Purpose

The decision is required in order to ringfence and later, issue the Public Building Retrofit fund grant funding for Window 2.

The main strategic objective of the fund is to reduce direct carbon emissions from public sector buildings.

The funding is to support public sector organisations to decarbonise their estates.

Greater Manchester (GM) aims to significantly reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to achieve net zero by 2038, twelve years ahead of the national target. The PBRf supports the aim of national policy to reduce emissions from heating buildings, which account for 9% of the UK’s total emissions. By targeting heating emissions, the fund aims to eliminate fossil fuel-dependent technologies and improve the warmth and efficiency of public buildings.

Further information regarding the fund can be found on the webpage: Public Building Retrofit fund - Greater Manchester Combined Authority. The webpage also contains detailed guidance regarding the Public Building Retrofit fund.

Decision

Approval is sought to ringfence up to £23 million from the Public Building Retrofit Fund for up to 28 Window 2 projects that successfully progress through Gateway 2. Following assessment at Gateway 1, projects demonstrating strong potential carbon savings, readiness and robust evidence were prioritised for further consideration.
Ringfencing does not guarantee a grant award. Each project will be assessed on its own merits at Gateway 2, against its detailed delivery plan, viability, value for money and the carbon savings committed at Gateway 1. Salix will support the review of submissions for robustness. Allocations may change if project designs, costs or delivery plans develop, or if a project is withdrawn. Grant payments will be made only to eligible public sector organisations that satisfy the required assessment, assurance and approval conditions.

Alternative options considered

N/A