126 Contractors Secured on £660M Retrofit & Decarbonisation Framework

Hello, Champions of Net Zero!

We have exciting news to share with you today from the LHC Procurement Group (LHCPG), who have recently unveiled a groundbreaking public sector framework aimed at accelerating the UK’s journey towards sustainability and carbon neutrality. A total of 126 specialist consultants and contractors have been appointed to the new Retrofit and Decarbonisation (N9) framework, which is set to run until the end of February 2029. This initiative will provide public sector clients and registered social landlords with access to a network of vetted local suppliers, all of whom possess the necessary expertise to assess and retrofit social housing and public sector buildings across the nation.

The N9 framework is a timely response to the pressing need for energy efficiency improvements in our built environment. It encompasses an expansive range of retrofit services, including consultancy, multi-disciplinary works, building insulation and performance enhancements, low-carbon heating systems, control and management systems, and electrical services such as electric vehicle (EV) charging and solar photovoltaic (PV) installations. By offering such a comprehensive suite of services, the N9 framework is poised to significantly impact the decarbonisation of existing housing stock and public buildings, aligning with the UK’s ambitious climate and carbon reduction goals.

This launch marks a significant milestone for LHCPG, being the first new framework introduced since the organisation achieved a successful Gold Standard verification, which covers all its operations across various regions. The N9 framework also proudly implements LHCPG’s new social value strategy, focusing on understanding the impact and outcomes of all projects delivered through this initiative. LHCPG is committed to monitoring and reporting on the performance of the framework, collaborating with appointed companies and clients to assess the added value across critical areas such as individual wellbeing, social mobility, and environmental enhancement.

Clive Feeney, the CEO of LHCPG, expressed his enthusiasm for the N9 framework, stating, “This initiative will play a vital role in assisting local authorities and housing associations as they strive toward the UK’s newest and boldest decarbonisation targets announced at COP29. As a nation, we are now aiming for an ambitious 81% reduction in emissions by 2035. This goal necessitates a substantial push for low-carbon retrofitting of social homes and a dramatic decrease in carbon emissions across 1.9 million non-domestic public buildings.”

Recognising the challenges posed by a shortage of fully qualified trades and retrofit professionals in the public sector, the N9 framework aims to create new opportunities and establish a secure pipeline of work for local businesses. This initiative seeks to encourage collaboration and foster the upskilling of the next generation of contractors, ensuring that the workforce is equipped to meet the demands of the evolving market.

To further support this effort, the N9 framework will direct appointed companies to local retrofit skills academies, offer knowledge masterclasses, and provide guidance through best practice working groups. All of these initiatives are designed to ensure that contractors can meet mandatory retrofit standards, including PAS 2030, 2035, and 2038, within two years of joining the framework.

Clive elaborated on LHCPG’s commitment to inclusivity, stating, “We are proactive in our efforts to attract smaller and more local businesses, as well as underrepresented groups, to apply for inclusion in our frameworks. The N9 framework has been specifically adapted with this goal in mind. We are dedicated to supporting our appointed supply chain throughout the lifetime of the framework, offering guidance and opportunities.”

He added, “For instance, to access many of the government funding streams, installers must be PAS 2030-certified and TrustMark-registered. While many of the companies selected today already possess these certifications, we will also focus on supporting new suppliers. They will have a two-year window to obtain the necessary certifications, during which we will provide extensive support and assistance to ensure they meet these critical standards.”

Clive concluded, “In this way, the N9 framework can facilitate future funding streams, becoming a crucial enabler for energy-efficient upgrades of social homes with low Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings of D to G. These upgrades will ensure that homes are better insulated, more comfortable to live in, and cheaper to maintain, ultimately contributing to energy savings and enhanced living standards for residents. By merging technical innovation with a firm commitment to upskilling the supply chain and delivering local social value, we are helping communities reduce their carbon footprints while simultaneously building a skilled workforce for the future.”

The N9 framework comprises six distinct workstreams, enabling a tailored approach to the diverse retrofit needs of public sector clients:

• Consultancy: This workstream combines energy policy and strategy development with grant funding support, offering comprehensive assistance to organisations in planning and implementing energy-efficient strategies.
• Multi-Disciplinary Works: Focused on multi-technology installations, this stream accommodates various contract sizes and technologies, ensuring provisions for micro and small contractors.
• Building Insulation and Performance (Passive): This encompasses a variety of insulation types, including internal, loft, cavity wall, and external insulation, with specific lots tailored to different building sizes and types.
• Heating Systems: Covering a range of heating solutions from domestic to commercial systems, this workstream integrates smart controls and energy systems where applicable.
• Control and Management Systems: This addresses building management systems (BMS) and individual metering, catering to the needs of communal heating systems and energy management.
• Electrical: This includes lots for solar PV and battery storage, as well as electric vehicle charging, responding to the increasing demand for integrated energy solutions and EV infrastructure.

In addition to this fixed-term framework, LHCPG has also launched a Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) option for low-carbon retrofit servicing and maintenance works. The key advantage of this DPS is that companies can apply to join throughout its operational lifetime, rather than being bound to a fixed framework duration, as is the case with the Retrofit and Decarbonisation (N9) framework.

In conclusion, the N9 framework represents a substantial leap forward in the UK’s efforts to achieve net-zero emissions and improve energy efficiency in public sector buildings. With its comprehensive approach to retrofitting and unwavering commitment to social value and local business empowerment, this initiative is set to make a significant impact on communities across the nation. For more information about the N9 framework and the exciting opportunities it presents, please visit www.lhcprocure.org.uk.

Let us continue to champion the cause of net-zero together, as we embark on this promising new chapter towards a sustainable future!