Central Energy Efficiency Fund (CEEF)

The Central Energy Efficiency Fund (CEEF) is a revolving loan fund set up in 2002 by the then Scottish Executive; the scheme has been continued under the Scottish Government. £2 million was allocated to the fund to implement energy efficiency measures that would reduce carbon emissions across the public sector in Scotland. Within CEEF, £15 million was allocated to the 32 local authorities in Scotland, £4 million to the NHS trusts and £1 million to Scottish Water. The scheme has since been extended to provide £4 million to Higher Education.

Each local authority was allocated a proportion of this £15 million based upon a combination of the population in their city/region and their geographical area: with Aberdeenshire Council receiving £634,883. The individual local authorities are responsible for managing their own CEEF allocation and identifying potential capital projects. Funding can only be spent on capital projects; but up to 10% of the fund can be used each year to cover running costs.

To be eligible for CEEF funding, projects must use specific energy saving technologies and must meet a five-year payback criterion. Renewable Energy technologies can also be considered so long as the criteria are met. Technologies eligible for CEEF funding are:

• Building Controls
• Cavity Wall Insulation
• Change of Fuel
• Combined Heat and Power
• Draught Proofing
• Improving Boiler Plant
• Low Energy Lighting
• Motors and Drives
• Pipe, Valve and Flange Insulation
• Point of Use Hot Water
• Pool Covers
• Roof Insulation