NOT FOR PUBLICATION

Decarbonisation Audits for Library facilities - £64,000

Beyond Carbon Funding Proposal – Library decarbonisation surveys

Project / Programme overview
1. Project Name	NYC Library Decarbonisation surveys		2. Project Sponsor	Hazel Smith
3. Directorate/Service Area	Community Development - Libraries		4. Project Lead	Lee Taylor
5. Carbon reduction result area(s) – indicate all that apply	a) ) Property, buildings, fixed appliances
6. Other Climate result area(s)	a) Increased resilience of people, communities and regions b) Increased resilience of infrastructure, food and water supply
7. Expected tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (t CO₂ eq) to be reduced or avoided over lifespan of project	If measures from decarbonisation surveys are implemented, it could save up to 428tCO2e across the library service. This data is based on annual gas and electricity consumption by all libraries (2024). This will vary depending on measures installed resulting from decarbonisation surveys.
8. Project funding requested	£64k	9. Total project cost	£64k
10. Investment cost per t CO₂eq (investment cost / expected emission reduction)	N/A
10. Project / Programme Implementation Period	ASAP	11. Total lifespan (impacts of investment)	The lifespan of installing measures included in the surveys varies by intervention. Solar PV can be effective for 20-30 years. LED Lighting exceeds the lifespan of traditional lightbulbs and can be effective for 6-11 years. Replacing a traditional heating system with an Air Source Heat Pump can last 20 years.

1. Executive summary

Libraries deliver a statutory service for North Yorkshire Council and provide support to families and communities across the region. The aim of this proposal is to complete decarbonisation surveys across all libraries, to remove a barrier to bidding for decarbonisation funding for the buildings they occupy.

Decarbonisation surveys provide detailed technical information on measures that can be implemented in buildings, which can lead to carbon and cost savings for services. Decarbonisation surveys can unlock funding opportunities for services, as they provide a pipeline of decarbonisation projects that support the delivery of NYC’s Climate Change Strategy and the sustainability principle of NYC corporate property strategy. The Beyond Carbon funded decarbonisation surveys for leisure centres demonstrated how the council can access external funding, as over £311,000 has been secured from the Mayoral Renewables Fund (MRF), and passported through the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority (YNYCA). This was reliant on the information included in the decarbonisation surveys. Therefore, ensuring all libraries have decarbonisation surveys prepares the council to be responsive to upcoming funding opportunities.

There is a need to increase the capability to make strategic decisions across services and building stock to ensure that investment is targeted in appropriate places. Decarbonisation surveys provide this background information to develop ‘bid ready’ projects. This preparedness ensures that NYC can react to the fragmented funding landscape, where funding opportunities are launched with a short time frame to submit proposals. The local context is indicating that energy generation is a priority, as highlighted through the Mayoral Renewable Fund and the Combined Authority ambitions to increase rooftop solar and battery storage, included in the retrofit strategy and the Route map to Carbon Negative. Emphasising the energy generation and metering potential of buildings in decarbonisation surveys will support funding applications. Installing decarbonisation measures can also reduce the running cost for the service, whilst improving properties owned by NYC.

Out of 42 library buildings, 11 have received a decarbonisation audit. This proposal seeks to fund 31 audits across the whole service, will allow for strategic and informed decisions to be made to react to emerging funding opportunities. Out of the 11 Core and Hybrid Libraries 8 need a decarbonisation survey. For the 31 community libraries eight have received a decarbonisation audit. Therefore, 23 will require an audit.

The Climate Change team ran a workshop with the library service as part of the library away day on November 19^th. This interactive workshop sought insight from library staff across many sites, and volunteers from community managed libraries. Buildings, heating and property maintenance was identified as a significant priority for the service, and access to funding was identified as a significant barrier. This proposal seeks to provide support to directly enable libraries to bid for funding opportunities. Climate Change is a priority for the library service and they have all committed to the Green Libraries Manifesto. Libraries previously received funding for hosting climate change events and engaged 1000~ people from the community. They deliver a vital service to communities and in 2024-2025 over 1,797,332 visits were made to libraries.

