Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to encourage investment into energy efficient heating systems and improved insulation to reduce energy costs in schools.

The Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme supports low-carbon heating and energy efficiency measures in public buildings, including schools. Phase 4 is closed to new applications with no plans for further rounds, but existing funded projects continue to 2027/28,disbursing around £3.4 billion to over 1,400 projects.

The Government and Great British Energy have invested up to £255 million to install solar arrays on around 250 schools, around 260 NHS sites and multiple military sites in England, estimated to save up to £520 million in lifetime energy bills for schools and NHS sites over the next 30 years. In April 2026, this was extended by up to £45 million for a further 100 schools and up to 40 more NHS sites.

Tools and materials are provided, including through the Energy Systems Catapult website, to help organisations deliver projects and develop building retrofit plans.