Condition Improvement Fund: net zero treatment in 2026

CIF historically focuses on condition (roofs, mechanical and electrical, windows). Net zero elements that overlap condition need (boiler replacement, fabric repair, glazing) are eligible; standalone net zero kit without a condition driver is not.

CIF caps per school per year scale by school size and band; published guidance in the most recent CIF application cycle is the authoritative reference. Most academy projects sit in the £200k to £4m envelope.

CIF and PSDS can be sequenced on the same building if the funded scope does not overlap. A common pattern is CIF-funded condition replacement (windows, roof) followed by PSDS-funded ASHP retrofit once fabric is brought to target U-values.

Heating systems, building fabric, glazing and electrical infrastructure all carry decarbonisation overlap. The CIF application guidance enumerates the EOI categories per cycle.