The Salix England Recycling Fund's remarkable journey
Celebrating the transformative impact on energy efficiency and sustainability
As we bid farewell to the Salix England Recycling Fund, we celebrate the remarkable achievements and lasting impact this initiative has had on organisations across the country.
This ground-breaking scheme, which provided matched funding for energy-saving projects with paybacks of up to ten years, has revolutionised the way countless institutions approach sustainability and energy efficiency.
The Salix England Recycling Fund, a partnership between and various organisations, has been instrumental in driving forward numerous energy-saving projects that might otherwise have remained unrealised.
As we reflect on the success of this historic scheme, we are proud to share insights from some of the organisations that have benefited from this programme.
£758,808 in annual energy cost savings for London Borough of Waltham Forest
Energy project manager at the London Borough of Waltham Forest John Bennett, describes the fund as a "game-changer” which has enabled the authority to deliver nearly £4m worth of projects.
He believes these projects would have been delayed or not happened at all if fund had not been available.
He said: “The Salix Recycling Fund has been a game-changer for Waltham Forest, enabling us to invest in energy efficiency projects that would have been difficult to finance through traditional funding routes.
“Unlike other funding streams with strict deadlines, the flexibility of the Recycling Fund allowed us to plan strategically and maximise long-term savings.
“Through this initiative, we have delivered over £3.8 million in projects, including LED upgrades in schools and sports facilities, improved heating systems in public buildings, and energy-efficient refurbishments at the Families and Homes Hub.
“These projects have collectively reduced our annual carbon emissions by 12,666 tonnes and generated £758,808 in annual energy cost savings.
“Without the Salix Recycling Fund, many of these projects would have been delayed or even unfeasible.
“This initiative has not only supported our journey towards net zero but has also delivered lasting benefits for our community and council estate. We are incredibly proud of what we've achieved and grateful for the opportunity to be part of this programme."
The impact of the fund has been felt across various sectors, from local councils to universities.
Oxford City Council saves £500,000 annually
Oxford City Council has also reaped remarkable benefits from the fund.
Carbon reduction project manager at the council Alice Jones, says the authority will now need to find alternative solutions to reaching net zero goals.
She added: : "We want to celebrate the success of the Salix Recycling Fund, which has served to be the backbone of many public authorities net zero efforts for the past 15 years.
“Since the Recycling Fund's inception in 2008, Oxford City Council has utilised the loan to deploy over 85 decarbonisation projects across our estate.
“This has supported our journey to net zero by 2030, saving the Council 2,000 tonnes of carbon annually, and resulted in financial savings of £0.5m annually.
“Notable projects include a solar PV programme, in which solar has been deployed across leisure sites, offices, community centres and depots, extensive LED replacement works across all council archetypes, and a range of projects targeting the decarbonisation heat.
“As the fund comes to close in March 2025, we will look to other means of funding our progress to net zero, to continue at the pace needed to achieve fast approaching net zero target."
Leeds Beckett University sees annual utility bill savings of approximately £870,000
The impact of the Salix Recycling Fund has also extended to the higher education sector.
Leeds Beckett University has seen solid results, as Tarik Jacob, energy manager, explained: "The Recycling Fund has been pivotal in our sustainability efforts at Leeds Beckett University.
“By meticulously analysing and continuously monitoring our energy usage, we've identified significant energy-saving opportunities.
“The fund has enabled projects that might have otherwise faced challenges, resulting in a remarkable 70% reduction in our Scope 1 and 2 emissions compared to 2009/10 levels.
“Key initiatives, such as LED lighting upgrades, pump replacements, and a solar PV installation on the iconic Rose Bowl building, have not only enhanced our energy efficiency but also led to annual utility bill savings of approximately £870,000."
The £4.1m invested has saved an estimated £880,000 on annual energy bills and over 4,000 tonnes of carbon emissions a year.
The long-term certainty of the fund enabled East Sussex County Council to plan ahead to establish new survey and installation programmes.
East Sussex County Council has been another shining example of the fund's success.
Council energy and carbon reduction manager Janette Ackroyd said that the long-term nature of the fund meant that the council could effectively plan ahead.
She believes new funding will be required in order for the county council to meet its carbon emission goals.
She said: "Since East Sussex County Council first opened our recycling fund in 2007, we have delivered 235 energy efficiency projects including street lighting, LED upgrades, insulation, heating systems, renewable energy and more.
“The £4.1m invested has saved an estimated £880,000 on annual energy bills and over 4,000 tonnes of carbon emissions a year.
“The long-term certainty of the fund enabled East Sussex County Council to plan ahead to establish new survey and installation programmes. Additional funding would be required if East Sussex County Council are to continue to reduce energy bills and carbon emissions in the manner we had previously established."
Norwich City Council has an annual financial saving of £310,000
Norwich City Council has also embraced the opportunities provided by the fund.
Council carbon management programme coordinator Martin Symonds, hopes the council will build on the scheme success.
He added: : "Since 2010, Norwich City Council has been committed to delivering energy and carbon savings across its operational assets through the Salix Recycling Fund.
“Over the course of the scheme, 126 projects totalling £1,317,539 have been successfully implemented, resulting in an annual financial saving of £310,000 and a carbon reduction of 1,407 tonnes of CO₂.
“Although the Salix scheme is coming to a close, Norwich City Council remains dedicated to continuing its legacy. By reinvesting the savings generated from reduced electricity consumption, we will build on this success and further enhance the sustainability of our operations."
The Salix England Recycling Fund has been hailed a success by those who have tapped into it as well as setting standards for the future.
Anthony Schmidt, estates manager (Energy) at Queen's University Belfast, encapsulates this sentiment: "Queen's University Belfast are committed to decarbonising our estate.
“The Recycling Fund model has been an excellent source of momentum for decarbonisation projects across our estate.
“Although our relationship with Salix is ending, we have plans in place to continue this invest-to-save model into the future, and towards net zero."
As we reflect on the incredible achievements made possible by the Salix England Recycling Fund, we would like to thank all the organisations who have supported the programme.
We have been delighted to work with committed teams across England for more than a decade delivering impact and inspiring change.
The fund has not only facilitated immediate energy savings and carbon reductions but has also instilled a culture of sustainability and innovation across various sectors.
The Salix England Recycling Fund has undoubtedly left a mark on the UK's sustainability landscape. The legacy of this pioneering fund will surely inspire future initiatives as we collectively strive towards a more sustainable future.
