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Specialist contractors are being sought to help influence a multi-million-pound framework dedicated to tackling the energy efficient retrofit and decarbonisation of Great Britain’s public sector buildings and social housing stock.

Not-for-profit public sector construction framework providers LHC Procurement Group (LHC) and South Western Procurement Alliance (SWPA) are looking for specialists to take part in market engagement and provide feedback on initial proposals for its Decarbonisation and Retrofit (N9) framework. Both have hosted pre-tender engagements (PTE) for contractor and consultancy organisations interested in shaping the new framework. Some of the key areas that they have explored during PTE include PAS requirements, emerging technologies, and SME inclusion to identify any changes required to ensure a more balanced and inclusive framework. 

Set for launch in mid-2024, N9 is the successor to the Energy Efficiency Measures & Associated Works (N8) framework and builds on the provider’s 30-year heritage of delivering energy efficiency procurement solutions. It will offer public sector clients more access to suppliers offering a wider range of technologies and services, while targeting EPC improvements for housing stock.

The public sector is faced with the challenge of retrofitting housing and other building stock to make vital energy efficient fabric improvements. The exact scale of the task is unknown, but the social housing sector owns 4.4 million properties in the UK, while – according to the Climate Change Committee – there are 1.9 million public buildings such as offices, shops, and hospitals.

Dean Fazackerley, LHC’s Head of Technical Procurement, said: “At this stage we are focusing on ensuring our N9 framework meets needs across the public sector, matches marketplace capability, and works to achieve government targets and future policy requirements. It's clear our selection criteria must align with relevant standards to ensure N9 is robust, meets the expectations of all stakeholders and supports LHC’s drive to becoming a Gold Standard framework provider. We’d encourage would-be suppliers for our N9 framework to attend the webinars, as it presents a unique opportunity to work in collaboration with our dedicated technical team to shape the framework in its early stages.”

N9 is currently divided into seven workstreams, each containing multiple lots. The workstreams include Building Insulation & Performance; Heating Systems; Control and Management Systems; Electrical, Servicing & Maintenance of Renewable Systems; Multi-Disciplinary Works; and Consultancy. All bidders will be required to meet relevant industry standards, such as PAS 2035 and 2038, and there will be specific requirements for each lot.

Dean Fazackerley added: “In the coming months we will be working with suppliers and clients to set out individual requirements for each lot, as different standards will be necessary depending on the nature of the work. N9 will be operating within a highly competitive market, with the potential for changes in government policy and the rapid evolution of the energy sector during its four-year term. That’s why pre-tender engagement is so important for us in helping to identify opportunities to futureproof the framework as much as possible for the years to come.”

The framework will be available nationwide through LHC’s five business units: London and South East (LSE); Consortium Procurement Construction (CPC); South West Procurement Alliance (SWPA); Welsh Procurement Alliance (WPA); and Scottish Procurement Alliance (SPA). LHC has been developing frameworks specifically dedicated to energy efficiency and net zero construction via retrofit and new build for 30 years, when discussions around the topic were still in their infancy.  

Clive Feeney, LHC group director, said: “In the early days of our energy efficiency frameworks, there were other issues that were more pressing for public sector organisations. These included economic recession, regulatory changes, and technology adoption. While those all remain relevant today, the journey to net zero is now the biggest challenge facing our industry. LHC frameworks are underpinned by 57 years’ experience, and we are here to support local authorities, housing associations, schools and a range of other public sector organisations in delivering a range of energy efficiency and decarbonisation works. We are passionate about improving lives and places through quality procurement solutions, as well as awarding grants for community projects and schemes through our Community Benefit Fund.”  

Prospective suppliers can register early interest in this framework opportunity to receive further updates by registering on LHC’s eTendering portal. For more information on LHC visit: www.lhcprocure.org.uk