Member Article

Energys supports Special Schools in Salix funding

Energys is encouraging community and foundation Special Schools to take advantage of new Salix funding which has been allocated to them for energy-efficient upgrades. The funding, which was unveiled in December 2014, has an application deadline of 20th March 2015.

Salix has funded upgrades in 50 Special Schools since 2004, with energy-efficiency projects totalling more than £1 million.

Special Schools are “energy intensive“

The new fund is specifically designed to target problems of energy inefficiency in Special Schools. On their website, Salix has commented on the “highly energy intensive” nature of Special Schools and have allocated the funding to “improve the school learning environment and save on energy bills”.

The compliance criteria for the new fund is the same as for the previous schools funding programme. A 4 – 8 year payback period is required, as well as a cost of less than £200/tCO2, over the lifetime of the project.

How Special Schools can apply for funding

Kevin Cox, Managing Director of Energys Group, comments: “This new fund is a great chance for Special Schools to make much-needed savings on their energy bills without the risk of capital outlay.”

He adds: “Special Schools may find it useful to call on an external energy consultant to help them compile the correct information for their funding applications. Energys has helped numerous schools and academies to take advantage of Salix funding in the past to achieve significant energy savings.”

Salix is able to offer funding towards numerous energy-efficient upgrades for Special Schools, including LED and T5 lighting upgrades and boiler controls.

Schools must apply by 20th March 2015

Special Schools can apply for funds with a minimum application and loan value of £5,000. There is not a maximum loan value.

“Applicants will need to submit savings calculations, internal business case paperwork and evidence of the cost basis for their projects,” comments Kevin Cox. “Depending on the size of the project, they may also need to submit a full business case to support the application.”

“Although the deadline is in March, it is advisable to start applications as early as possible to ensure that there are no inaccuracies,” he adds. “Organisations who have not previously used the Salix application process can contact an advisor at Energys for support.”

All applications for the Special Schools Funding Programme must be received by 5pm on Friday 20th March 2015.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Matthew Hyde .