BC has previously provided funding for decarbonisation surveys, which have prioritised the largest energy users. These are large buildings which are a priority for property and maintenance. Libraries are not huge energy users, but they provide an essential service to the community. Out of the 42 libraries that occupy a physical building, 31 are run in partnership with local communities who deliver the service for NYC. Requiring community groups to fund their own energy audits creates a barrier to participation in decarbonisation programmes. Offering funded audits to the whole service supports equitable access to funding and unlocks opportunities for low-cost, high impact improvements in buildings that serve as vital community hubs. This approach aligns with inclusive climate action and ensures that smaller, volunteer led facilities are not left behind in the transition to net zero. Similarly, community run libraries can access funding that cannot be accessed by NYC operated libraries. This presents an opportunity to ensure that council owned buildings and delivered services can access all relevant funding opportunities.

The £64,000 requested will hopefully fund audits across all remaining libraries. This will be at a cost of £2,000 a survey, which is an estimate figure provided by the property team. Community libraries can also access funding that may not be available to NYC and by funding decarbonisation surveys it can support community groups to continue to run the library.

2. Climate Context

This funding bid supports the mitigation and adaptation pillar of NYC’s Climate Change Strategy. The library service emits approximately 428 tCO2e per year based on their gas and electric usage. This would be saved if decarbonisation measures were implemented. Libraries support climate change adaptation by providing warm or cool spaces for the community. This relies on occupying a building where heat controls are effective.

3. Project / Programme description

The project should be undertaken in 3 - 4 stages.

· Stage 1: Appoint a contractor to carry out decarbonisation surveys (APP)

· Stage 2: Complete decarbonisation surveys

· Stage 3: Review results and feedback to library and property service to develop investible projects.

· Stage 4: Apply for funding opportunities when they arise.

4. Implementation arrangements

Align Property Services will complete decarbonisation audits.

5. Impacts, Outcomes and performance indicators

Expected Impact / Outcome / Result	Indicator	Means of Verification	Baseline	Target	Assumptions
Decarbonisation survey complete	No of decarb surveys	Review		31	This funding bid is successful.
Money invested in decarb measures on libraries	£ invested	Emissions reduction	428 tCO2e per annum		External funding becomes available.

6. Activities

Activity	Description	Sub-activities	Deliverables
Manage the delivery of the decarbonisation surveys	Ensure decarbonisation surveys provide accurate and relevant information that can support funding bids		32 Decarbonisation surveys completed

7. Timelines and milestones – including critical start / end dates

Milestone	Expected Date	Why is this key? (e.g. legal, funding, contract)
Completion of decarbonisation surveys	31.03.27	To enable business cases for external funding and investment cases to be written.

8. high level Risks

Are there any high level risks that are apparent at this stage, including risks if the project is not delivered and any known risk of undertaking the project?

Risk Description & Consequence

Lack of engagement in decarbonisation initiatives or participation in decarbonisation surveys. This would impact the completion of surveys. As a mitigation, the library service will work with the climate change team to ensure that the services uptake the offer.

Lack of external funding available to access

Do nothing - If as an organisation we do nothing, buildings will not be able to maximise funding available and will fall into a state of disrepair

A potential risk is that the community managed libraries do not engage with decarbonisation surveys. To mitigate this risk the library service, working with the climate change business partner, will provide tailored support and communicate directly with libraries.

9. pprovals

Confirm below that the submission has been agreed by the following:

