Modernising assets and reducing running costs with RE:FIT 5

The RE:FIT 5 framework helps councils to save money, reduce carbon and upgrade estates, writes Huw Russell.

Since 2016, Local Partnerships has helped authorities to save 654,700 tonnes of CO2 and over £34 million on energy annually.

One of those authorities is Powys Teaching Health Board. In 2019, the Welsh Government declared an ambition for the public sector to reach net zero by 2030. Powys – a large, sparsely populated county – had lots of ageing buildings, but lacked funds to refurbish. Delivering a decarbonisation programme would require a flexible and commercially viable approach.

That’s where RE:FIT came in. The Welsh Government Energy Service recommended that Powys speak to Local Partnerships. Teams worked together to identify priorities, align objectives and secure funding, accelerating project development and organisational buy-in.

Local Partnerships supported the Health Board throughout, including producing an Invitation to Tender. Following a robust procurement process, Vital Energi was appointed. They then worked with Powys and Local Partnerships to produce a business case with guaranteed levels of performance and savings.

With funding from Salix Finance, work began on installing solar panels and LED lighting, and improving insulation and pipework. Community hospitals and clinical centres across Powys are now using energy more efficiently, with better lighting and improved infrastructure.

The partnership delivered tangible benefits for local people, alongside financial and carbon emissions savings.

If you are a public sector body outside Greater London and you’re interested in doing the same, talk to Local Partnerships about RE:FIT 5.

Huw Russell is a Director at Local Partnerships who has supported a number of public sector organisations through the RE:FIT process.

This article was originally published on The MJ.