Project story

The UK Net Zero Strategy includes the decarbonisation of all sectors by 2050. The Governmental department for Business Energy & Industrial Strategy released funding under the ‘Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme’ to support the public sector achieve Net Zero. Having provided decarbonisation consultancy services in the first two phases, Sweco has been appointed in the 3^rd phase of the funding to support the Department for Education (DfE).

The commission includes the liaison with the schools, surveys of facilities and the production of Heat Decarbonisation Plans (HDPs) for 107 of the 200 schools in this phase.

The HDP describes how a school intends to replace fossil fuel reliant systems with low carbon alternatives. Its aim is to provide an insight into the current state of a schools’ energy use and its plans for reducing and/or decarbonising its energy use. An important aspect of the HDP is a ‘Fabric First’ approach, meaning all recommendations need to take the walls, windows, roof etc into consideration first. The HDP breaks down the recommendations into three categories:

• Quick wins (e.g. lighting, insulation)
• Medium budget (e.g. above plus replace boiler with ASHP)
• Full net zero approach (e.g. above + install solar PV)

This approach allows the DfE to understand the size and complexity of the decarbonisation investment required for this phase. Projects and programmes can then be defined and prioritised and the necessary investment allocated.

Key services

• Site surveys – condition assessment
• Energy efficiency calculations & review
• M&E services
• Decarbonisation plans

This was an amazing project to be a part of. We surveyed over 100 schools within two months – each with a different point of contact – and we’re proud to be making a real difference to the Department of Education’s Net Zero ambitions across the country.

Caitlin Turner Senior Project Manager