Teachernet, TCF - Carbon Reductions

Name of programme/fund: Targeted Capital Fund: Carbon Reductions
Guidance applicable to financial years: 2008-09, 2009-10 and 2010-11.
Total funding available 2008-2011: £110 million over the three financial years 2008-2011.
Summary of purpose: To support the commitment to reduce carbon emissions from new school buildings while we work towards the long-term ambition of zero carbon school buildings.
Specific priorities for use of funding: We expect carbon emissions from new school buildings to be reduced by 60% relative to those that are currently being constructed and that have been designed to 2002 Building Regulations. The funding is available to invest in the energy efficiency and renewable energy measures necessary to achieve the target.
Eligibility: About 200 secondary and special schools currently in BSF, academies and One School Pathfinder programmes have been identified as 'in scope' to receive additional funding. These are schools with at least a 75% new build element by floor area that have not reached a detailed stage of design.
Method of payment: Capital grant and PFI credits. The timing of payments will be agreed between the local authority and the Department/PfS.
Allocated by: Projects expected to meet the criteria have been identified by PfS and Academies team.
Formula for allocation (if applicable): Additional funding of £50 per square metre of floor area will be provided.
Application process (if applicable): None. However, If LAs believe there are projects which meet the criteria but have not been identified, they are advised to contact PfS.
Additional flexibilities: N/A.
Monitoring and audit requirements: A simple piece of software, the 'carbon calculator' has been developed to assist the selection of measures to reduce carbon emissions. LAs will be expected to demonstrate through use of the calculator, that design proposals will meet the 60% target reductions. PfS will monitor compliance.
Frequently asked questions (and answers):
Q — Is additional funding available to new schools which are not in BSF, OSP or the academies programme?
A — Additional funding is not available to schools outside of the BSF and Academies programmes. However, we want all new schools to meet the 60% target and for LAs to use the funding available to invest in measures to achieve that.
Q — We are building/have built energy efficiency measures into our new school. Can we have the additional money?
A — No. The additional funding is available to introduce measures in new school buildings to achieve the challenging target of a 60% emissions reduction. Funding cannot be provided retrospectively, or for energy efficiency measures which do not achieve the 60% target reduction.
Contact details for queries not covered by the guidance:
Please refer initially to the detailed FAQs via the link below. If you think you have a project that meets the criteria, please discuss with your Project Director at PfS.
Other enquiries to the Schools Capital Enquiry Service
Telephone — 01325 391716
Email — schools.capital@dcsf.gsi.gov.uk
Website where more detailed guidance can be found: TeacherNet