Aberdeen City Council, in partnership with SCARF, is excited to announce the Aberdeen Energy Efficiency Programme. This initiative is designed to assist small and medium enterprises (SMEs), sole traders, and third sector organisations throughout Aberdeen in enhancing their energy efficiency, reducing carbon emissions, and supporting the city’s net zero targets.
About the Scheme
The Aberdeen Energy Efficiency Programme is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. It offers non-repayable grants of up to £10,000 to eligible applicants. These grants will cover up to 50% of the total project cost, providing organisations/sole traders with the financial support needed to undertake energy-saving upgrades.
The scheme aims to help to reduce energy bills, lower their carbon footprint, and improve overall sustainability, all while supporting the progress toward net zero goals.
The grant must be spent by 31st March 2026.
What Can the Grant Be Used For?
The Grant can be used to fund anything that will help a business make progress towards net-zero carbon emissions and result in long-term sustained reductions in energy bills. Suggested uses include improvements to building fabric and equipment such as:
- Solar PV/Battery storage
- Air Source Heat pump replacing air conditioning/gas boiler/electric heating
- Upgrade Business Equipment to more energy efficient like freezers/fryers/ovens
- Voltage optimisers
- Double glazing replacing single glazing
- Roof/Internal/cavity wall/ Building fabric insulation
- Light upgrade/movement sensors
- LED/replacing standard lighting
- Space heating
- Upgraded electrical board
- Remote heating controls
- Draught proofing
- Mechanical/non mechanical ventilation and heat recovery
Additional recommendations made by Business Energy Scotland will be considered.
The programme cannot fund businesses that received the full £10,000 award from the 2024-2025 Energy Pilot Scheme. Applicants who received funding from the Energy Pilot are eligible to apply only if they were awarded less than £10,000. In such cases, The Aberdeen Energy Efficiency Programme may provide funding to cover the shortfall, up to the £10,000 maximum.
Staff time or wages, including recruitment costs are not eligible under this grant.
Grant funding cannot be used to cover VAT costs for organisations that are VAT registered and can recover VAT through their normal procedures.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the Energy Efficiency Programme, your business must:
- Be an SME, sole trader or third sector organisation based in Aberdeen.
- Provide a clear plan outlining the proposed energy efficiency improvements and their expected impact.
- Supply a quote for the planned works as part of your application.
- Project must be completed by 31st March 2026
How to apply
Before applying, please read the Guidance in full. To apply for the Aberdeen Energy Efficiency Programme, eligible applicant will need to:
- Complete the Application Form: Provide detailed information about your business and the proposed energy-saving project.
- Submit Supporting Documents: Including proof of business registration, a quote for the planned works, and proof of lease (if applicable).
- Await Decision: Applications will be reviewed by a panel of experts, and successful applicants will be notified within 14 days.
Please follow the link to access the application form on SCARF’s website.
If you have any questions, please contact SCARF by emailing energypilot@scarf.org.uk.
Applications will be accepted until 23rd November 2025, or until funding has been fully allocated.
Assessment of applications
All complete applications received will be assessed by SCARF and verified against the eligibility criteria. Incomplete applications may not be reviewed.
Successful applicants will be informed by an offer letter from Aberdeen City Council. All decisions will be made at the discretion of SCARF and Aberdeen City Council and are subject to the availability of funds.
Grant agreements and grant payments to successful businesses will be issued by Aberdeen City Council.
The applicant may appeal an unsuccessful application up to 4 weeks after notification by submitting a written request to appeal to energypilot@scarf.org.uk.
Additional Support
If you have any questions about the application form, guidance or eligibility, please contact energypilot@scarf.org.uk. Energy advisors from SCARF are available to provide expert advice and guidance on potential energy-saving measures and can assist in developing your project proposal.
Key Dates
Application Opens: 23rd May 2025
Application Deadline: 23rd November 2025
Project Completion Deadline: 31st March 2026