Scottish Green Public Sector Estate Decarbonisation Scheme Progress Report
A project progress report which includes details of projects that received capital grant funding through the Scottish Central Government Energy Efficiency Grant Scheme and Scotland’s Public Sector Heat Decarbonisation Fund.
Ongoing Projects
Project Title: Dumfries Ice Bowl Retrofit Project
Project Organisation: Dumfries and Galloway Council
Technology Type(s): Roof Insulation, External Wall Insulation, Double Glazing, Draught Proofing, Dry Wall Lining, WSHP
Location(s): Dumfries Ice Bowl, Dumfries
Phase: 1
Grant Value: £2,500,000
Project Description:
The Dumfries Ice Bowl is a major sports hub and currently the only ice rink in a sixty mile radius. This project involves energy efficiency and clean heating works at the site which will be upgraded by removing the existing mains gas system and replacing this with a clean heating solution. The Scottish Government is providing capital grant funding for Dumfries and Galloway Council to install a WSHP incorporating heat recapture technology and upgrades to the external fabric of the building to improve insulation and air tightness. It is predicted this project will see annual energy consumption savings of 503,587kWh and annual savings of 109.92 tonnes of CO2 per annum.
Project Title: St Andrews High School and Beacon Leisure Centre Energy Efficiency and Clean Heating
Project Organisation: Fife Council
Technology Type(s): High Efficiency Motors, Heating Zone Control Valves, Solar PV, Hot Water Distribution Improvements, Flow Restrictors, Double Glazing, ASHP, WSHP, POU Water Heaters
Location(s): St Andrews High School, Kirkcaldy; Beacon Leisure Centre, Burntisland
Phase: 1
Grant Value: £2,404,911
Project Description:
This project involves energy efficiency upgrades and clean heating works at two sites, St Andrews High School and Beacon Leisure Centre. At St Andrews High School, the Scottish Government are providing capital grant funding for the organisation to increase the energy efficiency of the building by installing new curtain walling and replacing existing single glazing with new double glazed units. The funding is also supporting a combination of ASHPs and WSHPs which will be supported through renewable energy generation and serve as the primary heat source for the building. Beacon Leisure Centre is also being upgraded as part of this project and will benefit from the installation of high efficiency motors, heating zone control valves and a similar clean heating system combining ASHPs and WSHPs. It is predicted this project will see annual energy consumption savings of 2,118,196kWh and annual savings of 543.43 tonnes of CO2 per annum.
Project Title: Cullen Primary School Energy Efficiency and Clean Heating
Project Organisation: Moray Council
Technology Type(s): Double Glazing, Cavity Wall Insulation, Solar PV, ASHP
Location(s): Cullen Primary School, Buckie
Phase: 1
Grant Value: £593,880
Project Description:
The Scottish Government is providing capital grant funding for Moray Council to undertake a retrofit project at Cullen Primary School in Buckie. The project involves energy efficiency upgrades at the site, including the installation of cavity wall insulation and replacement of existing inefficient glazing with new double glazing. The existing oil boilers will also be replaced by ASHPs with new controls and heating distribution. The installation of a new Solar PV system will contribute towards generating renewable electricity to power this electrified heating solution. It is predicted this project will see annual energy consumption savings of 140,913kWh and annual savings of 50.89 tonnes of CO2 per annum.
Project Title: Lerwick Town Hall energy efficiency retrofit.
Project Organisation: Shetland Islands Council
Technology Type(s): Connection to a district heat network, Loft insulation, Hot water – distribution improvements
Location(s): Lerwick Town Hall, Lerwick
Phase: 2
Grant Value: £167,873
Project Description:
The Scottish Government is providing capital grant funding for Shetland Islands Council to undertake an energy efficiency retrofit project at Lerwick Town Hall a Grade A listed historical building. As a key building in the Council’s portfolio, this project will showcase how low carbon district heating can work in older listed buildings, helping to promote clean heating solutions in similar properties. This project involves replacing two outdated oil boilers with a connection to the Lerwick district heating network Shetland Heat Energy & Power (SHEAP), replacing 100% of the current polluting heat load. Heat Interface Units will be installed to supply heating and hot water. Loft insulation will also be added to help reduce energy use and improve efficiency. It is predicted this project will see annual savings of 32.71 tonnes of CO2 per annum and annual energy consumption savings of 204,568kWh.
