With over £1 billion allocated to the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS) to support reducing the carbon footprint of public buildings in the UK and the NHS committed to Net Zero, NHS SBS has launched a decarbonisation of estates framework
By implementing comprehensive decarbonisation strategies and undertaking targeted carbon reduction projects, the NHS has the opportunity to significantly reduce its backlog of maintenance issues. This, in turn, empowers estates teams to focus more effectively on creating safe, efficient, and welcoming environments for both patients and staff. Improved infrastructure not only enhances day-to-day experiences but also strengthens the overall capacity to deliver high-quality, patient-centred care. Furthermore, the long-term financial savings generated through reduced energy consumption and lower utility costs can be reinvested into critical areas of need, such as addressing high-risk maintenance concerns, acquiring state-of-the-art medical equipment, or expanding the workforce to support frontline services.
The Decarbonisation of Estates Framework Agreement is designed to support the NHS, along with the broader public sector, in progressing toward their decarbonisation goals. by providing a starting point and building blocks for net zero plans.
The framework agreement plays a vital role in supporting customers with the planning and execution of decarbonisation and retrofit projects. It helps to significantly reduce the environmental impact of service delivery by promoting the use of innovative, energy-efficient technologies, minimising energy and fuel consumption, and ensuring ongoing monitoring and evaluation of retrofit initiatives.
The framework agreement plays a vital role in supporting customers with the planning and execution of decarbonisation and retrofit projects. It helps to significantly reduce the environmental impact of service delivery by promoting the use of innovative, energy-efficient technologies, minimising energy and fuel consumption, and ensuring ongoing monitoring and evaluation of retrofit initiatives.
Details
The framework will run from 13 January 2025 to 12 January 2029 and is open to all public sector organisations across the UK including NHS, local authorities, universities, schools, housing associations, police, blue lights, central government and all third sector organisations.
The framework covers internal and external wall insulation, ground source and air source heat pumps, electric heating solutions, PV systems, ventilation systems, lighting works as well as traditional works such as replacement of windows and doors, and solutions to tackle damp and mould in domestic properties.
Offerings have been divided into two lots: Decarbonisation of non-domestic/public buildings and Decarbonisation of domestic properties.
Procurement teams can choose to run a further competition, to direct award to a supplier in compliance with Regulation 33 of the Public Contracts Regulations.
Benefits
All suppliers must adhere to industry-leading safety and legislative standards such as NHS Net Zero Building Standard 2023 and The Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012.
There is also a provision to include RIBA Plan from pre-stage 1 to stage 7, PAS2038:2021 and projects of either design and build or solely construction works.
The framework also offers flexible contract terms with NHS terms and conditions as standard, as well as the option to utilise JCT, NEC, or the client’s own model forms of contract terms and conditions that drive value and performance as further set out in the framework agreement.
When it comes to decarbonisation and environmental impact, the framework includes design, funding, supply, installation, and commissioning of retrofit measures for a complete decarbonisation approach. There is also an aim to reduce the environmental impact of service delivery through the use of innovative solutions, reduced energy and fuel consumption, and the monitoring of retrofit projects.
NHS SBS offers different levels of support, including SME advice and robust templates for you to easily run your own process, or additional support to design and run a further competition on your behalf.
https://www.sbs.nhs.uk/services/framework-agreements/decarbonisation-of-estates/