Comments	Signed	Date
Sponsor
Hazel Smith	H Smith	13.1.26

Solar Together - £44,212

Beyond Carbon Funding Proposal – Solar Together

Project / Programme overview
1. Project Name	Solar Together		2. Project Sponsor			Andrew Rowe (endorsed by the Retrofit Board)
3. Directorate/Service Area	Community Development		4. Project Lead			Lynn Williams
5. Carbon reduction result area(s) – indicate all that apply	a) Energy access and power generation ~~b) Transport~~ c) Property, buildings, fixed appliances			~~d) Land use, forestry~~ ~~e) Other~~
6. Other Climate result area(s)	a) Increased resilience of people, communities and regions b) Increased resilience of infrastructure, food and water supply ~~c) Awareness, communication and education~~ ~~d) Other~~
7. Expected tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (t CO₂ eq) to be reduced or avoided over lifespan of project	Increasing the uptake of solar PV on private homes can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions for the region. It is estimated that on an average 3-bedroom property in England, installing solar PV can reduce annual greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 0.8 tCO2e. It is difficult to provide a concrete assessment of carbon dioxide saved because it is dependent on uptake. If this programme is funded, it is estimated 98,248 homes will receive information about solar together, enabling them to make an informed choice about carbon reductions to their homes. Businesses are also able to participate in the solar together scheme, and depending on their size, the carbon saving could vary significantly.
8. Project funding requested	£44,212	9. Total project cost			£44,212
10. Investment cost per t CO₂eq (investment cost / expected emission reduction)	It is difficult to provide a concrete assessment of carbon dioxide saved because it is dependent on uptake.
10. Project / Programme Implementation Period	The programme is self-sustaining after the initial investment and will form part of the private sector housing offer to residents.	11. Total lifespan (impacts of investment)			25-30 years (lifespan of solar PV)

1. Executive summary

Solar Together is a group buying scheme that allows residents to achieve competitive prices on solar panels and battery storage through a reverse auction funding mechanism. It targets the able to pay market market and is directed at residents who do not qualify for government-funded schemes such as the Warm Homes: Local Grant. Residents register for the scheme, with no obligation, and then receive a personal recommendation on their solar panel installation based on information provided (e.g. roof space, electricity usage). The auctions run at specific times a year, and contractors bid to install for the group of residents registered. All contractors are vetted and the lowest price wins. This provides reassurance to residents and ensures they can get the most competitive price. Average savings of 10-20% have been secured for residents through participation in the scheme.

The scheme is delivered by iChoosr in partnership with our Healthy and Sustainable Homes team. Funding generated from the scheme will be used to conduct further rounds of publicity which will continue to be supported by the team. The Healthy and Sustainable Homes team have an established relationship with iChoosr and are already working together delivering the Collective Switch programme. The costs of the project are focused on the marketing and promotion of the scheme and beyond this initial investment the scheme is self-sustaining. The Solar Together offer can be extended to businesses in the region and can support shared benefits among neighbouring businesses by facilitating energy sharing. The programme can also support community energy projects by enabling homeowners generate their own electricity and join a local network, which can include consumer and generator members, contributing to national priorities, outlined by Great British Energy.

The scheme also compliments our Warm Homes Local Grant scheme which is available to those on a low income, and widens our offer to residents, whilst also supporting the delivery of our councils Climate Change Strategy, supporting climate change mitigation. Following our recent LEAD project, where residents were able to obtain a home report, it became evident that there is strong interest in solar and other renewable energy solutions. One of the key barriers identified was the lack of a follow-on scheme to support residents in carrying out installations recommended in their home report. This proposed scheme addresses that gap by providing reassurance and confidence through a council-backed initiative. It offers residents a trusted route to adopt renewable technologies, ensuring quality standards and reducing perceived risks associated with installation.

Solar Together also supports local businesses and supply chains who can benefit from an increased demand for solar panels and bid for installation. The Local Area Energy Plans (LAEPs) completed desk-based research, which is accessible online, and indicates which properties and businesses may be suitable for rooftop solar PV. The LAEPs highlight the scale of local renewable capacity and across the region there is the potential for around 765 MW of domestic solar PV capacity across the region. This information can be used to supplement local knowledge and promotional activities of the programme.

The initial intent is to establish the scheme and then we can explore further options to enhance the offer, e.g. researching private finance offers avilable to the able to pay market.

2. Climate Context

Generating solar power is a priority outlined in the council’s Climate Change Strategy, as it provides an alternative to fossil fuel use across the region, mitigating the impact we have on climate change. It is also a strategic priority, in the refreshed Routemap (Beyond Net Zero: York and North Yorkshire’s Routemap to a Greener, Better, Future For All). It is identified that there is a relatively low level of solar PV, and there is an opportunity to increase this provision. The YNYCA Routemap to Carbon Negative outlines an ambition deploy rooftop solar PV on 98,227 homes by 2038 and 1745 business rooftops a year. Solar Together can be a key mechanism to support this uptake of rooftop solar and to decrease emissions across the region.