Project Title: School Energy Efficiency Upgrades
Project Organisation: Fife Council
Technology Type(s): Air to Water heat pumps, Heating zone control valves, Heating pipework insulation, Solar PV and Roof insulation
Location(s): Aberhill Primary School, St. Agatha’s Primary School and Carnegie Primary School
Phase: 2
Grant Value: £1,591,468
Project Description:
The Scottish Government is providing funding for Fife Council to undertake energy efficiency upgrades at Aberhill, St. Agatha’s, and Carnegie Primary Schools. Existing gas boilers and combined heat and power units will be replaced with air source heat pumps. Each site will also benefit from improvements such as roofing upgrades, solar PV installation, enhanced building management systems, and mechanical updates. The project provides a valuable opportunity to assess retrofit approaches across a range of building types, from a 1912 listed school to a modern 2011 facility. Post-upgrade monitoring will offer insights into how each building performs with clean heating systems. It is predicted this project will see annual savings of 132.57 tonnes of CO2 per annum and annual energy consumption savings of 689,719kWh.
Project Title: Mitchell Library Heating Retrofit and Decarbonisation Project
Project Organisation: Culture and Sport Glasgow (Glasgow Life)
Technology Type(s): Air to Water heat pump, Water source heat pump, Draught proofing insulation, Solar PV, Cooling-plant replacement upgrade, BEMS and Roof insulation
Location(s): Mitchell Library
Phase: 2
Grant Value: £2,392,551
Project Description:
As part of Glasgow City Council’s drive to cut carbon emissions and improving energy efficiency, the Mitchell Library is receiving a major heating upgrade, focusing on the 1970s extension. Recognised as a Category B listed building and one of Scotland’s most culturally significant landmarks, the library plays a vital role in the city’s heritage. The existing gas system will be replaced with high-efficiency air and water source heat pumps. Supporting upgrades include improved electrical systems, smart building controls, and energy-efficient pumps. To further support sustainability goals a rooftop solar PV array will also be installed to generate renewable electricity and help power the new heating system and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. It is predicted this project will see annual savings of 467.86 tonnes of CO2 per annum and annual energy consumption savings of 2,002,529kWh.
Project Title: Energy Efficiency Upgrade of Troon Pool
Project Organisation: South Ayrshire Council
Technology Type(s): External Wall Insulation, Roof Insulation, Double glazing, Ultrasonic humidifiers and Solar PV
Location(s): Troon Swimming Pool
Phase: 2
Grant Value: £1,718,998
Project Description:
The upgrade of Troon Pool focuses on improving energy efficiency through the installation of insulated roof and wall cladding, replacement glazing, a Minerga heat recovery unit to enhance ventilation and heat recovery, and rooftop solar PV panels. These measures support a ‘fabric first’ approach, reducing energy demand and preparing the building for future low-carbon heating. This project builds on the successful Phase 1 retrofit at Prestwick Pool and prioritises building fabric improvements as a foundation for future decarbonisation. Once the fabric measures are complete, the building will be ready for future integration of low-carbon technologies such as air source heat pumps. It is predicted this project will see annual savings of 21.49 tonnes of CO2 per annum and annual energy consumption savings of 240,014kWh.
