Making a Difference: Accessing Funding for Energy Efficiency Upgrades
The rising costs of energy have presented significant challenges for various sectors, including the leisure industry. To mitigate these challenges and encourage sustainable practices, the UK government has implemented several grant schemes aimed at improving energy efficiency. With 2025 fast approaching and the Plan of Change being announced by the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero, further funding may be on the horizon.
Swimming Pool Support Fund (SPSF)
Phase II of the SPSF has provided crucial financial assistance to over 300 swimming pools and leisure centres across England. Grants ranging from £3,000 to nearly £1 million have been awarded to 325 facilities, enabling them to implement energy-saving measures such as:
Solar panel installation: Harnessing renewable energy sources to reduce reliance on grid electricity.
Pool covers: Minimising heat loss and reducing the energy required for water heating.
LED lighting upgrades: Replacing traditional lighting with energy-efficient LED alternatives.
Improved insulation: Enhancing building insulation to minimise heat loss and reduce heating demands.
This support has not only helped to reduce running costs for these facilities but also contributed to environmental sustainability.
Leisure centres in the North West have been granted funding including Macclesfield, Middleton, Oldham, Crewe, Bolton, Preston, Urmston, Blackley and Withington.
VCSE Energy Efficiency Scheme
Designed to assist Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) organisations, this scheme offers support to reduce energy bills and improve energy efficiency.
VCSEs can apply for funding to conduct independent energy assessments. These assessments identify potential energy-saving measures, such as installing new energy-efficient equipment, improving insulation, or optimising energy usage patterns.
Following the assessment, organisations can apply for capital grants to implement the recommended energy efficiency measures.
UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF)
A key component of the UK government's Levelling Up agenda, the UKSPF provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment. A significant portion of this fund, totaling £83 million, has been allocated to Greater Manchester local authorities, enabling them to invest in projects that support local communities and drive economic growth. The Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) have highlighted how the funding has been distributed, including the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in local businesses and communities through low-carbon technologies such as solar PV and air source heat pumps.
Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS)
This scheme aims to reduce carbon emissions from public sector buildings. While the specific funding details are yet to be confirmed, the PSDS will provide capital funding from 2025/26 to 2027/28 to support decarbonisation projects.
Industrial Energy Transformation Fund (IETF)
Specifically designed for energy-intensive industries, the IETF offers financial support to businesses in regions like Warrington, Manchester, St Helens, Preston, and Wigan to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions. The fund provides significant funding across three phases, enabling businesses to invest in energy efficiency measures and adopt low-carbon technologies.
The UK government is actively promoting energy efficiency through various grant schemes. By taking advantage of these opportunities, businesses, organisations, and public sector entities can significantly reduce their energy consumption, lower operational costs, and contribute to a more sustainable future.
\ Atlantic Renewables can assist VCSE’s, leisure centres and other businesses take advantage of these grants and provide them with energy efficient and low carbon technology such as Solar PV systems and batteries. Get in touch today to see how you can get the most out of your grant and start going green!