Rooftop solar reduces energy bills for home/business owners and contributes to regional and national climate change priorities. Introducing a Solar Together programme would provide residents of North Yorkshire with a competitive price for solar panels and assurance in their installation. The scheme is open to all residents in the region, and can support those who are renting private properties with the landlord’s permission.

In the absensce of a Solar Together scheme, the right to buy sector are likely to continue to install solar panels on properties but at a slower pace than would be achieved without the support of this programme. Additionally, increasing rooftop solar is a national priority and Solar Together can support this ambition, whilst providing a return on investment for the council. It is felt that this project is the best way to encourage take up of solar PV and battery storage in the able to pay sector. Without the project residents are more likely to continue to rely on fossil fuels, leading to higher greenhouse gas emissions and contributing to climate change. We would also miss out on economic opportunities such as job creation and local economic stimulation, which we aim to achieve from utilising local installers.

3. Project / Programme description

Sustainability will be ensured after the project closure because the scheme is self-sustaining after the initial investment in promotional activities. NYC will partner with iChoosr who will deliver the scheme. iChoosr have extensive experience and a proven track record with over 100 councils across the UK, highlighting their capability to manage large-scale initiatives effectively. Their data analysis and profiling techniques will ensure targeted and effective outreach, maximising participation rates. iChoosr's collaborative approach enables them to understand and address the unique needs of each community, leading to substantial carbon savings and increased public awareness of renewable energy benefits. Leveraging their expertise can save significant resources and mitigate risks for the council, ensuring the project's success and delivering tangible benefits to our residents. Additionally, we can use the scheme to provide an attractive offer to the able-to-pay market alongside our government-funded schemes, ensuring an inclusive offer for all residents and maximising participation across different income levels.

Activities carried out by iChoosr:

· Mail drop to homes (98,248 properties)

· Residents register to the scheme.

· Suppliers compete for business in the auction, ensuring residents get the best price.

· Personalised offer sent to residents.

· Residents decide whether to continue to install.

4. Implementation arrangements

Lynn Williams will oversee the management of the programme, working with the climate change team. The progress of the scheme will be reported to the Retrofit Board.

iChoosr will deliver the programme. The climate change business partner will work across the council to promote the scheme and encourage uptake, e.g. encouraging SME uptake with the economic development team.

5. Impacts, Outcomes and performance indicators

Expected Impact / Outcome / Result	Indicator	Means of Verification	Baseline	Target	Assumptions
Mail drop to residents	Number of letters	N/A	N/A	98,248	That all letters will be successfully delivered
Installations	Number of installations completed	iChoosr data on successful installs	N/A	400	People will drop out from registration to install

6. Activities

Activity	Description	Sub-activities	Deliverables
Promotion of the scheme	Ichoosr will issue a mail drop and develop a marketing pack that we can use to promote the scheme to residents.	Homeowners assessed for suitability	Letters delivered to residents and registrations received
Auction	iChoosr will invite suppliers to provide quotations for install	Suppliers will be vetted	Best price secured for residents
Install	Residents will receive the price and decide whether to continue with install	Supplier appointed	Solar PV and batteries installed
Community Events	Healthy & Sustainable Homes will undertake community-based events in target areas.	Internal promotion	Events delivered

7. Timelines and milestones – including critical start / end dates.

Milestone

Expected Date

Why is this key? (e.g. legal, funding, contract)

March/early April 2026

Deadlines for Solar Together Auctions

· Scheme 3: Registration opens in June.

· Scheme 4: Registration opens in August

The print deadline is typically about one month before registration opens, so planning should start around April for Scheme 3 and June for Scheme 4.

There are 4 auctions per year.

8. high level Risks

Are there any high level risks that are apparent at this stage, including risks if the project is not delivered and any known risk of undertaking the project?

Risk Description & Consequence

Low uptake – the scheme will be promoted widely and information will be disseminated to residents.

