Consultation: Revolving green Fund for English HE

Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in England will benefit from a new fund to provide repayable grants for projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This fund will be a partnership between HEFCE and Salix Finance Ltd (Salix) with both parties committing significant funds. HEFCE and Salix expect that there will be a combined total of around £30-40 million to distribute over the three years from 2008.

The UK Government has set a goal to cut carbon dioxide emissions in the UK by at least 60 per cent by 2050. Projects funded under the new scheme will reduce emissions of greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide, from both existing and new buildings, and enable HEIs to save money in the long term and to benefit from carbon trading (Note 3). Projects might include: better energy management, on-site renewable energy generation, waste management, and sustainable construction and refurbishment.
Annual energy costs for the English higher education sector are currently around £250 million resulting in carbon dioxide emissions of around 1.6 million tonnes. As the sector grows, these figures will also grow, unless action is taken.

Professor David Eastwood, Chief Executive of HEFCE, said: 'Higher education has a major role to play in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and much progress has already been made by the sector. We are delighted to be working with Salix in helping to develop new energy efficiency projects and innovation in managing greenhouse gas emissions.'

Peter Mallaburn, Chief Executive of Salix, said: 'We see this as yet another example of where Salix can assist the public sector in having an impact in meeting energy efficiency targets. By improving their environmental performance and energy efficiency, universities will also enhance their reputation amongst both current and prospective students'.

The proposals for the fund, outlined in HEFCE's consultation on the fund have two strands. An institutional small projects fund will provide HEIs with money to set up their own ring-fenced fund for proven energy efficiency projects. A transformational fund will be available for HEIs to tackle larger, innovative projects which will transform their approach to managing energy consumption and reducing emissions. These projects may cost several million pounds per HEI and are expected to act as beacons of good practice to demonstrate what can be achieved in this area.

For further information, contact Joanna Simpson at HEFCE on 0117 9317 411, e-mail j.simpson@hefce.ac.uk or Paul Chisnall at Salix Finance on 020 3043 8803, paul.chisnall@salixfinance.co.uk

Martin Wiles from the University of Bristol will be coordinating the EAUC's response to this consultation, so please email any thoughts to Martin at m.r.wiles@bristol.ac.uk

Members will have a chance to meet Salix who are one of the sponsors at our Annual Conference at the end of March.