Havering Council has been awarded £99,000 from the Phase 5 of the Low Carbon Skills Fund to develop a comprehensive heat decarbonisation strategy for our schools.
'Decarbonisation' refers to the process of reducing 'carbon intensity', lowering the amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced by the burning of fossil fuels and exploring ways to reduce overall running costs.
The grant will enable significant steps towards reducing the carbon footprint while enhancing energy efficiency across our school facilities.
The development of this strategy reflects the Council’s commitment to reduce borough emissions in line with the Havering Climate Change Action Plan and national targets.
The money will be invested in developing a strategy that will assess each school site, seeking to identify and scope out thermal and energy improvements.
Having a decarbonisation strategy is the fundamental starting point to seek further funding for the actual decarbonisation works programme to help us transition to low-carbon heating solutions.
Councillor Natasha Summers, Cabinet Lead for Climate Change and Housing Need, said:
“We are thrilled to receive this funding as it represents a significant opportunity for our schools to lead by example in the fight against climate change.
“Our goal is to create a sustainable, energy-efficient borough and this grant is a crucial step in that direction, helping us to make meaningful progress towards a greener future for all.”
The Phase 5 Low Carbon Skills Fund, delivered by Salix Finance, and run by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, designed to support public sector organisations in developing the skills and plans necessary to implement heat decarbonisation projects.
Programme Manager at Salix Christopher Masters said:
“This is a solid step for Havering Council and a positive one in its net zero journey.
“The funding will allow it to properly assess its schools with a view to making them more energy efficient, as well as being better places in which to study and work.
"We’re delighted to be delivering Phase 5 of the Low Carbon Skills Fund on behalf of government, and we cannot wait to see how Havering Council will progress its net zero journey.”