Wandsworth Secures £4.7M for Decarbonisation Projects

Wandsworth is set to advance its commitment to environmental sustainability after securing £4.7 million in funding for decarbonisation projects. This funding is a key component of Wandsworth's broader strategy to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030, delivering decarbonisation projects at five sites across the borough¹. The Wandsworth Council Cabinet approved measures to allocate the funds, which were obtained from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero's (DESNZ) Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS) Phase 4, at a meeting on Monday, July 14, 2025.

The funding, supplemented by a £3.35 million council contribution, will be used to implement decarbonisation projects across five key sites in the borough: Putney Leisure Centre, Oakdene Residential, Gwynneth Morgan, Falcon Grove, and the Town Hall Extension.

The projects will focus on enhancing energy efficiency through various upgrades, including:

• Roof and wall insulation
• Double glazing
• Building Management Systems (BEMS)
• Internal heating pipework insulation
• Heat recovery systems
• Solar PV installations
• LED lighting
• Air-to-water heat pumps

These improvements are projected to cut emissions by 570 tonnes of CO₂e annually and reduce energy use by 92%, resulting in estimated annual savings of £198,000.

During the meeting, Councillor White, Cabinet Member for Environment, highlighted the scope of the project, noting that the upgrades would modernise facilities while significantly reducing their environmental impact. Councillor White also addressed the challenges posed by high-density housing in Wandsworth, emphasising the council's commitment to projects that ensure clean energy solutions also reduce bills for residents². The cabinet also discussed the importance of ensuring that decarbonisation efforts are both cost-effective and beneficial to residents.

The council has also learned from previous PSDS funding rounds to establish a robust delivery framework. This framework emphasizes stronger governance, clearer roles, and improved procurement and compliance processes. Key aspects of the framework include strict adherence to Salix compliance standards, embedding PSDS requirements into all third-party contracts, and ensuring timely decision-making to prevent delays and maximize the long-term benefits of the projects.

With the Energy and Sustainability team leading the funding and compliance aspects and the Property Services Programme Management Office (PMO) managing delivery, Wandsworth aims to set a high standard for public sector decarbonisation, contributing to its goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030. The council have been awarded a top 'A' grade for climate action leadership.