New RE:FIT 5 framework strengthens the delivery of public sector energy projects

The new RE:FIT 5 National Carbon and Energy Performance Contracting Framework is now available, providing public sector organisations across the UK and Northern Ireland with a quick, flexible and structured route to deliver energy efficiency, retrofit and decarbonisation projects across their estates.

Local Partnerships is the exclusive custodian of RE:FIT 5 for contracting authorities outside Greater London. During 2025 – 26, we worked with the Greater London Authority to develop and procure the new framework, building on the experience and successes of RE:FIT 4.

RE:FIT 5 enables public bodies to appoint an energy performance contracting partner to deliver estate-wide improvements with contractually guaranteed outcomes.

Greater confidence from planning to delivery

Public sector organisations face increasing pressure to reduce energy costs, modernise ageing buildings and improve the performance and resilience of their estates. However, projects can be delayed by funding constraints, complex procurement, technical challenges and uncertainty about whether the anticipated savings will be achieved.

RE:FIT 5 has been strengthened to help organisations overcome these barriers and move more confidently from early plans into delivery.

The new framework offers a number of key improvements to previous iterations including:

• Greater facilitation for off-balance-sheet project funding
• Facilitation of speedier routes to market
• A more robust approach to assuring independent M&V processes
• An increased quality threshold for investment business cases (minimum RIBA Stage 4 for Investment Grade Proposals)
• Explicit application of a cost of carbon for performance purposes
• Strengthened obligations on service providers to adopt a strong open-book approach
• A direct award (single tender) option

These improvements provide greater assurance around the cost, delivery and long-term value of complex energy and retrofit projects.

Building on a strong record of delivery

Since 2016, projects developed and delivered through RE:FIT have achieved:

• £34.7 million in annual energy cost savings
• £575.7 million of investment in capital projects
• 654,700 tonnes of CO₂ emissions savings annually

The framework has supported projects across local authorities, schools, universities, NHS trusts and health boards, leisure centres, museums and other public sector estates.

Our growing collection of RE case studies demonstrates how public bodies have used the framework to reduce energy use and costs, modernise infrastructure and improve the resilience and performance of their buildings.

Support throughout your project

Local Partnerships helps public sector organisations understand how RE 5 can support their estates and provides assistance throughout the project lifecycle.

Our support includes:

• identifying and shaping potential projects
• developing robust investment business cases
• planning and managing procurement
• appointing the right delivery partner
• supporting projects as they move into delivery
• independently measuring and verifying the benefits achieved

Find out more about RE:FIT 5

Local Partnerships is holding a free introductory webinar on Tuesday 29 September 2026, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm.

The session will explain how RE 5 works, the types of projects that can be delivered through it and how Local Partnerships can support organisations from initial planning through to procurement and delivery.

Register for the Introduction to RE 5 webinar.

Join the Public Sector Retrofit Forum

Local Partnerships also convenes the Public Sector Retrofit Forum, a closed forum where public sector professionals can share experience, lessons learned and best practice from energy performance and retrofit projects.

Membership is subject to approval. If you work in public sector estates, energy, sustainability, procurement, finance or capital programmes, express an interest in joining the Public Sector Retrofit Forum.

Talk to Tony about your project

Tony Lawson, Director at Local Partnerships, has extensive experience in commercial and contract leadership, infrastructure delivery and asset management, including work with central and local government and NHS trusts. If you are considering an energy efficiency, retrofit or estate improvement project, Tony Lawson and the Local Partnerships team can help you explore your options, develop your project and understand how RE:FIT 5 could support its delivery.

To start a conversation, use the contact form on the talk to us page.