The SMB Group at Brooksby Melton College has been awarded a £2,700,300 Government

The college, used by many students from in and around Rutland, has been awarded the grant to fund heat decarbonisation and energy efficiency measures. 

This money is part of the latest funding of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, committing £409 million of funding for public sector buildings. This scheme supports public sector bodies to move away from using fossil fuels to generate heat and energy and instead use low carbon technology. 

Upgraded heating systems, powered by cleaner, cheaper, renewable energy, will reduce the use of fossil fuels exposed to volatile global energy prices – supporting thousands of jobs and saving taxpayers hundreds of millions of pounds. 

Alicia Kearns, Member of Parliament for Rutland and Melton said: "I am delighted that the SMB College Group is set to receive a significant boost from this latest round of Public Sector Decarbonisation Sector funding. 

"This grant will allow the SMB Group to significantly reduce their emissions, improving energy efficiency and cutting bills. As energy prices and bills remain high, this scheme is more important than ever. 

"I am pleased that the Government is continuing to invest in decarbonisation, moving away from our reliance on fossil fuels and towards a carbon neutral future." 

Dawn Whitemore, Principal and Chief Executive of SMB College Group said: "This announcement is brilliant news and could not have come at a better time, with College finances becoming ever more challenging to manage due in part to the increase in energy bills, every long term piece of investment made, safeguards and future proofs businesses. 

"It is also a great way to demonstrate and involve our students in seeing and experiencing decarbonisation in practice, we are excited about that too. So a big thank you to the Government from the SMB Group, this investment will help to transform our estate and contribute to the development of a sustainable business."