The Department for Education (DfE) have announced additional school capital funding to improve energy efficiency in schools in 2022-23 (ASCF).
Eligible schools and sixth-form colleges will receive an allocation from an additional £447 million in capital funding in 2022-23. Aimed in particular at capital improvements to buildings and facilities prioritising works to improve energy efficiency, this is part of an additional £500 million that has been made available for schools and further education institutions in England.
The funding will be made available to institutions already eligible for Devolved Formula Capital (DFC) allocations in the financial year 2022-23. Eligible maintained nursery, primary, secondary, and special schools, academies and free schools, pupil referral units, non-maintained special schools, sixth form colleges and specialist post-16 institutions with eligible students should all receive an allocation of the funding.
In conjunction with the announcement, the DfE has published guidance for schools on potential works to improve energy efficiency in school buildings, along with advice and action points to consider implementing. This guidance can be found here.
Schools have been given the discretion to decide how best to invest the capital funding on energy efficiency measures, although eligible projects should be completed by the 31st March 2023. Due to the tight deadline, schools are being urged to act quickly.
Lea Hough are consulting with a number of schools in Lancashire, Cumbria and Greater Manchester to assist in making the most from the additional funding. In addition to identifying works that may be suitable given the remit of the funding to improve energy efficiency, we are also advising on the type of project that will be suitable for completion before 31st March 2023.
Schools that are in receipt of such funding can benefit from the advice of a School Building Consultant in scoping packages of work and arranging contractors’ quotes. Where there are a number of schools in an academy trust, we are able to tender the works as a combined package for all of the schools together, helping to achieve economies of scale.
Once a contractor has been selected, we are able to oversee the works, ensuring the completion of work to a good standard and compliance with CDM/health & safety matters, etc.
Given the tight timeframe and the pending school holidays, schools may not have the internal resource to dedicate to researching and maximising this funding. To speak to one of our school building consultants for an initial chat about how we can help, please get in touch.
