£65,580 grant fund success for First Federation Trust

See how our longstanding partnership has helped a multi-academy trust secure maximum grant funding to cut energy costs, reduce carbon emissions and future-proof sustainability.

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Helping First Federation Trust maximise a £65,580 heat decarbonisation grant

What First Federation Trust thought

We highly value Zenergi as our energy partner. We are reassured that they do all they can to ensure we get the most from our energy providers by obtaining the best prices, and analysing invoices prior to payment to ensure that what we are being charged is correct."

Carol Chapman

Chief Operating Officer

First Federation Trust

What we think

“Helping First Federation Trust secure funding for its Heat Decarbonisation Plans was a critical milestone on its path to net zero. But it’s the Trust’s commitment to engaging staff and making change at every level that will deliver long-term impact.”

Nick Drake

Director of Net Zero

We have been a trusted energy partner for First Federation Trust since 2015. We’re helping the Trust’s 19 schools across South Devon and Dorset drive sustainability and cut energy costs, amplifying the impact of strategic energy initiatives.

A team effort

Our partnership with First Federation Trust started with securing competitive energy and water contracts for its schools. The service includes validating bills ahead of payment and chasing any discrepancies and queries with suppliers, ensuring the Trust safeguards its energy budget.

When the government launched the Low Carbon Skills Fund, we supported First Federation Trust’s application, successfully securing a £65,580 grant. This funding was channelled into developing Heat Decarbonisation Plans (HDPs), where we outlined a tailored roadmap to reduced reliance on fossil fuels and low-carbon alternatives for its schools.

Making an impact

The HDPs kickstarted the Trust’s net zero journey. But First Federation Trust recognised that energy efficiency is about more than technology, it’s about people too. So we joined the Trust’s Non-Pupil Training Day to deliver energy awareness and behavioural training to 30 staff members. Through interactive sessions, we highlighted the real costs of leaving equipment on unnecessarily and provided practical, no-cost tips for reducing energy consumption. The result? Staff inspired to adopt positive behaviours that make a tangible difference in their schools.

Driving results

Energy efficiency starts with understanding where the energy is being consumed. So we also carry out First Federation Trust’s Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR). We collate the Trust’s energy and carbon emissions data for scopes 1, 2 and 3, compiling it into the necessary format and submitting the report. In doing so, we’re helping First Federation Trust to identify where it can take steps to reduce energy consumption, costs and greenhouse gas emissions, while maintaining compliance with the mandatory legislation.

£ 65,580

grant funding for heat decarbonisation plans

Energy Procurement

Energy can be a significant expenditure for any organisation, especially during periods of high market volatility. The type of contract you choose can significantly affect what you’ll pay in the long term and it can be difficult to compare prices when there is an endless product and supplier choice available. Take control of your energy costs by leveraging our real-time market insights and market-leading expertise.

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Bill Validation

We'll identify any possible discrepancies in energy and water bills, ensuring the numbers are based on accurate usage data and guaranteeing the correct rates are being applied. We'll safeguard you from potential financial losses while allowing more informed and accurate budgeting and forecasting.

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Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting

We take care of the collation, calculations and reporting of energy consumption and carbon emissions for Scopes 1, 2 and 3. Our service not only ensures compliance, but also helps identify energy efficiency measures that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

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Low Carbon Skills Fund (LCSF)

The Low Carbon Skills Fund (LCSF) is a government grant programme administered by Salix Finance designed to support public sector organisations in undertaking energy audits, creating carbon reduction strategies, and developing robust heat decarbonisation plans. We can help your organisation prepare a successful application, determining your eligibility for the scheme, collating the data and evidence assessed against the scheme criteria, and making the necessary calculations.

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