9. Approvals

Confirm below that the submission has been agreed by the following:

Comments	Signed	Date
Sponsor
In my role as AD for housing and as chair of the Councils Housing Retrofit Board, I fully support this bid. The proposed scheme is self-sustaining and presents a great opportunity to make a significant impact going forward	Andrew Rowe	20/01/2020

Schools Property Decarbonisation

Beyond Carbon Funding Proposal – School Decarbonisation Surveys

Project / Programme overview
1. Project Name	School Decarbonisation Surveys		2. Project Sponsor			Jon Holden
3. Directorate/Service Area	CYPS – School Organisation and Transport		4. Project Lead			Julia Temple
5. Carbon reduction result area(s) – indicate all that apply	~~a) Energy access and power generation~~ ~~b) Transport~~ c) Property, buildings, fixed appliances			~~d) Land use, forestry~~ ~~e) Other~~
6. Other Climate result area(s)	a) Increased resilience of people, communities and regions b) Increased resilience of infrastructure, food and water supply c) Awareness, communication and education ~~d) Other~~
7. Expected tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (t CO₂ eq) to be reduced or avoided over lifespan of project	Not applicable as commissioning decarbonisation reports. The output of the decarbonisation reports can lead to carbon emission reductions following carrying out/completion of works outlined
8. Project funding requested	£80K	9. Total project cost			£80k
10. Investment cost per t CO₂eq (investment cost / expected emission reduction)	N/A – please see box 7.
10. Project / Programme Implementation Period	2026	11. Total lifespan (impacts of investment)			Initial decarbonisation reports followed by potential external funding.

1. Executive summary

This proposed funding request would be to commission and carry out decarbonisation reports on North Yorkshire Council maintained schools, with a target of up to 10 in the first 6 months. These decarbonisation reports will assess the building holistically, assessing the building and site in its entirety. The purpose of this would be to assess and explore potential opportunities for decarbonisation and works on a site, and with a view to opportunities for community based energy, to be ready for regional and national funding opportunities. Initial properties to commission these reports for will be decided on a case-by-case basis, schools will be selected from the list of NYC maintained schools (178 schools) who are utilising fossil fuel heating, have completed a Climate Action Plan and are in the top 50 for energy use (using FY25 energy usage figures).

Assessing for potential decarbonisation opportunities not only reduces emissions but has the potential to reduce the operating cost of buildings. Whilst this won’t improve North Yorkshire Council operational footprint, it will support improvement to council owned assets and reduce the financial burden on school budgets for the benefits of NY communities.

2. Climate Context

Commissioning decarbonisation reports which assess a site in a holistic manner will help to assess for the potential reduction in gas and electric consumption, potential for renewable energy projects and making NYC corporate estate school buildings a better place to work for people who utilise the space, and healthy study space for students.

The Clean Power 2030 utilises Great British Energy, and wider policy measures to support local and community-led renewable capacity, including for homes, businesses, public buildings and land, and shared spaces.

Over 250 schools across England have signed agreements to benefit from a share of up to £100 million in funding from Great British Energy and government for new solar panels and other energy efficiency measures. None of these schools are in North Yorkshire and NYC was not in a position of having the information required to propose any of its assets when requested in 2025. Further funding is expected in 2026, and the audits will place North Yorkshire Council in a stronger position to propose schools for funding.

DfE guidance is that education settings are expected to have a:

· climate action plan

· nominated sustainability lead

Climate Action Plans help encourage action and build climate resilience in school estate and community. Schools in North Yorkshire are developing their Climate Action Plan supported by North Yorkshire Council officers.

The Local Authority receives two types of capital funding from the DfE that can be spent on the school estate, School Condition Grant and Basic Need. School Condition funding is intended to be used for improvement of the condition of school buildings and grounds, prioritising safety and keeping buildings operational.   Basic Need funding is to be used only for delivering additional school places. The total maintenance backlog in schools across the County continues to be significant despite the ongoing programme of planned capital work. It is therefore important that investment continues to be made in maintaining and preventing further deterioration in the fabric of school buildings. The total backlog is estimated to be approximately £20.6 million.  In addition to the requirements associated with the maintenance backlog, further planned maintenance investment requirements of approximately £62.3 million have been identified as being required to address the condition of school buildings within the next 5 years.  The School Condition Grant for 2025/26 was £7,030million which is significantly short of what is required to maintain the school estate. 

