Social Housing Net Zero Heat Fund: how to apply

Themes

Theme 1 - Clean heating systems for social housing across Scotland

Theme 1 focuses on supporting the development of projects that can deliver innovative technologies and integrated clean heating systems that deliver reliable, affordable heat to social housing in all parts of Scotland. These projects can also contain energy efficiency upgrades to maximise the efficiency of the new technology being installed.

The following technologies are eligible for funding: 

• air source heat pumps
• ground source heat pumps
• water source heat pumps
• biomass boilers*
• connection to existing heat networks

*Please note: The Fund will NOT fund biomass projects which:

• do not adhere to existing regulations (including air quality standards) 
• use fuel made up of virgin construction grade logs or timber 
• use fuel not included in either the Biomass Sustainability List (BSL), the Sustainable Fuel Register (SFL) or any future government approved scheme 

Biomass projects must confirm annually that these criteria continue to be met. This will be monitored annually post-commissioning.

A more detailed list of eligible measures is in the full guidance is available on request by emailing netzerosocialhousing@gov.scot.

Theme 2 – “Fabric First” energy efficiency projects

Theme 2 focuses on supporting projects that are installing energy efficiency measures within existing social housing in Scotland. 

Projects submitted under Theme 2 should ideally consider the installation of more than one energy efficiency measure where practically possible. If this is not possible, the application form must provide robust evidence as to why additional measures have not been included.

Projects will be required to demonstrate a commitment to installing eligible clean heating systems in these properties in the future.

A non-exhaustive list of measures eligible under Theme 2 is below (see annex A in the guidance available on request for full list):

• upgrade electric heating from storage heaters to high retention storage heaters 
• mechanical ventilation with heat recovery
• external solid wall insulation 
• internal solid wall insulation   

Please note the following technologies can only be considered alongside the installation of one of the Theme 1 clean heat solutions or high heat retention storage heaters:

• solar panels
• battery storage
• thermal storage 

Please note only mechanical ventilation with heat recovery is eligible for funding. Ventilation without heat is not eligible for funding. 

If there is another technology being considered not on the above list of eligible technologies, please discuss this with the Social Housing Fund Team before making your application. Any application made for a technology not included on this list and not clarified with the Team before an application is made is not likely to be considered for funding.

If you are considering a measure not included in the above list, please email us at netzerosocialhousing@gov.scot.