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Ten contractors, including major players and SMEs, have been selected for a \u00a31 billion framework to deliver large-scale energy efficiency and decarbonisation projects across London and the South East, supporting the UK\u2019s net-zero targets.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Ten contractors have secured places on a \u00a31 billion retrofit and decarbonisation framework launched by the South East Consortium (SEC), a procurement body serving public sector organisations and housing providers in London and the South East. The four-year Decarbonisation Partnerships Framework aims to streamline the appointment of contractors to manage and deliver a broad spectrum of carbon reduction works, supporting the UK\u2019s net-zero ambitions.<\/p>\n
The framework was procured through an open procedure that attracted 29 bids, including 15 from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It is structured as a single lot, with awards made to a blend of national and regional firms to provide clients with a balance of \u201cease, options and value,\u201d according to the contract notice. The selected contractors include notable players such as Equans Regeneration, Morgan Sindall Property Services, and Wates Property Services, alongside smaller firms like Amber Construction Services, A&E Elkins, Cardo (South), Eco Approach, Fortem Solutions, Bell Group, and UI Social Infrastructure.<\/p>\n
The framework covers an extensive range of decarbonisation activities expected to encompass retrofit insulation, heating system upgrades, and supporting services crucial for delivering large-scale energy efficiency initiatives. Contractors will be responsible not only for the physical delivery of energy reduction measures but also for partnering with public sector bodies to manage projects from inception to completion. The selection criteria weighted quality at 70 percent and price at 30 percent, reflecting the emphasis on value alongside performance. The \u00a31 billion estimated value represents the maximum potential spend over the duration of the agreement, excluding VAT.<\/p>\n
SEC Procurement Limited operates as a central purchasing body whose membership spans housing associations and local authorities throughout the South East. This framework complements other SEC initiatives, including the Decarbonisation Works Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS), which remains open until 2029 and facilitates the appointment of contractors for individual measures as well as whole-house retrofit projects. While the Partnership Framework is structured as a single lot, the DPS features four lots that allow for greater flexibility, addressing both individual energy efficiency upgrades and comprehensive retrofits tailored to housing sector needs.<\/p>\n
Amber Construction Services, one of the awarded contractors, highlights that their involvement includes works such as external wall insulation, loft and cavity wall insulation, and the installation of solar thermal and photovoltaic systems. This aligns closely with the framework\u2019s objective to accelerate the retrofit and decarbonisation programmes essential for meeting regulatory requirements and sustainability targets.<\/p>\n
In addition to this \u00a31 billion framework, the South East Consortium has recently awarded places on a separate \u00a3740 million housing upgrade framework, which is divided into four lots based on contract value. This arrangement allows for a diverse spread of contractors from SMEs to major national providers and reflects the growing scale and complexity of retrofit and housing improvement projects in the region.<\/p>\n
Together, these frameworks and procurement vehicles underscore the commitment of regional public bodies and housing providers to meeting the UK\u2019s ambitious climate goals by improving energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions across existing housing stock. By securing a mix of national and regional contractors through a robust procurement process, the South East Consortium is positioning itself as a pivotal player in driving retrofit and decarbonisation efforts in one of the UK\u2019s most populated and energy-intensive regions.<\/p>\n