Community and Voluntary Schools represent an important element within the council’s overall carbon reduction plan.  However, arising from the limited capital available to address the investment requirements associated with the estate, it is not possible to prioritise works solely because of carbon reduction. 

The LA’s Schools Capital Programme will, however, have a positive impact upon carbon reduction issues, including in respect of the reduction of carbon emissions.  All works that are to be undertaken via the Capital Programme will be done so in accordance with Building Regulations, and with regard to the November 2022 DfE School Output Specification on sustainability, which provide for high standards in respect of energy efficiency.  As a result, much of the work via the schools planned maintenance programme (e.g. roof, window and boiler replacements) will have a positive impact upon carbon emissions, in addition to addressing essential backlog maintenance.  Unfortunately, with the limited funding received, it is not possible to undertake work purely from a Carbon perspective and therefore any opportunity to bid for external funding would be gratefully received. 

3. Project / Programme description

The project will be to commission up to 10 holistic decarbonisation reports for school buildings owned by NYC, using fossil heating (such as kerosene and gas) and within the top 50 highest emitting buildings – using energy consumption from FY25.

The reports should explore:

· Current energy usage on site

· No regret measures (Measures taken which do not worsen vulnerabilities or which increase the adaptive capabilities of a building or area to climate change without need for a business case)

· Short (delivery within 1 year), Medium (delivery within 5yrs) and Long term (delivery 5+yrs)

· Projected costings for all measures

· Projected savings for all measures

· Required infrastructure surveys to enable works to progress eg asbestos.

· Climate adaptation risks and mitigation

4. Implementation arrangements

APP can be commissioned to carry out the decarbonisation reports, following a detailed brief of what is required to be included in the decarbonisation reports to ensure best value for money or delivery of objectives.

5. Impacts, Outcomes and performance indicators

Expected Impact / Outcome / Result

Indicator

Means of Verification

Baseline

Target

Assumptions

Decarbonisation reports for high energy use buildings

Affordability

Carbon reduction

Financial model

Emission reporting

Current utility cost & carbon output

Minimise carbon emissions,

Pump prime for further investment

Proposed works carried out following business case,

Some of financial saving reinvested into further decarbonisation works

Business cases for decarbonisation works

Affordability

Social value

Financial model

Emission reporting

Current utility cost & carbon output

Reduce emissions

Reduce cost of running buildings

Potential savings used to fund further decarbonisation works

6. Activities

Activity	Description	Sub-activities	Deliverables
Decarbonisation reports commissioned	Partner company to deliver all reports	Example of what required, Access data, Review reports and feedback.	Decarbonisation reports
Implementation of ‘no regret measures’	Explore changes to business as usual with no cost	Monitor impact	Emission and cost savings associated
Business cases for decarbonisation works	Great British Energy bid etc.	Broader opportunities for properties	Possible support for funding model Impact on estate plan

7. Timelines and milestones – including critical start / end dates

Milestone	Expected Date	Why is this key? (e.g. legal, funding, contract)
List of potential properties	End of April 2026	Need agreed list before commissioning partner
Decarbonisation reports complete	End of September 2026	Assessments completed before end of the Summer term while schools open and operational.

8. high level Risks

Are there any high level risks that are apparent at this stage, including risks if the project is not delivered and any known risk of undertaking the project?

Risk Description & Consequence

Finance – no further funding rounds

Finance – need to ensure business cases make sense from financial and carbon perspective

9. Approvals

Confirm below that the submission has been agreed by the following:

