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Central Energy Efficiency Fund

What was the Central Energy Efficiency Fund (CEEF)?

The Central Energy Efficiency Fund (CEEF) was established in 1993 to provide financial support through grants for energy (and later carbon dioxide) saving measures which could not be financed from within Departmental budgets. The fund was later extended to the wider public sector estate in Northern Ireland. The scheme was withdrawn in 2011.

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What Types of Projects were Funded?

Projects were supported from the following categories:

  • 001-BEMS/EMS/Boiler or Heating Controls/TRVs
  • 002-Refrigeration or Air Conditioning Controls
  • 003-Lighting Controls or Conversion to Low Energy Lighting
  • 004-Change of Fuel (Electricity>Oil>LPG>Nat Gas)
  • 005-Installation of CHP
  • 006-Point of Use Domestic Hot Water Heaters
  • 007-Boiler Plant Upgrading or Reconfiguration
  • 008-Heat Recovery Including Destratification Fans
  • 009-Roof Space Insulation
  • 010-Cavity Wall Insulation
  • 011-Pipe Insulation or Valve Covers
  • 012-Draughtproofing
  • 013-Swimming Pool Covers (motorised)
  • 014-Voltage Optimisation
  • 015-Renewable Energy - Wind
  • 016-Renewable Energy - Biomass
  • 017-Renewable Energy - Solar Heat

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Who decided which projects received funding?

Applications to the CEEF were assessed by the Public Sector Energy Working Group (PSEWG). The PSEWG was comprised of representatives from a number of Departments and independent technical advisers.

Applications were assessed by the PSEWG in merit order according to each project's Benefit/Cost Ratio (BCR) score until the limit of funding is exhausted. A number of projects were selected for a reserve list should any funded projects not proceed for any reason.

In assessing Applications the PSEWG considered the viability of the technology; the current energy performance of the building according to the annual energy returns to PSEC; the project cost; current energy costs; alternative sources of funding; and potential savings.

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How many projects were funded?

In total funding was offered to around 2,598 projects over the lifetime of the scheme.

Which organisations were successful?

An example of some of the public sector organisations to receive funding over the years include:

Derry City Council
Magherafelt District Council
Newry & Mourne District Council
Belfast Education & Library Board
Belfast Royal Academy
North Eastern Education & Library Board
Royal Belfast Academical Institution
South Eastern Education & Library Board
Southern Education & Library Board
Western Education & Library Board
University of Ulster
Department of Finance & Personnel
Belfast Health & Social Care Trust
Northern Health & Social Care Trust

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Are examples of successful projects available to download?

Examples of successful CEEF projects can be downloaded from the Good Practice Case Studies page.

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