The PSDS Era Ends – Decarbonisations Goes On

Maximise Existing Assets and Low-Cost Measures

Without major grant funding, focus could turn to lower-cost, high-impact measures, which form the basis of decarbonisation and in the interim period would keep the process going:

• Energy efficiency: Optimising BMS, lighting upgrades, draught-proofing, heat recovery systems.
• Behavioural change: Energy awareness campaigns, staff engagement, optimising occupancy use.
• Asset management: Fine-tuning existing HVAC systems, boiler optimisation, building controls.

Integrate Decarbonisation from the Start

• Embed sustainability into early-stage design and procurement, rather than treating it as an add-on.
• Mandate net-zero planning in estate strategies, capital planning, and refurb programme.

Opportunity in Transition

This policy shift is not the end—it’s a turning point. It paves the way for diversified, resilient funding and delivery models:

• Third-party financing: Including ESCOs and energy performance contracts.
• Collaborative investment: Community energy partnerships and green funds.
• Smarter procurement: Embedding decarbonisation into project scopes from day one

A New Playbook for Decarbonisation:

While loss of PSDS funding is a setback, it’s also a moment to reset expectations and build resilience into decarbonisation planning. Brookbanks’ integrated approach, combining engineering, environmental, commercial, and organisational expertise, is well placed to help the public sector pivot to this new paradigm:

Challenge:

• No PSDS capital
• Carbon targets still mandatory
• Fragmented delivery skills
• Need for financial rigour

Brookbanks Response:

• Develop finance-ready decarbonisation business cases
• Embed SES and net-zero assessments upfront
• Provide multidisciplinary frameworks and commercial oversight
• Leverage value engineering and procurement excellence

Moving Forward with purpose:

For public sector organisations committed to net-zero, the solution is clear:

1. Act early – initiate carbon and energy assessments at concept stage.
2. Reformulate financing – adapt to performance-based and third-party models.
3. Collaborate across disciplines – tap into Brookbanks’ comprehensive technical and commercial teams.
4. Build internal capability – capture learning, build confidence and lead change.