Comments	Signed	Date
Sponsor
Jon Holden		21/01/2026

Corporate Property Sustainability Audits

Beyond Carbon Funding Proposal – Property Sustainability Surveys

Project / Programme overview
1. Project Name	Property Sustainability Surveys	2. Project Sponsor		Kirsty Gale
3. Directorate/Service Area	Resources – SMCPP – Strategic Property – Capital Delivery	4. Project Lead		Ed Rouse
5. Bid Category	a) Feasibility funding		~~b) Project funding~~
6. Carbon reduction result area(s) – indicate all that apply	~~a) Energy access and power generation~~ ~~b) Transport~~ c) Property, buildings, fixed appliances		~~d) Land use, forestry~~ ~~e) Other~~
7. Other Climate result area(s)	a) Increased resilience of people, communities and regions b) Increased resilience of infrastructure, food and water supply c) Awareness, communication and education ~~d) Other~~
8. Expected tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (t CO₂ eq) to be reduced or avoided over lifespan of project	Not applicable as commissioning decarbonisation reports.  The output of the decarbonisation reports can lead to carbon emission reductions following carrying out/completion of works outlined.

Financial overview
9. Project funding requested	£75k	10. Total project cost	£75k
11. Investment cost per t CO₂eq (investment cost / expected emission reduction)	N/A – see box 7
12. Planned Savings	N/A – see box 7	13. Payback period	N/A – see box 7
14. Project / Programme Implementation Period	2026/27	15. Total lifespan (impacts of investment)	Decarbonisation reports enable investment cases to be developed for external funding requests.   Money saved associated with energy use reduction can be reinvested in Council services or used to fund further decarbonisation surveys.

1. Executive summary

This proposed funding request would be to commission and carry out up to 6 sustainability  reports on a number of North Yorkshire Council (NYC) properties.  These reports will assess the buildings holistically, assessing the building and site in its entirety.  The purpose of this would be to assess and explore potential opportunities for decarbonisation and works on a site. This includes energy efficiency, low carbon heating options, renewable energy and energy storage options and potential to locate EVCPs to support fleet decarbonisation activity.  It will also review climate adaptation requirements to build in additional resilience.  Following any works highlighted and commissioned, potential savings would be re-invested corporately to assist with further decarbonisation.  Initial properties to commission these reports for will be decided on a case by case basis based on energy use, condition and prioritisation but will include NYC owned properties who are utilising fossil fuel heating and are in the top 100 for energy use (using FY25 energy usage figures). 

NYC have an array of building types as part of its property portfolio of varying ages, uses and locations.  Current energy usage across the NYC portfolio (for where NYC pay the bill) for FY24 was 42,828,130kWh for building heating and 31,735,683kWh for electricity (both building and streetlighting).  Combined this energy usage realises carbon emissions of 14,534.12tonnes CO2e – 68% of NYC’s total Scope 1 and 2 emissions. 

Assessing for potential decarbonisation opportunities not only reduces emissions but has the potential to reduce the operating cost of buildings.  Reducing energy usage will reduce the overall cost of energy bills and increase income generation potential through renewable energy operations such as solar PV and battery storage.

As property is responsible for large proportion of NYC’s operational emissions, and NYC have an announced ambition to have Net Zero Operational Emissions by 2030, it is imperative that we begin to assess and look for potential to reduce emissions associated with property operations.  

2. Climate Context

The project will be to commission up to 6holistic decarbonisation reports for buildings owned by NYC, prioritising those using fossil heating (such as kerosene and gas) and within the top 100 highest energy use and carbon emitting buildings – using energy consumption from FY24. 

The reports should explore: 

· Current energy usage on site 

· No regret measures (Measures taken which do not worsen vulnerabilities or which increase the adaptive capabilities of a building or area to climate change without need for a business case) 

· Short (delivery within 1 year), Medium (delivery within 5yrs) and Long term (delivery 5+yrs) 

· Projected costings for all measures 

· Projected savings (cash and carbon) for all measures 

Following sustainability surveys, assess each property on its merits.  Create business cases for works where needed and inform facilities managers and services of changes in business as usual.  Ensure to track the impact of any changes made – both financial savings and carbon emission reduction.  Financial savings can then be used to fund further decarbonisation reports and projects. 

The project also supports the newly adopted Corporate Property Strategy implementation.

3. Project / Programme description

The fund will be utilised to commission Sustainability Surveys for assets identified within Property Priority Programme.

The Surveys will lead to a potential pipeline of projects that will realised decarbonisation of the estate and reduced energy demand. These will be confirmed and defined by Business Cases informed by the surveys.

