Delivering energy efficiency support for the public sector

Contractual guarantees for targeted performance parameters are a key aspect of the Re:fit Framework, writes Tony Lawson, Re:fit project director at Local Partnerships.

Improving the energy efficiency of UK buildings is the greatest support that can be provided in response to rising energy prices. The British energy security strategy is part of an overall movement to greater energy security, building on the commitments set out in the prime minister’s 10 point plan, the Energy White Paper, the heat and buildings strategy and the net zero strategy.

It is a critical plank of the UK’s net zero strategy to ensure that buildings require less energy to heat, making them cheaper to run and more comfortable to work in, while reducing our dependence on imported energy. In any heat pathway, improved energy efficiency – through investment in building fabrics and better product standards – will reduce overall energy use and costs. The government has published the heat and buildings strategy with an accompanying £3.9bn of support, and more than £1.4bn is being invested to upgrade public sector buildings.

Local Partnerships and the Greater London Authority own and run the Re:fit Framework. It is the only fully managed energy performance contracting framework owned by the public sector, exclusively for the use of the public sector.

Over more than a decade, the framework has supported more than 250 public sector organisations to deliver improvements resulting in annual savings of more than 50,000 tonnes of CO2 and more than £10m in energy cost savings.

In any heat pathway, improved energy efficiency will reduce overall energy use and costs

Contractual guarantees for targeted performance parameters are a key aspect of the framework such as total project cost, renewable energy generation potential, and kWh energy consumption per square metre efficiency improvements. This means the framework is most effective at assuring benefits’ realisation and value for money.

Using business cases developed through the engagement of Re:fit service providers has assured the successful application for funding by our clients, including bids for the public sector decarbonisation scheme grant.

Local Partnerships is committed to supporting the public sector to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across its estate and help the country reach net zero by 2050. The public sector estate is a key player in achieving this target and the Re:fit Framework provides an effective tool to assure the realisation of targeted benefits.

If you are looking to deliver energy efficiency improvements across your estate, deliver renewable energy infrastructure and reduce carbon emissions, please contact us at refit@localpartnerships.gov.uk

Tony Lawson, Re:fit project director at Local Partnerships.

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