Funding applications made easy: the complete PSDS toolkit for local authorities – Sandeep Kang

Comment by Sandeep Kang, Senior Product Manager at Energy Systems Catapult.

UK local authorities are under increasing pressure to decarbonise, while simultaneously navigating complex funding streams such as the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS). We’re at the forefront of this movement, offering vital tools, expertise, and products to help local authorities secure funding and implement effective decarbonisation strategies.

Net Zero Go: Your decarbonisation journey made simple

Net Zero Go is an intuitive platform designed to empower local authorities with practical steps to achieve their decarbonisation goals. It simplifies the complexities of Net Zero projects, providing you with actionable resources, case studies, and implementation tools tailored specifically for local authorities. We offer targeted advice and guidance on using Net Zero Go to ensure that local authorities can seamlessly integrate this platform into their existing processes.

Explore our latest free e-learning programmes: Decarbonising Non-Domestic Public Sector Buildings, built specifically to help local authority officers upskill within their busy schedules. The programme will help to guide you through the practical steps for reducing carbon emissions in public sector buildings, aiming to help you get ready to start your funding applications for PSDS.

Whether you’re just starting your Net Zero journey or looking to scale up your efforts, Net Zero Go helps you stay on track.

Public Sector Decarbonisation Guidance: expert advice at your fingertips

Tackling the decarbonisation of public sector buildings is challenging. That’s why we have worked with the government and developed the Public Sector Decarbonisation Guidance, a suite of free to access tools, guides and checklists. The resources will help you understand the steps you need to take to successfully deliver your projects including helping you craft successful applications for schemes like PSDS. This guidance provides independent, expert insights on everything from securing buy-in, funding, and heat pumps to procurement tools and carbon calculators; we can equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate PSDS.

The latest phase of PSDS, running from 2025/26 to 2027/28, has changed the way that funding is allocated with a new focus on cost-per-tonne of carbon saved. It is crucial for you to understand the changes and think about how that might impact on the projects you plan to apply for. With our Public Sector Decarbonisation Guidance, you can ensure your application is both robust and fits with your wider decarbonisation programme. Take full advantage of these resources to position your local authority for success.

Net Zero Data: Harness the power of data for decarbonisation

Data is at the heart of any successful decarbonisation strategy and funding application, and this is where Net Zero Data comes into play. Net Zero Data offers local authorities unparalleled insights, which are particularly helpful for identifying the highest carbon emitters in your non-domestic building stock and quickly allows you to prioritise potential locations for decarbonisation projects. For PSDS, funding will be prioritised for projects where the most direct carbon emissions will be saved while spending public money effectively.

Whether you’re well prepared for your PSDS funding application or don’t know where to start, Net Zero Data can help you make informed decisions to ensure you’re considering the best options to optimise energy use, reduce emissions, and deliver value for money, in line with grant funding requirements for the decarbonisation of your non-domestic building stock.

Your decarbonisation partner

At Energy Systems Catapult, we don’t just offer tools – we offer partnerships. Our expert team is committed to helping UK local authorities unlock the funding and resources they need to decarbonise effectively. Whether it’s through the free resources on PSDG, the forum community on Net Zero Go, or the locational identification power of Net Zero Data, we’re here to help you achieve your Net Zero goals.

So, what’s next for your local authority? Start by exploring the tools and resources offered by Energy Systems Catapult. Register for updates, begin gathering the necessary data, and make use of the guidance available to craft a successful decarbonisation strategy.

Act now

Your Net Zero future starts with the right tools and partnerships. Get in touch if you’d like to discuss how we can help you.

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