Dean Fazackerley, head of technical procurement at public sector framework provider LHC Procurement Group (LHC), sets the scene for its new Retrofit & Decarbonisation (N9) framework
While Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has scrapped the government’s energy efficiency policies, including delaying plans to ban the installation of new gas boilers until 2035, he has nonetheless reaffirmed the commitment to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
For LHC, these revised plans change very little: we have been dedicated to driving innovation through our energy efficiency-focused frameworks for over 30 years. We will continue to prioritise efforts in this area.
It’s worth remembering that the new target dates are exactly that – targets – and don’t alter the need to retrofit Britain’s homes and other buildings to improve their efficiency and energy use.
Whatever the political messaging, the reason these targets have been put in place remains – we are in a climate emergency.
There are 4.4m social housing buildings alone
The exact scale of the task varies depending on who you ask, but we know it is huge. The social housing sector owns 4.4m properties in the UK, while – according to the Climate Change Committee – there are 1.9m non-domestic public buildings.
It is perhaps a positive coincidence that the government’s policy changes have come just as we have begun the initial engagement with stakeholders to help shape the development of our latest energy efficiency framework.
As part of our pre-tender engagement process, we are working closely with public sector organisations to identify opportunities to futureproof the framework as much as possible for the years to come.
Whatever the political landscape, improving the performance of our buildings and reducing energy costs is essential. So, too, is capitalising on the investment in skills and technology that many have already made to deliver a more sustainable built environment.
The Retrofit & Decarbonisation (N9) framework is LHC’s latest offering
Our new Retrofit & Decarbonisation (N9) framework is the most important net zero framework in development since LHC became a CLG earlier this year.
It will be the successor to our successful Energy Efficiency Measures & Associated Works (N8) framework, which expires in November 2024.
It’s being designed to support local authorities, housing associations, schools, and other public sector organisations in delivering a range of energy efficiency and decarbonisation works, helping them with their journey to achieving net zero and improving the EPC ratings of their stock.
Set to launch in mid-2024, N9 will be available nationwide through our five business units: London and South East (LSE); Consortium Procurement Construction (CPC); South West Procurement Alliance (SWPA); Welsh Procurement Alliance (WPA); and Scottish Procurement Alliance (SPA).
At this stage, we are focusing on ensuring N9 meets needs across the public sector, matches marketplace capability, and works to achieve government targets and future policy requirements.
It’s clear that our selection criteria must align with relevant standards to ensure N9 is robust, meets the expectations of all stakeholders, and supports LHC’s drive to become a Gold Standard framework provider.
All bidders will be required to adhere to relevant industry standards
Therefore, all bidders will be required to adhere to relevant industry standards, such as PAS 2035 and 2038, and there will be specific requirements for each lot.
This is equally important, as different standards will be necessary depending on the nature of the work. A tailored approach ensures that each lot has the necessary criteria to meet its unique needs.
The framework is designed to cover a wide range of technologies and services in the energy sector and is divided into seven workstreams, each containing multiple lots.
The workstreams include Building Insulation & Performance; Heating Systems; Control and Management Systems; Electrical, Servicing & Maintenance of Renewable Systems; Multi-Disciplinary Works and Consultancy.
Pioneers in energy efficiency frameworks
LHC has 30 years of experience in the energy efficiency sector, helping contracting authorities implement technical building measures and home improvement programmes.
We are acutely aware of the impact of multiple pressures on social landlords, not least the need for a whole-house approach to decarbonisation and retrofit, the drive to adopt greater use of MMC in new build, and the overarching need to keep all residents safe, and well.
LHC’s energy efficiency frameworks provide contracting authorities with an easier route to procuring various new and emerging energy efficiency technologies and low-carbon retrofit services.
Implementing these efficiency measures is essential to help reduce fuel bills, improve asset value and performance, and deliver on our obligations to cut greenhouse gas emissions in line with the UK’s ambitious environmental targets.
Delivering net zero now
While developing N9, our Energy Efficiency Measures & Associated Works (N8) framework is still live until November 2024.
This was launched to help local authorities, social landlords, and other public bodies source specialist suppliers who can install various carbon-cutting improvement measures for domestic and public buildings and carry out any associated repairs and retrofit work.
The framework covers the procurement of 21 individual energy efficiency measures across the UK and provides a multidisciplinary offer. The Energy Efficiency Consultancy Services (N8C) framework complements the N8 framework to help contracting authorities source firms that specialise in energy efficiency.
Learn more about our new Retrofit & Decarbonisation (N9) framework via our website.
LHC Procurement Group
*Please note that this is a commercial profile.