4. Implementation arrangements

This subsequent fund is to undertake further holistic decarbonisation reports to build on the data already obtained in 2025 and to allow for business cases and changes to business as usual for facilities managers.  APS can be commissioned to carry out the sustainability surveys , following a detailed brief of what is required to be included in the reports to ensure best value for money or delivery of objectives. 

5. Impacts, Outcomes and performance indicators

Expected Impact / Outcome / Result		Indicator	Means of Verification	Baseline	Target	Assumptions
	Sustainability Surveys for Property Priority Programme – Phase 1	Affordability  Carbon reduction	Financial model   Emission reporting	Current utility cost & carbon output	Minimise carbon emissions.  Pump prime for further investment	Proposed works carried out following business case,  Some of financial saving reinvested into further decarbonisation works
	Sustainability Surveys will inform business cases for decarbonisation and energy reduction works – Phase 2	Affordability  Social value	Financial model   Emission reporting	Current utility cost & carbon output	Reduce emissions.  Reduce cost of running buildings	Potential savings used to fund further decarbonisation works and fabric enhancements to support energy efficiency.

6. Activities

Activity	Description	Sub-activities	Deliverables
Sustainability Surveys commissioned	Partner company to deliver all reports	Example of what required,  Access data,  Review reports and feedback.	Sustainability Surveys
Phase 2: Implementation of ‘no regret measures’	Explore changes to business as usual with no cost	Monitor impact	Emission and cost savings associated
Phase 2: Business cases for decarbonisation works	PSDF bid etc.	Broader opportunities for properties	Possible support for funding model  Impact on estate plan

7. Timelines and milestones – including critical start / end dates

Milestone	Expected Date	Why is this key? (e.g. legal, funding, contract)
List of potential properties	End of April 25	Need agreed list before commissioning partner
Sustainability Surveys complete	End of Sept 26	Buildings should be available for access as fewer events etc
Business cases	End of March 28	Business case developed for each building with proposed works by

8. Project Resources

Area	Yes/No	Where activities are identified, resource managers for relevant areas will need to be engaged.	ICT - Does the project involve the purchase or development of any software programme, the procurement or building of any hardware, or has a major impact on the utilisation of ICT software or systems?	No
HR and training - Does the project involve staff transfers, training, or any other significant staff related issue?	No
Finance - Does the project involve any complex assessment of financial information?	No	Not needed for feasibility studies
Procurement - Does the project involve a procurement process and will this require the specialist advice and guidance from procurement specialists?	No
Communications - Does the project require Communications resource or consultation?	No
Business Change - Does the project involve service or process re-design or improvement or will business/user requirements need to be identified?	No
Project Management - Does the project require a project manager?	Yes	Ed Rouse, Senior Project Delivery Manager. Capital Delivery Team
Legal - Does the project involve specialist legal advice and guidance?	No
External expertise - Does the project require any Expert knowledge or services outside NYCC?	Yes	Align Property Services – Decarbonisation Surveys.
Property - Does the project involve any property management resource?	Yes	Ed Rouse, Senior Project Delivery Manager. Capital Delivery Team
Risk and Insurance – Does the project require any corporate risk and insurance resource?	No
Business Support – Does the project require any specific admin support	No
Customer Resource Centre – Does the project require any specific CRC input?	No
Directorate Team(s) - What commitment is required from the team(s) impacted by the project? This includes availability to contribute towards the delivery of the project. (E.g. testing of new solution. Please specify service involvement in delivery to ensure service availability is understood.	No	The project will be completed through the Property Team.

9. high level Risks

Are there any high-level risks that are apparent at this stage, including risks if the project is not delivered and any known risk of undertaking the project?

Risk Description	Consequence
Risks of delivering the project - Council Reputation	If don’t reduce operational emissions to minimum and meet 2030 Net Zero.

Risks of delivering the project - Financial Implications	Ensure robust business cases are brought forward with clear outcomes and financial data. Long term cash savings anticipated.

Risks of delivering the project - Information Security Breach	N/A

10. Approvals

Confirm below that the submission has been agreed by the following:

Comments	Signed	Date
Sponsor
Kirsty Gale	K Gale	02/02/2026