Decarbonisation, energy efficiency, retrofit, and compliance sit at the top of the public sector agenda for 2023.
They also remain an important source of work for contractors and experts in a tough economic climate.
To address this issue, procurement service, LHC, is launching five frameworks which will source expertise in energy efficiency, retrofit, and asset life safety and compliance to deliver projects that address these issues.
The frameworks will support public sector organisations on the journey to carbon net zero and in complying with government guidelines around building life safety.
And LHC is encouraging public sector organisations, including healthcare operators, as well as contractors, consultants, and suppliers to register their interest for the procurement pathways, which cover Asset Safety and Compliance, Refurbishment and Associated Retrofit Works, Energy Efficiency and Decarbonisation, Fire Safety and Supply, and Installation of Aluminium Windows and Doors.
The announcement follows in the wake of the Rt Hon Chris Skidmore MP’s release of Mission Zero – Independent Review of Net Zero, recognising that local authorities and communities are often best placed to drive the transition to net zero.
Taking responsibility
It also arrives immediately after new Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 introduced new responsibilities relating to tall residential buildings; legislation which came into force at the end of January.
LHC head of technical procurement, Dean Fazackerley, said: “Energy efficiency, retrofit, and compliance are all top of the agenda for the public sector in 2023 and this looks set to deliver significant work for contractors and suppliers with expertise in these areas up to 2030 and beyond.
“With the UK attempting to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels and a target to retrofit 26 million homes, these frameworks answer a specific market need for specialists in energy efficiency, decarbonisation, and retrofit.
“This is an exciting time to get involved with LHC frameworks and we are inviting public sector organisations, contractors, and companies delivering the expertise to help shape them to reflect market needs and on-the-ground knowledge of delivery.”
The frameworks include an energy efficiency and decarbonisation procurement pathway
The frameworks are:
Asset Safety and Compliance (ASC1) Framework: ASC1 will help the public sector meet government guidelines around building safety and maintenance. It will provide property protection; asbestos management; water testing, treatment, and management; heating, ventilation, and air conditioning-related services; and electrical testing and remedials.
Refurbishment and Associated Retrofit Works Framework: The refurbishment framework will support clients – especially social housing providers – to deliver a range of refurbishment, improvement works and associated retrofit works. This includes services from kitchen and bathroom replacement to external and fabric works, painting and decorating, and electrical and other multi-disciplinary works.
Energy Efficiency and Decarbonisation Framework: Designed to support the public sector in its journey to net zero, the framework will deliver a range of energy efficiency and decarbonisation works and energy efficiency consultancy services. It will help improve asset and stock ratings using a range of specialist energy efficiency measures and works, such as solar PV and heat pumps, as well as combined solutions meeting PAS 2035 requirements for whole house retrofit.
Fire Safety (FS2) Framework: Supporting clients with a spectrum of fire safety requirements, FS2 will deliver pre-approved expertise in consultancy, installation, replacement and servicing. It will likely include a range of fire-related services including fire safety consultancy, fire risk assessments, fire safety inspections; passive fire protection installation, servicing, and maintenance; fire alarm installation testing, servicing, and maintenance; fire suppression system installation, servicing, and maintenance; waking watch services; and cladding remediation and replacement.
Supply and Installation of Aluminium Windows and Doors Framework: The framework will deliver design, supply, and installation of aluminium windows, doors, and curtain walling for public sector new build and refurbishment projects.
How to get involved
Each of the five LHC frameworks is now open for clients and suppliers to register early interest to receive updates and engagement opportunities via the organisation’s eTendering portal: https://in-tendhost.co.uk/LHC/aspx/Tenders/Forthcoming