality and using five criteria – strategic assessment, technical feasibility, financial costs, project delivery and social impact – with each having a weighted score.
Detailed applications took a single assessment approach to award funding for capital-ready projects after a successful full assessment against the criteria.
Concept applications took a two-stage assessment approach, reserving capital funding based on a concept that demonstrated alignment within scheme criteria. Funding was then confirmed at a later date pending the submission of a detailed application and further full assessment.
Additionally, applications were divided into two project categories: fabric-first and zero direct emission heating projects or ‘whole building’ and ‘fabric-first only’ projects. The latter didn’t include heating system replacements.
One particular noteworthy project funded through the scheme took place at Perth and Kinross Council’s Auchtergaven Primary School. The project took a ‘whole building’ approach, incorporating both fabric-first and a zero direct emission heating system. Fabric-first measures included roof insulation, building management system upgrades, pipework improvements and heat distribution to enhance the thermal insulation of the 1,200 square meter building.
The project at Auchtergaven also involved the installation of an air to water air source heat pump to fully decarbonise the building and replace a high-carbon intensive oil boiler previously used to heat the site.
I look forward to visiting the school to see the positive impact that the funding has on the building and to the children and teams who use it. Both the council and school can be proud of this work, which was enabled thanks to close collaboration between the council, the school team and contractors.
Through this first phase of Scotland’s Public Sector Heat Decarbonisation Fund, we have been able to support projects like Auchtergaven, that implement carbon reduction solutions, reduce reliance on carbon-intensive energy sources and positively influence the quality of life for local communities across Scotland.
Other projects funded through the scheme include educational institutions that have leveraged funding to retrofit their campuses with zero direct emission heating systems. Often included in their projects are strategies that encourage a culture of sustainability amongst students and staff.
As Scotland progresses on its decarbonisation journey, initiatives like Scotland’s Public Sector Heat Decarbonisation Fund demonstrate the importance of collaboration and strategic investment.
At Salix, our role in driving these efforts is key. So, too, is the need for government funding as a key enabler for these organisations to decarbonise their estates and head towards a sustainable future.
With a continued focus on funding opportunities and partnership, Scotland is well-positioned to achieve its net zero aspirations and inspire other nations to follow suit.
The journey is still far from over, but with government initiatives and our support, I believe that, for Scotland, achieving net zero emissions by 2045 is possible.
Have a look at our website and find out more about the work we do.
This article appeared in the Jan/Feb 2025 issue of Energy Manager magazine. Subscribe here.