Energy Performance Contracting / RE:FIT 5
Support to help public sector organisations use the RE:FIT 5 carbon and energy performance framework to reduce energy costs, cut carbon emissions and improve the performance of existing buildings.
- The Challenge
- Why it matters
- Local Partnerships helps public sector organisations develop and deliver Energy Performance Contracting projects, including through the Re:fit 5 Framework.
- FAQs
- Case Studies
- Webinar replays
- Resource hub – tools and guidance
- The following organisations have been appointed to the new framework:
Public sector organisations are under pressure to reduce carbon emissions, manage rising energy costs and improve ageing estates.
Buildings such as schools, hospitals, leisure centres, museums and workplaces play an important role in reaching net zero. However, many organisations face barriers around funding, procurement, technical complexity and confidence that projected savings will be delivered.
Energy Performance Contracting can help turn estate decarbonisation plans into deliverable projects with clear costs, risks and guaranteed performance outcomes.
Our impact
Since 2016, Energy Performance Contracting projects supported by Local Partnerships have:
• saved 654,700 tonnes of CO2 emissions
• achieved £34.7 million in annual energy cost savings
• delivered £575.7 million in capital investment
Our support has helped local authorities, schools, universities, NHS trusts and health boards, leisure centres, museums and other public bodies reduce energy use, improve building performance and make progress towards net zero.
Improving the energy performance of the public estate helps organisations reduce costs, improve operational resilience and lower carbon emissions.
Done well, Energy Performance Contracting can improve value for money across entire estates, unlock investment in existing buildings and reduce delivery risk through guaranteed performance outcomes. It also supports wider public sector goals around net zero, better buildings, more reliable services and stronger long-term stewardship of public assets.
Need help with Energy Performance Contracting?
Whether you are exploring an estate-wide retrofit programme, developing a business case, looking for procurement support or planning to use the RE:FIT 5 Framework, Local Partnerships can help.
We work with local authorities, schools, universities, NHS trusts and health boards, leisure centres, museums and other public bodies to turn decarbonisation ambitions into deliverable projects.
Use the contact form at the bottom of this page to tell us what support you need, or contact refit@localpartnerships.gov.uk for support with the RE:FIT 5 Framework.
Project development
We help organisations identify opportunities, shape projects and develop practical plans for improving estate energy and carbon performance.
Business case development
We support the development of robust business cases that set out costs, savings, risks, benefits and delivery routes.
Procurement support
We help contracting authorities procure the right delivery partner for estate-wide energy efficiency and decarbonisation projects.
RE:FIT 5 Framework support
Local Partnerships is the exclusive custodian of the RE:FIT 5 Framework for contracting authorities outside Greater London. We help organisations understand how to use the framework and procure a delivery partner.
Delivery and operational support
We support organisations as projects move from planning into delivery, helping maintain momentum and manage risk until the targeted benefits are achieved.
Measurement and verification
We help organisations build confidence that savings, generation and performance improvements are measured and verified.
Best practice and sector learning
Through the Public Sector Retrofit Forum, we share lessons learned and best practice from energy and carbon performance projects across the public sector.
What is the difference between energy performance contracting and RE:FIT 5?
Energy performance contracting is a delivery model where a contractor delivers energy efficiency or decarbonisation improvements with agreed performance outcomes. RE:FIT 5 is the national framework that helps public sector organisations procure energy performance contracting partners through a quicker, more structured route.
What is RE:FIT 5?
RE:FIT 5 is the National Carbon and Energy Performance Contracting Framework. It was procured by the Greater London Authority with the support of Local Partnerships. It gives contracting authorities a flexible route to procure partners for estate-wide energy efficiency and decarbonisation improvements with contractually guaranteed outcomes.
Who can use RE:FIT 5?
RE:FIT 5 is available to local authorities, schools, universities, NHS trusts and health boards, leisure centres, museums and other public bodies, across the UK and Northern Ireland. It is designed for public sector organisations looking to reduce energy use, cut carbon emissions, improve building performance and deliver retrofit projects across their estates.
What is Local Partnerships’ role in RE:FIT 5?
Local Partnerships is the exclusive custodian of RE:FIT 5 outside of Greater London. We help public sector organisations understand how the framework works and how it can support retrofit and decarbonisation projects from planning through to delivery. We support contracting authorities to develop their projects, procure their service provider and assure the achievement of targeted benefits.
What kind of projects can RE:FIT 5 support?
RE:FIT 5 can support estate-wide energy efficiency, performance improvement and decarbonisation, including measures that reduce energy use, cut carbon emissions, manage costs and improve the performance of public buildings and assets.
