Scottish Public Sector Energy Efficiency Loan Scheme (SEELS): Supporting Net Zero Across Scotland

The Scottish Public Sector Energy Efficiency Loan Scheme (SEELS) continues to play a vital role in helping public-sector organisations across Scotland reduce energy consumption, lower carbon emissions, and progress toward net-zero targets

Delivered as part of the Scottish Green Public Sector Estate Decarbonisation Scheme, SEELS provides accessible, zero-interest loan funding to eligible public bodies, enabling them to invest in energy efficiency improvements that deliver both financial and environmental benefits.

What Is SEELS?

SEELS offers zero-interest loans to public-sector organisations in Scotland to support energy efficiency and decarbonisation projects. The scheme is funded by the Scottish Government and has been supporting the public sector since 2008.

Over the past 15 years, more than £75 million has been invested through SEELS into energy efficiency projects across Scotland. These projects are forecast to generate over £202 million in lifetime savings, demonstrating the long-term value of investing in low-carbon infrastructure.

Key Benefits of the Scheme

The Scottish SEELS programme provides a range of benefits to public-sector organisations, including:

Funding Criteria and Carbon Thresholds

Projects funded through SEELS must meet defined technical and carbon criteria to ensure value for money and meaningful carbon reductions.

Current project criteria allow:

Subject to technical review and due diligence, funding of up to 75% of the total compliant project value can be offered, with the potential for enhanced payback criteria where appropriate.

Who Is the Scheme For?

SEELS is available to eligible public-sector bodies across Scotland, including:

The scheme is designed to support organisations that are committed to improving energy efficiency, reducing emissions, and achieving long-term sustainability across their estates.

Driving Scotland’s Net Zero Ambitions

By offering accessible, zero-interest finance and expert technical support, the Scottish Public Sector Energy Efficiency Loan Scheme plays a critical role in enabling public bodies to decarbonise their buildings, reduce energy costs, and contribute to Scotland’s wider net-zero ambitions.

For organisations looking to invest in energy efficiency improvements without the burden of upfront capital costs, SEELS provides a proven and effective funding route.