Supporting the Public Sector in Achieving Net Zero with C3 Group

This article is written by one of our partners, C3 Group. 

At C3 Group, we are dedicated to helping the public sector navigate the complexities of energy efficiency and decarbonisation. We provide tailored strategies and energy performance assessments that enable public sector organisations to access government funding, supporting their energy performance upgrades and their journey to net zero.

Bespoke Solutions

The path to a more sustainable and energy-efficient future can be daunting, especially for public sector organisations that face unique challenges. From local authorities to government departments, we understand the importance of creating customised strategies that reflect the specific needs and circumstances of each organisation. We also recognise the pressure on the public sector to meet net zero goals. Despite having some of these plans in place, organisations often struggle to secure funding for these projects – and that’s where we come in.

Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS)

One of the key funding options we assist clients in securing is the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS), a government initiative aimed at supporting the public sector in reducing carbon emissions and improving energy efficiency. Through these strategies, public sector organisations can leverage PSDS funding, taking a significant step toward reducing their carbon footprint and enhancing the energy efficiency of their assets.

In 2024 alone, we submitted 22 applications with a combined project value of £29 million. These projects are projected to deliver over 57,000 tonnes of annual carbon savings. We are currently awaiting feedback from Salix regarding the success of these applications, and the outlook is very positive. In the meantime, we continue to work closely with our clients to prepare for the next funding window, which is set to open later this year. We are already working with clients as we expect this year to be even busier. We like to get ahead of the curve and recommend that, in the meantime, our clients use our bespoke Heat Decarbonisation Plans to make quick changes to their buildings or apply for other funding opportunities that may arise.

Supporting Social Housing Providers with Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund Applications

The Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund is a key initiative designed to help social housing providers improve the energy efficiency of their properties and reduce carbon emissions. C3 Group has a proven track record of working alongside social housing providers to successfully secure funding for large-scale energy performance upgrades.

Last year, we worked with a social housing provider on 500 of their homes, delivering significant energy efficiency improvements and supporting their funding application process.

Our team assists in identifying the most impactful improvements for housing stock, creating applications that maximise the potential for funding. By providing guidance on the technical, financial, and regulatory aspects of the application process, we ensure that social housing providers can access the necessary resources to make substantial, long-term improvements to the homes they manage. With our help, organisations can improve the quality of life for their residents while simultaneously working towards ambitious sustainability target.

Helping Charities and Churches Secure Funding

We are proud to have supported charities across the UK in securing funding for green energy projects. Last year, we assisted 88 charities and churches in applying for grants, helping them to access crucial funding for sustainability projects. We’ve visited some of these sites, like The Freedom Centre in Hull, which installed LED lighting and solar panels—cutting energy bills and reinvesting savings back into the community.

Like many community-run spaces, the Freedom Centre was facing rising energy bills, spending up to £60,000 per year on electricity alone. This put increasing pressure on their ability to deliver essential services such as providing affordable hot meals for the over-50s, maintaining safe sensory areas for children and vulnerable individuals, offering library resources and adult learning facilities, and supporting community activities and well-being programmes. The energy savings from these upgrades are reinvested back into the centre, benefiting both the community and the environment.

Why Work with C3 Group?

Our team’s experience and understanding of the public sector landscape mean that we can offer comprehensive services that deliver real results. By combining expert knowledge with a commitment to supporting organisations at every stage of their sustainability journey, we ensure that our clients can successfully access the funding they need to achieve their energy performance goals.

Whether you are a local authority, social housing provider, or charity, we are here to guide you through the complexities of grant funding and help you make meaningful, long-term improvements in energy efficiency and sustainability. If you are looking for a partner to help you secure government funding and improve your energy performance, get in touch with C3 Group today.

We will be exhibiting at Green Finance UK, where we will be available to talk through any of the challenges you’re facing with financing your green energy projects. You can purchase your tickets here.