New film on the energy efficiency projects across Wales’s public sector

A new feature film highlighting innovative low carbon projects across Wales, has been released by Salix.

The film, which includes testimonials from speakers and specialists from across the nation, clearly explains how organisations are working towards ambitious net-zero targets.

Wales’s overall target is to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, however the public sector has set a target of reaching this goal by 2030

Salix Chief Executive Annie Shepperd kickstarts the video by highlighting the significance of transitioning from the resources that contribute to the climate crisis.

She said: “We know that in order to preserve this earth we have got to reduce the reliance on fossil fuels.”

The video explains how Salix works with eligible public sector organisations to apply for loan funding schemes from Welsh Government including the Wales Funding Programme and the Recycling Fund. Salix has also supported the Low Carbon Heat Grant pilot.

It showcases how Aberystwyth University is working to significantly reduce its carbon emissions via the development of an innovative £2.9m solar array project made possible by the Wales Funding Programme, which is funded by Welsh Government and delivered by Salix.

The installation of 4,500 solar panels will generate 25% of Penglais Campus’s annual electricity requirements which equates to the energy usage of more than 500 homes.

Sustainability Advisor at Aberystwyth, Dewi Day explained how funding can help meet these targets.

Dewi said: “The idea seemed amazing - you can access capital funding for dedicated energy saving projects and pay it back with no interest and just through saving achieved. Really is a win win.”

Isle of Anglesey County Borough Council were recipients of multiple funding streams, including the Wales Funding Programme and the Low Carbon Heat Grant. The video takes us through the council’s sustainable initiatives following over £6.5m in funding since 2019.

Chief Property and Asset Manager at Isle of Anglesey County Council, Meilir Hughes, said: “The great thing about this funding stream is that it is dedicated funding to deliver a particular outcome as we have greater access to it and it’s a lot smoother than usual hurdles. The freedom that gives us to crack on and be ambitious is a great thing.”

Salix’s Director or Programmes Ian Rodger said: “We try and be more than just a funder. We have a lot of experience in supporting people to deliver these projects and we try and use that experience to help these clients and support them in their projects to make sure they deliver the objectives they need.”

St Fagans National Museum of History used the support provided by Salix and funding from Welsh Government to decarbonise its security lodge.

The Low Carbon Heat Grant pilot, funded by Welsh Government, provided the opportunity for the museum to replace the gas fired boiler at its Security Lodge with an air source heat pump. This has reduced the carbon output of the building alone by 80%.

Building Services Manager at Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales, Gareth Jones said the savings were a ‘big deal’. He added: “That’s a big deal for us in the museum here where we are still totally reliant on gas heating for most of our buildings.”

The museum is the number one attraction in Wales so it’s their hope that introducing and highlighting these technologies will promote the importance of transitioning to low carbon heating methods.

Director of Corporate Resources at Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales - Phil Bushby said: “We want the museum to be part of people’s story and I think people will see the museum and connect it with the past that they see here but we want them to be able to see the future as well.”

Caerphilly Council makes continuous effective use of its Recycling Fund to improve the energy efficiency of its estate. This is a ring-fenced fund with capital provided by Welsh Government, and matched by the partner organisation, to be spent on energy-saving projects.

This funding has enabled the council to repeatedly invest in energy efficiency works such as upgrades to its schools and leisure centres.

Paul Rossiter, Energy, Water and Conservation Officer at Caerphilly County Borough Council, said: “It’s been very important to particularly the schools where the teachers don’t have to find any additional funding. We find that we’re going into schools and transforming the teaching environment.”

For queries regarding funding schemes and support please contact the Wales team at [email protected]