Frequently asked questions

We have three stages to assessment:

• Quality check – to ensure the application is complete and the public sector body is eligible to apply.
• Detailed technical assessment – The application goes to assessors who will test to see if the application is passable against the 5 scoring criteria. If more information is required to give a score, they may ask for clarifications about your application.
• Quality assurance – After all projects have been assessed, to ensure consistency in our approach the assessment itself is then checked.  

For more information on the assessment process please see section 7 of the guidance notes.  

Yes, feedback will be sent to all unsuccessful applicants which can be used to improve applications for any future schemes and funding streams that may become available. This feedback will be provided once all applications have been assessed, and the results have been finalised.  

The eligible grant value is calculated automatically on the project form. The formula used to calculate this is: Total Project Cost – Minimum Client Contribution. 

The client contribution will depend on the public sector body, which will be disclosed in Step 1 of the project form. Usually, Central Government bodies have a client contribution of 0 however, other bodies, such as local authorities and universities will be expected to contribute 20% towards their project. 

The Carbon Cost Ratio (CCR) measures the cost per ton of carbon saved over the lifetime of the project. Measuring CCR ensures that projects deliver value for money by achieving the greatest carbon savings for the lowest cost.  

For Phase 3, to maximize the impact of the fund we have set the following criteria:  

• Benchmark: £450/tCO2e 
• Maximum limit: £1,000/tCO2e  

Where a project exceeds the £450/tCO2e benchmark and is also below the £1,000/tCO2e maximum limit, the applicant is requested to set out clear reasons for why their project surpasses the benchmark and to justify why some flexibility of the CCR is necessary. Salix reserves the right to determine what constitutes as reasonable flexibility and this may not be provided to all projects that request it 

Yes, projects should consider connecting to an existing heat network where possible. If a connection is not feasible at this stage, designs must be heat network ready. This means:  

• Installing a wet heating system with low-temperature design 
• Allowing space for future pipework connections 
• Engaging with heat network operators to ensure compatibility 

No, this fund can only be used to support capital expenditure for works that are fully completed within the grant funding period, which ends on the 31 March 2027.   

The fund can only be used to support capital expenditure for works that can be invoiced within the grant period. Works that take place after the grant period, cannot be paid for using the fund and any costs outside of the grant period must be covered paid for by the grantee.  

In this instance, only measures that can complete by the 31 March will be eligible for funding. On the application form please indicate whether other measures are being carried out in Step 1.1 “introduction” and Section 1.2 “Project Design”. 

You should outline the relevant technologies that are not being funded and their impact on the energy performance of the building. This can support the assessment by providing clarity on elements such as the sizing of the clean heating system or improvements to the building’s heating performance.   

The application window will open at 2pm on 24 March 2026 and will close at 2pm on 29 April 2026. Applications submitted after the deadline will not be taken forward to assessment. 

Grant Offer Letters are likely to be issued by August 2026, and costs incurred before the Grant Offer Letter is signed are not eligible. Therefore, we urge applicants to consider the feasibility of their project against this spending requirement.  

We will require successful applicants to confirm that designs are complete on the 17 November 2026. 

Any change requests for Phase 3 Scotland's Public Sector Heat Decarbonisation Fund projects are required to be submitted y 5 December 2026. The deadline to provide all of your associated conditions by 2 March 2027.

Please note, the deadlines have been set as standard dates based on when we expect to see the majority of projects reach these milestones, but if your project passes a milestone at an earlier date, please provide the information as soon as possible.