Resources


Local authorities, MATs and other eligible education groups can also apply on behalf of their schools. However, funds are limited and each round of grants has been heavily oversubscribed. Salix assessors expect


applications to include a detailed plan for heating plant conversions. They also want to see related measures that will enable the new plant to work more effectively through a ‘whole building’ approach to decarbonisation. Funding is allocated on a first come, first served basis, provided applications are technically and commercially compliant with the rules. This means that as soon as the Salix application portal opens, schools find themselves in competition with hospitals, councils and other public organisations to complete their online applications as quickly as possible before funds run out (often on the same day). Salix is currently piloting sector


soft caps to help ensure that funding is allocated fairly. Once the budget set aside for a given public sector category has been reached, Salix will hold off awarding further grants to that category to allow other public sector organisations to apply. The last round (3b) of PSDS funding, with £635 million of


HAZARDOUS MATERIALS


Many school buildings contain materials which pose a danger to health when disturbed, so it’s essential to know what you’re dealing with before you start any major works. Deleterious materials such as asbestos, silica dust, Refractory Ceramic Fibres (RCFs) including Cristobalite, lead paints and plaster, spray foams and vermiculites may be present around the school – whether in walls, ceilings or floors. Such materials are also often found in old boiler rooms where they have been used to insulate pipes and boilers. ‘Schools are generally aware of


what materials are present because they will have a survey and management plan in place to comply with health and safety regulations, including the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012,’


says Mark Elwell, of Summit Environmental, which specialises in hazardous material testing and remediation management. ‘The issue is whether there has been any deterioration in the condition of these materials and whether they will need to be removed completely if works are planned, particularly to heating plant. There are also instances where deleterious materials have not been previously identified, possibly because they were out of sight.’ ‘When old systems and


materials are removed, it’s vital to get an updated assessment on what materials are where so that safe systems of work are employed to manage the risk,’ he says.


n For more information see summitenvironmental.co.uk


grants, was in October. Subsequent phases are expected to be announced over the coming year, so keep an eye on the Salix website for updates. Be aware that dates are often announced just a few weeks before a new application portal opens. To be in with a chance of


success, it’s vital to complete the groundwork on your application ahead of time so that you are ready to move quickly when a new phase is announced. A pre-prepared application will allow you to quickly cut and paste your answers to each


section of the online form. You will need technical details of your project, and ideally already have a full heat decarbonisation plan on which to base your application (although Salix will allow you to submit a final version of the plan at a later date). If you have an existing heat decarbonisation plan, or a saved application that was unsuccessful last time, then dust it off and be ready to secure your place in the queue as soon as the portal opens. Your application will need details


such as the expected cost of your project and the tonnes of carbon saved over its lifetime, a design concept, full details of the buildings for conversion, and a credible procurement plan (including realistic project delivery dates). Indeed, the process is so complicated and time- consuming that schools often work with consultants like ReEnergise to prepare a compelling application in advance. Funding is available from the


Low Carbon Skills Fund to cover the consultancy fees for a heat decarbonisation plan. Again, it is announced in funding rounds so it’s worth getting this funding in place ahead of the next PSDS phase.


n For more information see www.reenergisegroup.com See also www.salixfinance.co.uk for information and free webinars.


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