The New RE:FIT 5 National Carbon and Energy Performance Contracting Framework
Local Partnerships is the exclusive custodian of the new RE:FIT 5 National Carbon and Energy Performance Contracting Framework for Contracting Authorities outside Greater London. To find out more about the new framework join our next Public Sector Retrofit Forum meeting at 12:30 on Monday 6th July. The Framework provides Contracting Authorities with a quick and flexible way […]
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RE:FIT case study: Powys Teaching Health Board
The RE:FIT framework gives public authorities the opportunity to procure a long term private sector partner to help them deliver green solutions across their estates. The contractor which is appointed following a tender process guarantees a certain level of performance in relation to energy performance and cost savings. Since 2016, the framework has helped authorities […]
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Anglia Ruskin University Accelerates Path to Net Zero with Re:Fit Energy Overhaul
Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) is making significant strides towards its ambitious goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2045. Through the innovative use of the Re:Fit framework, ARU has transformed the energy performance of its campuses, investing £2.38 million across three phases to deliver wide-ranging energy-saving measures. From LED lighting and solar PV installations […]
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Cambridgeshire County Council’s Re:fit Schools Project Cuts Energy Costs by 37% and Saves 201 Tonnes of CO₂ Annually
Cambridgeshire County Council (CCC), under an EU-funded scheme, has used the National Re:fit Programme to make guaranteed energy-efficiency savings and improve the condition of its schools across the county. The Council’s Re:fit schools project is part of a wider CCC initiative designed not only to increase energy efficiency and improve the condition of its schools […]
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City of Cardiff Council is using Re:fit to optimise energy efficiency
City of Cardiff Council (CCC) is using Re:fit in order to optimise the energy efficiency of certain properties, improve their building performance, reduce CO2 emissions and save money. Re:fit was seen as an ideal approach to tackle historic buildings and demonstrate the ability to make cost effective improvements, paid for through energy savings, even on […]
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Huntingdonshire District Council has used the National Re:fit Programme as a partner of Cambridgeshire County Council’s Re:fit project.
The aim is to build capacity and skills in the region’s local authorities to bring forward investment into energy efficiency and renewable energy generation projects. Huntingdonshire District council identified that six of its One Leisure centres needed improvements and included them as part of Cambridgeshire’s portfolio of buildings to be investigated by the selected service […]
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Aneurin Bevan University Health Board and Vital Energi Deliver £8m Carbon Reduction Programme
Aneurin Bevan University Health Board (ABUHB) has partnered with Vital Energi to deliver an £8m energy efficiency programme across six sites, supporting its goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030. ABUHB is delivering an £8m carbon reduction programme in partnership with Vital Energi, targeting energy upgrades across six hospitals including Nevill Hall, Grange University, and Royal Gwent. The programme supports Welsh Government’s […]
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Anglesey County Council Launches Carbon-Saving Initiatives
Anglesey County Council’s Re:fit initiative aims to cut over 1,672 tonnes of CO2 annually, advancing its goal of net zero by 2030 through energy-efficient property upgrades. After declaring a climate emergency in September 2020, Isle of Anglesey County Council committed to reducing energy consumption and CO2 emissions across its properties, with a goal of becoming […]
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Barnsley Council Targets Carbon Neutrality by 2040
Barnsley Council embarked on a multi-phase project to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040. The comprehensive approach is set to reduce annual CO2 emissions by 529 tonnes and deliver over 2 million kWh in energy savings, while future-proofing the Council’s infrastructure and optimising energy efficiency. Local Partnerships provides support to users of the Re:fit framework nationwide. […]
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Beckfoot Trust Inspires with Energy-saving Approach
The Beckfoot Trust’s Environmental Strategy, using the Re:fit framework, achieved substantial energy and cost savings, reducing carbon emissions while educating students and the community on sustainability. The Beckfoot Trust developed an Environmental Strategy including a commitment to become more sustainable and energy efficient. Utilising the Re:fit framework, the Trust was able to inspire and educate […]
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Delivering Carmarthenshire Council’s Carbon Net Zero Ambition
Carmarthenshire County Council, is advancing its 2030 net-zero goal, reducing emissions by 675 tonnes and saving £315,000 annually through energy upgrades. Carmarthenshire County Council is working toward an ambitious goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2030. With support from Local Partnerships, the council is implementing a range of energy-saving initiatives across its facilities to […]
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Driving Sustainability: Cambridgeshire County Council’s Innovative Solar Park & Ride
Cambridgeshire County Council has already successfully used Re:fit to optimise the energy efficiency of numerous properties and to contract for large-scale renewable energy generation. These projects will reduce CO2 emissions by more than one million tonnes and produce significant cash benefits. Cambridgeshire County Council is now using Re:fit to develop a highly innovative solar PV […]
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Epsom and St Helier NHS Trust Achieves Major Carbon and Cost Savings with Energy Upgrades
Epsom and St Helier NHS Trust is cutting 4,939 tonnes of CO2 and saving £1.25 million annually through energy upgrades supported by the Re:fit framework. Epsom and St Helier NHS Trust is delivering significant benefits by applying the Re:fit framework with support from Local Partnerships. The Trust’s Energy Performance Contracting project is set to reduce […]
