24/02/2026
News
The Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) has made £28million available for public sector buildings to transform their current heating installations into low-carbon, energy-efficient systems.
The Public Building Retrofit Fund (PBRf) has opened its second window and is now live to receive applications. The PBRf supports public sector organisations on the planning and implementation of low-carbon heating systems as well as energy-efficient improvements such as insulation and repairs to roofs and windows.
Who is eligible for the PBRf?
The fund is specifically for publicly owned organisations such as:
- Emergency services
- Local authorities such as town and parish councils
- Schools within the state education system
- Providers of further education
- Nursery schools that are maintained by a local authority
- Non-acute NHS trusts, e.g., community and mental health NHS trusts and foundation trusts
Those that are ineligible include central government departments, acute and cancer NHS trusts and foundation trusts, and higher education institutions.
How much money is available from the PBRf?
Using GMCA’s devolved powers, they will continue to spread the £28m across the scheme, which commenced in 2025:
- £1.6m in the 2025/26 academic year
- At least £13.2m in 2026/27
- Up to £13.2m in 2027/28
GMCA has stated that it “reserves the right” to change the amount of grant funding allocated within each application window (there are three: the first in 2025, this being the second, and a third in the near future), based on the quality and quantity of applications received.
Prioritising and aligning applications with the PBRf
Applications will be prioritised according to:
- Project impact – buildings with a higher carbon intensity will be considered first
- Project readiness – clear planning within the application shall put organisations in a better position
- Strategic importance – projects that align with GMCA’s five-year Environment Plan will take precedence
- Existing building performance – improving buildings with the highest energy spend is paramount
The fund will accept projects that only focus on energy efficiency measures, but those applications must include other improvements where appropriate.
Applications will be progressed through two “gateways”, with the submissions checked, scored and assessed in Gateway 1 and run through a “full technical assessment” in Gateway 2. This will ensure that each project is undertaken in a measured and impartial manner, aligning the fund to national policy, addressing that 9% of UK emissions are attributed to heating.
Working with experts in the funding field
If you are interested in learning more about the Public Buildings Retrofit fund, read our PBRf page, or get in touch with our team that are expert in funding applications.
