Phase 4 Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme

As the UK accelerates its journey toward net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, Phase 4 of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS) presents a unique opportunity for public sector organisations to advance their sustainability efforts.

How to Apply   

This phase of the PSDS is specifically designed to support energy-efficient upgrades across public sector buildings, from local councils to healthcare facilities, providing vital funding to reduce fossil fuel reliance, cut operational costs, and decrease carbon emissions. Key funding priorities for Phase 4 include replacing fossil fuel heating systems, implementing low-carbon heating technologies, and enhancing overall energy management to achieve higher efficiency standards. Check out the full guidance on Salix’s website. 

How VEXO helps with energy efficiency   

Public sector facilities, often operating on limited budgets, face significant challenges in upgrading outdated infrastructure to meet these ambitious energy goals. VEXO’s Smart Building Management System (S-BMS) has already proven to be a critical asset in this mission, offering affordable, advanced technology that helps facilities cut emissions and operating costs without sacrificing comfort. Portsmouth City Council’s experience with VEXO’s S-BMS at Nicholson Gardens offers an inspiring example of the PSDS’s potential, demonstrating how innovative building management solutions can lead to real, measurable results.

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Nicholson Gardens: A Case Study in Energy Efficiency   

At Nicholson Gardens, a 1984-built, three-story retirement complex with 49 flats and communal facilities, VEXO’s S-BMS system was implemented in the summer of 2021. The S-BMS installation replaced traditional TRVs (Thermostatic Radiator Valves) with 290 Smart TRVs, alongside wireless sensors for room temperature, motion, and windows. The result? An impressive 36% reduction in heating energy use and a 25% total gas consumption decrease. This equated to savings of 132,299 kWh in natural gas, preventing 24,232 kg of CO2 emissions in a single heating season​. 

Portsmouth Case Study

Key Features and Benefits of S-BMS   

VEXO’s S-BMS system leverages wireless technology and automated demand-based controls, adjusting heating based on occupancy and real-time environmental data. Specific measures that contributed to the substantial energy savings in Portsmouth include: 

  1. Smart Control of Room Temperatures: Wireless TRVs in resident rooms allowed users to adjust heating levels, while TRVs in communal spaces were centrally controlled to optimise comfort while reducing unnecessary heating. 
  2. Automated Boiler and Heating Plant Optimisation: The system adjusts boiler output based on current demand, meaning that energy isn’t wasted during low-demand periods. In Portsmouth, this automated adjustment cut down on plant room losses and helped maintain optimal energy use levels. 
  3. Window and Motion Sensors: Installed in communal areas, window sensors prevent energy waste by disabling heating when windows are open, while motion sensors ensure that rooms are only heated when occupied. 

A Model for the Future   

Portsmouth’s success illustrates how public sector buildings can achieve significant energy and emissions reductions through smart building technologies. By integrating S-BMS, the council has both reduced operational costs and taken a meaningful step toward sustainability, demonstrating the potential for public sector facilities to meet decarbonisation targets.

Image of a VEXO S-BMS with icons representing electricity (a lightbulb with a lightning bolt) and carbon reduction (a CO₂ cloud with a downward arrow), symbolizing energy efficiency and sustainability.

Discover How VEXO’s S-BMS Can Benefit Your Facility   

As Phase 4 of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme rolls out, the opportunity to make impactful energy and carbon savings has never been greater. Book a demo with VEXO’s team today to learn how the S-BMS can help your facility maximise energy efficiency, reduce emissions, and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Ready to make a difference? Contact us now to schedule a personalised S-BMS demo! 

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