An exciting new Fund showing real commitment to sustainability in the Further Education sector

26th November 2014

In partnership with Salix Finance, the EAUC is delighted to announce the release of £5 million of funding for energy efficiency and carbon reduction projects in Further Education (FE) colleges in England, Scotland and Wales.

Continuing the success of Salix's previous work in the education sector, the funding is intended to act as a further catalyst for investment in energy efficiency technologies which will reduce carbon emissions and create financial savings.

“The EAUC are delighted to develop the new College Energy Fund, in partnership with Salix. This Fund will provide EAUC college Members a new finance stream to invest in estate efficiency and create financial savings. In these hard times for colleges, this provides critical financial support for our Members to deliver real results.” Iain Patton, CEO, EAUC

This development is also supported by the Association of Colleges; "AoC look forward to working with EAUC in helping Colleges access and benefit from this exciting opportunity," Ian Munro, Regional Director.

Since 2004, Salix has funded over £21 million of energy efficiency projects in 201 FE colleges in England, Scotland and Wales. This has saved the sector approximately £81 million over the lifetime of the projects. The most popular spend on technologies in these FE Colleges has been on boiler upgrades, followed by conventional fluorescent lighting upgrades, building fabric insulation and improvements to heating and hot water distribution.

Any FE College who receives a majority of their income directly from the public sector can apply for funding. The loan will be paid back to Salix directly by direct debit on a 6 monthly basis over a period of 4 years. Applications must be submitted by noon on Friday 30 January 2015 and funding will be awarded at the end of February 2015.

Find out more, apply online or book onto our 'How to apply' webinar for hints and tips on making an application.

The EAUC are committed to our College Members and the launch of this dedicated Fund demonstrates the influencing power of the EAUC to ensure the needs of all of our Members are listened to and met. Being an EAUC Member puts you at the forefront of this work.