01/09/2025
DecarbonisationClimate change impacts us all, and it is up to individuals and businesses, as well as central government and local councils, to do their bit to reduce carbon emissions to ultimately save the planet.
However, for firms in the public sector, tight budgets and other pressing issues can make it difficult to make positive changes to their buildings and operations. That is why new schemes have been designed to help pay for renovations that will cut carbon footprints.
In Greater Manchester, the Public Building Retrofit fund has been introduced to support this decarbonisation effort. Our guide explains what it is and who qualifies for it. Continue reading to learn more.
What is the GMCA Public Building Retrofit Fund?
The GMCA Public Building Retrofit fund (PBRf) is a scheme designed to help Greater Manchester public sector organisations reduce carbon emissions from their buildings. £28 million is available between 2025 and 2028, with £1.6 million available in 2025/26, £13.2 million in 2026/27, and £13.2 million in 2027/28.
Applications will be prioritised on carbon impact, project readiness, strategic fit with Greater Manchester’s Environment Plan and existing building performance. The public sector organisations that could qualify for the capital support include:
- Emergency services
- Local authorities, such as town and parish councils
- State schools, including maintained schools, multi-academy trusts (MATs) and free schools
- Further education providers
- Nurseries maintained by local authorities
- Community and mental health NHS trusts and foundation trusts
Please note, central government departments and their arm’s length bodies, acute and cancer NHS trusts and foundation trusts, and higher education institutions are ineligible for the PBRf.
The GMCA Public Building Retrofit Fund application process
- Expression of interest – Up to September 5th 2025 – Gateway 1 (GW1) opens for you to register your interest in the funding
- GW1 outcome and GW2 invitation – October 2025 to November 2025 – You will be notified of the outcome of your expression of interest. If successful, you will receive your GW2 invitation
- GW2 Submission – December 2025 to May 2026 – You will have up to six months to submit your funding application
- Funding confirmation – End of June 2026 – The outcome of your submission will be communicated to you. You may be notified earlier if you submitted the application sooner
- Grant claim period – Up until March 31st 2028 – Your project must be delivered and claims submitted by this date
GMCA Public Building Retrofit Funding delivery and monitoring
Once underway, you will be required to do the following to meet the GMCA Public Building Retrofit fund’s requirements:
- Report milestones, risks, procurement and forecasts monthly
- Get GMCA approval for major design changes
- Claim grant instalments via evidence-based payment requests
- Submit annual savings reports for three years and energy data for up to six years after the project is completed
Register your interest in the PBRf
If you are interested in this GMCA funding scheme, make sure you register your interest by September 5th 2025. We can help with your registration and further stages of the project delivery if required, so contact us now using the form below to ensure you do not miss the deadline.