Project Title: Energy Retrofit of Midlothian House
Project Organisation: Midlothian Council
Technology Type(s): Air to water heat pump, Floor insulation, Loft insulation, External wall insulation, Triple glazing with metal or plastic frames and Heat recovery
Location(s): Midlothian House
Phase: 2
Grant Value: £2,500,000
Project Description:
The energy retrofit of Midlothian House aims to significantly reduce carbon emissions and energy costs. The building currently relies on five outdated boilers and suffers from high heat loss. Planned upgrades include insulation of floors, walls, and loft space, triple glazing, an air source heat pump system, and a heat recovery ventilation system, measures that will improve thermal performance and reduce energy demand. These improvements support net zero goals and are expected to deliver measurable carbon savings and operational efficiencies. The project will run alongside Council-funded refurbishment works, with both elements scheduled to proceed together. It is predicted this project will see annual savings of 110.53 tonnes of CO2 per annum and annual energy consumption savings of 553,183kWh.
Project Title: Cornton Primary School Energy Efficiency and Clean Heating
Project Organisation: Stirling Council
Technology Type(s): Air to water heat pump, Loft insulation and BEMS
Location(s): Cornton Primary School
Phase: 2
Grant Value: £415,506
Project Description:
The Cornton Primary School includes fabric improvements and the installation of a clean heating system across both the main building and annexe. The existing fossil fuel system, comprising two gas boilers and a gas water heater, will be replaced with a low-carbon air source heat pump, meeting 100% of the school’s heating and hot water needs. Supporting energy efficiency measures include enhanced loft insulation in the annexe and upgrades to the HVAC control system. Improved heating and hot water controls will boost operational efficiency and support integration of the new heat pump system. It is predicted this project will see annual savings of 46.86 tonnes of CO2 per annum and annual energy consumption savings of 204,568kWh.
Project Title: Madras College Site Energy Efficiency Upgrades
Project Organisation: University of St Andrews
Technology Type(s): Double glazing with metal or plastic frames
Location(s): Madras College site
Phase: 2
Grant Value: £950,000
Project Description:
This project involves energy efficiency upgrades to three culturally significant, listed buildings at the Madras College site, namely the Main Building, Music Building, and Geography Building, located within the St Andrews conservation area. The scope
of works includes the refurbishment of 190 windows across the buildings, using conservation sensitive methods combined with advanced technologies such as vacuum glazing. This approach preserves the buildings’ historic character while significantly improving thermal performance and supporting net zero targets. It is predicted this project will see annual savings of 12.61 tonnes of CO2 per annum and annual energy consumption savings of 71,546kWh.
Project Title: Energy Upgrades at Arngask Primary School and Nursery
Project Organisation: Perth and Kinross Council
Technology Type(s): Hot water – electric point of use heaters, Double glazing, Loft insulation and Hot water-distribution improvements
Location(s): Arngask Nursery & Primary School
Phase: 2
Grant Value: £41,052
Project Description:
This project involves energy upgrades at Arngask Primary School and Nursery. Both buildings are currently heated by oil boilers, with hot water supplied via centralised cylinders. The primary school has single-glazed windows, which will be replaced with double glazing. Loft insulation installed in 2023 will be extended to the nursery.
The project includes a full building management system (BMS) upgrade, enabling room-by-room control. Oil-fired hot water systems will be replaced with electric Sunamp units and point-of-use water heaters. Due to local grid constraints, installation of air source heat pumps is planned for 2029. It is predicted this project will see annual savings of 3.48 tonnes of CO2 per annum and annual energy consumption savings of 12,052kWh.
Project Title: Orkney Library and Archive Energy Efficiency
Project Organisation: Orkney Islands Council
Technology Type(s): Air Source Heat Pump (Air to Water)
Location(s): Orkney Library and Archive
Phase: 2
Grant Value: £120,000
Project Description:
Following major improvements to the building’s airtightness, Orkney Islands Council plans to replace the existing oil-fired boiler system at the Library and Archive with three air-to-water heat pumps. The current system, which burns kerosene, supplies underfloor heating and radiators across the building. Heating pipework will be adapted to support the new low carbon heat source. Once installed, the building’s carbon emissions will be linked solely to electricity use, supporting the Council’s decarbonisation goals. It is predicted this project will see annual savings of 19.86 tonnes of CO2 per annum and annual energy consumption savings of 15,239kWh.
Contact
Email: SPSHDF@gov.scot