Supported by Salix Finance, the programme will provide accessible support and finance for carbon reduction throughout the sector and build capacity for funding in additional years, to benefit both students and staff.

The funding from the Universities for the Future programme, which is accessible to all universities in Scotland, will be allocated by SFC over the next two financial years. All universities within Scotland are invited to make use of the funding which will support several initiatives, including collaboration between public sector bodies, reduced maintenance backlogs through energy efficiency projects, and improved student experience through modernised estates.

The programme will support a wide range of technologies, including building fabric improvements, efficient heating upgrades and the reduction of carbon emissions in laboratories, with Salix supporting SFC through the recommendation of applications.

David Beards, senior policy officer at SFC, said: “This programme is aimed at helping Scottish universities with projects that lower their carbon footprint, as well as increasing their energy efficiency and enhancing students’ learning environment. It is a timely and significant opportunity for universities to take advantage of, following the First Minister’s recent declaration of a climate emergency, and we look forward to receiving innovative bids from the sector in partnership with Salix.”

Jennifer Roberts, programme manager for Scotland at Salix, said: “We are pleased to support the decarbonisation of Scottish universities in partnership with the SFC. It’s never been more important to engage with universities and students on the impact of climate change and to ensure we’re working in partnership to reduce our carbon footprint.”

The deadline for expressions of interest is July 31.