VCSE Energy Efficiency Scheme | Funded energy surveys & capital grants for energy improvements

The UK Government has launched a new programme to drive down energy costs and carbon emissions from buildings.

The VCSE Energy Efficiency Scheme aims to support voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations (VCSEs) to improve the energy efficiency and sustainability of their premises. 

To be eligible, organisations must be a VCSE based in England and delivering frontline services. They must be able to demonstrate that they are financially sustainable, require support around energy and are not suitable for blended finance or loan support through other schemes.

What does the VCSE Energy Efficiency Scheme involve?

The VCSE Energy Efficiency Scheme provides fully funded energy surveys and capital grants for energy improvements. 

In the first stage of the programme, an energy survey will be completed by an Energy Assessor who is registered with the VCSE scheme. Following the survey a report will be issued identifying any areas where heat and power are being wasted and recommending cost-effective opportunities for improvement. 

In the second stage of the programme, organisations can apply for capital grants to install improvements that have been recommended in the report. Grants can range from £2,000 to £150,000.

View Anonymised Report

What improvement measures are eligible through the VCSE scheme?

In addition to offering a fully funded energy assessment of your property, the VCSE Energy Efficiency Scheme provides an opportunity for your organisation to access capital grants to pay for the installation of energy efficiency and renewable energy systems. 

You must provide evidence that the installation of these technologies will deliver long-term carbon reductions and energy cost savings for your organisation. 

Measures that can be installed may include, but are not limited to:

Building fabric enhancements

  • Wall, roof or floor insulation/ draft-proofing
  • Windows and doors (efficient glazing and thermal doors)
  • Green or cool roofs

Space & water heating measures

  • Efficient boiler/heating (HVAC improvements)
  • Heating controls
  • Smart building management systems
  • Heat Recovery Ventilation systems
  • Radiant heat emitters

Lighting

  • LED lighting systems
  • Lighting controls and occupancy sensors

Renewable energy measures

  • Heat pumps
  • Solar panels
  • Wind turbines
  • Battery storage
The VCSE Energy Efficiency Scheme could provide the feasibility study and upfront capital grant to enable your organisation to make the switch to rooftop solar power, just like this BHESCo project at Alistair Fleming Bespoke Kitchen Design, which was developed with the support of LoCASE funding.

Which organisations are eligible for VCSE funding?

The funding is aimed at charitable, benevolent or philanthropic organisations who deliver frontline services to the community.

Examples of eligible organisations include:

  • Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO)
  • Benefit Society (CBS)
  • Trust
  • Unincorporated Association
  • Co-operative society
  • Community Interest Company (CIC)
  • Company Limited by Guarantee (CLG)
  • Company Limited by Shares (CLS)

Organisations that are not eligible include:

  • Educational Institutions: e.g. Schools, colleges, and universities
  • Statutory Healthcare facilities: e.g. Hospitals, clinics, and healthcare centres
  • Local authorities, town and parish councils
  • Religious buildings primarily used for worship e.g. churches, mosques, temples. (Religious buildings primarily used to deliver services to the community regardless of faith are eligible)
  • Organisations applying for domestic buildings e.g. those occupied for personal domestic use by one person or family
Check Your Eligibility

Full details of eligibility can be found here. 

What are the first steps towards accessing VCSE funding?

If you think you eligible for a funded energy assessment, the first thing you need to do is register your organisation. 

The VCSE Energy Efficiency Scheme is being administered by a charity called Groundwork. All potential applicants must register with Groundwork in order to make an application for the funding. 

Brighton & Hove Energy Services Co-operative (BHESCo) are a registered Energy Assessor with Groundwork and can provide energy surveys as part of the VCSE scheme in the Southeast of England. Please mention BHESCo as your preferred Assessor on your application form. 


Register with Groundwork

Why should your organisation should apply for VCSE funding?

The VCSE Energy Efficiency Scheme provides an opportunity for charitable and community-focused organisations to take control of their energy costs at no expense to themselves. 

Participation in the programme will bring multiple benefits to your organisation which may include:

  • A fully funded energy assessment and accompanying report
  • The installation of insulation/ energy efficiency/ renewable energy assets at no cost to you
  • A significant reduction in long-term energy costs
  • A significant reduction in carbon emissions from your building(s)
  • Improved customer, client, and staff comfort
  • Potential new revenue streams from the export of renewable energy
  • Protection from volatile international energy markets
  • A demonstration of your social and environmental leadership
Register with Groundwork