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Hywel Dda UHB and Vital Energi Deliver £6.8m Carbon Reduction Programme
Hywel Dda University Health Board is working with Vital Energi to deliver a £6.8m carbon reduction programme across six hospitals in West Wales, supporting its ambition to cut emissions by 34% by 2030. Hywel Dda University Health Board is delivering a £6.8m carbon reduction programme in partnership with Vital Energi, targeting energy efficiency upgrades across key hospitals including Withybush, Glangwili, and […]
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Manchester City Council Delivers Long-term Energy Savings
Manchester City Council’s Re:fit initiative aims for carbon neutrality by 2038, cutting 1,416 tonnes of CO2 annually through energy savings and renewable generation. Manchester City Council will significantly reduce its energy consumption while boosting renewables generation through the Re:fit scheme. The initiative will deliver long-term carbon, energy, and cost savings, supporting the Council’s goal of […]
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Pembrokeshire Council Achieves Energy Cost Savings and Reduces Carbon Emissions
Pembrokeshire Council’s Re:fit initiative, featuring solar carports and energy-saving upgrades, has reduced CO2 emissions by 24.3 metric tonnes and cut energy consumption by 72%, advancing its net zero goal for 2030. Pembrokeshire Council has installed a solar carport and implemented a variety of energy-saving measures through the Re:fit framework to reduce carbon and achieve energy […]
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Solar Farm supports Aberystwyth University’s zero-carbon ambition
Aberystwyth University has applied the Local Partnerships’ Re:fit framework to increase energy efficiency across its buildings, including installation of a solar farm, which will reduce carbon emissions by 500 tonnes annually. Local Partnerships exclusively provides support to users of the Re:fit framework nationwide. Client Context Aberystwyth University is a public research university in Wales, with […]
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Swansea Bay University Health Board Launches Wales’ First Hospital Solar Farm
Swansea Bay University Health Board’s Re:fit project, including Wales’ first hospital solar farm, cuts 3,471 tonnes of CO2 annually and delivers substantial energy and cost savings across its hospitals. Swansea Bay University Health Board has achieved an award-winning milestone with its energy conservation and generation project delivered through the Re:fit framework. The initiative includes the […]
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Swansea Council Optimises Energy Efficiency
Swansea Council’s Re:fit project has optimised energy efficiency, reducing annual CO2 emissions by 379 tonnes and achieving cost savings through comprehensive upgrades across its facilities. As part of its commitment to improving energy efficiency, Swansea Council has implemented a series of measures aimed at reducing CO2 emissions while achieving significant annual cost savings. The Challenge: […]
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University of East Anglia Achieves Energy Saving Transformation
The University of East Anglia’s Re:fit project cuts 543 tonnes of CO2 and saves £184,000 annually through energy-efficient upgrades. The University of East Anglia has adopted the Re:fit framework to as part of its comprehensive energy saving measures, cutting 543 tonnes of carbon annually and reducing energy costs. Local Partnerships exclusively provides support to users […]
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Westminster Council Harnesses Renewable Technology
Westminster City Council is leveraging renewable technologies through the Re:fit framework to significantly reduce carbon emissions and achieve its 2030 carbon neutrality goal. Westminster City Council is revolutionising the way it generates and consumes energy by applying the Re:fit framework. Harnessing renewable technologies including solar PV and air source heat pumps, the Council will significantly […]
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The Warm Homes Plan: Why local leadership and early planning matter
The UK Government’s Warm Homes Plan marks a step change in the drive to make homes warmer, healthier and more affordable to run. Backed by £15 billion of investment and a commitment to upgrade 5 million homes by 2030, it sets an ambitious direction of travel for housing retrofit in England. Crucially, the Plan recognises that […]
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Calderdale Re:fit mini competition
Last month, Calderdale Council, launched a Re:fit mini competition for corporate and school buildings across West Yorkshire. In addition Birmingham City Council has selected Herbert T Forrest to support them in delivery of their schools base Re:fit programme which provides opportunities for over 500 schools and academies in Birmingham to help save money, improve the […]
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Celebrating Innovation: Green Energy Awards Winners
We have been supporting Cambridgeshire County Council with various energy projects through the Re:fit programme and were delighted they were shortlisted for a Green Energy Award: “Most proactive public sector organisation”. Cambridgeshire County Council is committed to reducing energy consumption and to use its assets to generate renewable energy. The council established a Local Energy […]
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The RE:FIT 5 Framework: reduce running costs and modernise assets in public estates
Improving the energy performance of the public estate is not just an environmental ambition but a financial necessity. Rising energy costs combined with ageing buildings mean that councils need reliable ways to reduce running costs and modernise their assets. The forthcoming Re:fit 5 National Energy and Carbon Performance Contracting Framework offers a market-leading way for […]
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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 […]
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A series of lunch time webinars to help with Re:fit, Plan, Procure and Perform.
- WEBINAR: Re:fit lunch and learn: Plan with Tony Lawson, Director and Simon Chubb, Head of Sustainability, Anglian Ruskin University
- WEBINAR: Re:fit lunch and learn: Procure with Rachel Toresen-Owuor, Director and Neil Gromett, Managing Director, Alive West Norfolk, Kings Lynn and West Norfolk Council
- WEBINAR: Re:fit lunch and learn: Perform with Tristian Oliver, Director and Iain Goldsworthy, Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council
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