Rachel holds an MSc in Climate Change and Sustainable Development
Decarbonising PFI projects: Tools and templates for councils
Rachel Toresen – Owuor
26 Mar 2026
Introduction
Replay – NISTA and Local Partnerships host a practical free webinar ‘Decarbonising PFI projects: Tools and templates for councils’ introducing new tools to help public bodies decarbonise operational PFI projects.
More than 500 PFI projects in England need to be included in estates decarbonisation plans, but many authorities lack the data, clarity and contractual confidence needed to act early.
This joint session will walk you through a new suite of resources designed to support informed decision‑making, reduce energy costs and avoid missing key opportunities before contract expiry.
Conclusion
From reporting to action
The toolkit enables authorities to capture emissions across Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3, bringing together data on energy use, water, transport and other activities. However, this should be seen as a starting point.
Once emissions data is available, it can be used to:
- Inform discussions with service providers
- Identify opportunities to reduce energy consumption and emissions
- Improve contract performance and operational efficiency
- Support wider decarbonisation planning across the authority
This shift from reporting to action is where the greatest value can be realised.
Data collection: the biggest challenge
For many authorities, the most time-consuming aspect is not completing the tool, but gathering the required data.
In PFI projects, much of this information should sit with the service provider, particularly where it relates to utilities, maintenance activities and operational performance. However, where data-sharing requirements have not historically been enforced, this can present challenges.
The webinar highlighted the importance of:
- Engaging providers early
- Using existing contractual mechanisms to request information
- Taking a pragmatic approach where data is difficult to obtain, particularly for certain Scope 3 categories
It was noted that the first year of reporting is typically the most resource-intensive, with subsequent years becoming more streamlined.
The importance of collaboration
A strong message throughout the session was the role of collaboration in achieving meaningful outcomes.
Rather than viewing emissions reporting purely as a compliance exercise, authorities are encouraged to work closely with their providers to:
- Improve transparency and data quality
- Explore opportunities for decarbonisation within existing contracts
- Align operational improvements with long-term strategic goals
This collaborative approach is particularly important as projects approach expiry, where emissions data and asset understanding can inform future service delivery models.
Integrating with wider reporting
The toolkit has been designed to complement broader local authority greenhouse gas reporting. Emissions calculated at project level can be incorporated into organisational reporting, typically within Scope 3 categories relating to outsourced services.
This ensures consistency across reporting frameworks and supports a more complete picture of an authority’s emissions profile.
Looking ahead
The session reinforced that there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Authorities can tailor how they use the toolkit depending on the complexity of their projects, including whether to report at project or site level.
Support and guidance continue to evolve, with additional resources, FAQs and updates, including annual emissions factors, being made available.
Ultimately, the toolkit provides a foundation, but it is the conversations, decisions and actions that follow which will drive real progress towards decarbonisation.
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