Public Building Retrofit Fund Window 3 launches - Salix supporting Greater Manchester’s decarbonisation ambitions

Next phase of Greater Manchester’s Public Building Retrofit Fund (PBRf) is now open

Greater Manchester’s Public Building Retrofit Fund (PBRf) is back for its third phase, giving public sector organisations another opportunity to secure funding to cut carbon emissions and improve building performance.

With up to £28 million of capital funding available between 2025 and 2028, the fund is supporting Greater Manchester’s public sector to accelerate the decarbonisation of its estates and contribute to the region’s wider environmental ambitions.

At Salix, we’re proud to be supporting Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) in the assessment of projects submitted to the scheme. Our job is to help assess applications against the fund’s priorities and identify projects that can deliver meaningful carbon and energy savings.

Up to £28 million available

GMCA has allocated up to £28 million across three years:

  • £1.6 million in 2025/26
  • At least £23 million in 2026/27
  • Up to £1.3 million in 2027/28

Funding allocated to each application window may be adjusted depending on the number and quality of applications received. 

Head of Low Carbon at the Greater Manchester Environment Team Dan Griffiths said: “This devolved funding is not just about reducing carbon, it’s also about future-proofing the public services our residents rely on and providing opportunities for high quality green jobs through the adoption of low carbon technologies.”

Director of public sector decarbonisation at Salix Ian Rodger said: “We are delighted to continue to support the Greater Manchester Combined Authority on the Public Building Retrofit Fund. 

“We continue to play an important role in assessing applications and sharing our technical expertise to help ensure projects deliver meaningful carbon reductions and long-term benefits for the local communities.”

What will the fund prioritise?

Applications will be assessed against a number of key priorities, including:

  • Project impact - prioritising projects with higher carbon intensity and greater potential to reduce emissions.
  • Project readiness - supporting projects that are well progressed, with clear delivery plans and identified match funding.
  • Strategic importance - prioritising projects that demonstrate a clear strategic need and alignment with the Greater Manchester 5-Year Environment Plan.
  • Existing building performance - focusing on buildings with higher levels of energy consumption and energy spend.

GMCA say these priorities are designed to ensure funding reaches projects that are best placed to deliver tangible and lasting improvements to Greater Manchester’s public estate.

Registration is essential

Organisations interested in applying should review the Public Building Retrofit Fund guidance and begin preparing their projects now. Projects must be registered before an application can be submitted. Organisations that have not registered their projects will not be eligible to apply.

Registration opens on 7 September 2026.

For full eligibility criteria, building requirements and application information, applicants should refer to the Public Building Retrofit Fund guidance and application form.

For questions about the fund, organisations can contact the Public Building Retrofit Fund team at [email protected].

As Salix continues to support GMCA through the assessment of projects, we look forward to playing our part in helping Greater Manchester’s public sector turn ambitious decarbonisation plans into action.

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