Public Building Retrofit Fund Window 2 opens to drive decarbonisation across Greater Manchester

Salix to provide technical assessment expertise as the Greater Manchester Combined Authority makes £28m available to help public sector buildings transition to low-carbon heating and improved energy efficiency.

The Public Building Retrofit Fund Window 2 has opened in a bid to accelerate decarbonisation of Greater Manchester’s public estate.

Window 2 of the Public Building Retrofit Fund (PBRf) has officially gone live, marking the next phase of investment to decarbonise public buildings across Greater Manchester.

Launched and administered by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), the fund provides grant support to public sector organisations for the installation of low-carbon heating systems and energy efficiency improvements. The initiative is designed to cut carbon emissions, reduce energy consumption and improve comfort across the region’s public estate.

At Salix we’re proud to be working in partnership with GMCA on the delivery of the scheme, bringing extensive experience in delivering large-scale public sector energy efficiency programmes. Our role is to support the fund by undertaking the technical assessment of funding applications, ensuring projects are robust, deliverable and maximise carbon savings.

We are delighted to continue to support the Greater Manchester Combined Authority on the Public Building Retrofit Fund. At Salix, we are pleased to play a key role in assessing applications and sharing our technical expertise to help ensure projects deliver meaningful carbon reductions and long-term benefits.

Charles Pegg programme manager Salix Finance

Programme Manager at Salix Charles Pegg, said: “We are delighted to continue to support the Greater Manchester Combined Authority on the Public Building Retrofit Fund. At Salix, we are pleased to play a key role in assessing applications and sharing our technical expertise to help ensure projects deliver meaningful carbon reductions and long-term benefits.

“This is an important initiative that will help public sector organisations transition away from fossil fuel heating and improve the energy performance of their buildings. We look forward to continuing our partnership with GMCA to support the decarbonisation of Greater Manchester’s public estate.”

Unlocked through devolved powers, GMCA will make more than £28 million in capital funding available over three years to support decarbonisation projects from 2025 to 2028. Allocations include:

  • £1.6 million in 2025/26
  • At least £13.2 million in 2026/27
  • Up to £13.2 million in 2027/28

The initiative aligns closely with national policy priorities, addressing the approximately 9% of UK emissions that arise from heating buildings. By replacing fossil fuel-based systems and improving energy efficiency, the fund will directly contribute to lower emissions and enhanced building performance.

Application process

The Public Building Retrofit Fund will operate through two gateways. Full details on eligibility and the application process are available via the GMCA website.

Applications will be prioritised based on:

  • Project impact – prioritising projects with higher carbon intensity.
  • Project readiness – prioritising those that are well progressed, with clear plans and identified match funding.
  • Strategic importance – prioritising projects aligned with the Greater Manchester five-year Environment Plan and clear strategic need.
  • Existing building performance – prioritising buildings with the highest energy intensity and spend.

For further information, applicants can contact the Public Building Retrofit Fund team at [email protected]

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