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Energy efficiency, retrofit and compliance topped the agenda for LHC public sector frameworks in 2023 and we aim to continue in 2024.

2023 has been an exciting time to get involved with the LHC Procurement Group’s frameworks, as the group continues its transformation, drawing on its rich 57 years’ experience to lead the way in delivering solutions to aid the public sector in their mission zero targets.

“While embracing the internal transformation of LHC we have been continuing to collaborate with clients and suppliers, through early involvement and pre-tender engagement, to develop new frameworks that reflect the needs of public sector organisations,” said Dean Fazackerley, Head of Technical Procurement at LHC.

“Energy efficiency, retrofit and compliance have been at the top of the agenda for the public sector in 2023 and are set to deliver significant work for contractors and suppliers, with expertise in these areas up to 2030 and beyond.

“As the UK attempts to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels and retrofit 26m homes, these frameworks satisfy a specific market need for specialists in energy efficiency, decarbonisation and retrofit. “We’re inviting public sector organisations, contractors and companies delivering the expertise to help them evolve to reflect market needs and on-the-ground knowledge of delivery.”

Key Frameworks launched in 2023

Modern Methods of Construction of New Homes (NH3) Framework

Designed to help boost the speed and quantity of delivery of the homes required to fulfil the housing need across communities via modern methods of construction (MMC) in England, Scotland, and Wales, is LHC’s £1.2bn NH3 framework.

Dean said: “Through NH3, our most comprehensive MMC framework to date, we are supporting social housing providers in addressing some of their new housing challenges whilst providing sustainable and efficient methods of construction, and a greater supply of housing stock that is fit for the future.

“We have a strong track record for designing innovative procurement solutions for the public sector, providing access to some of the leading manufacturers and contractors spanning the entirety of Britain”, he adds.

“We are looking to build on the success of our previous framework, NH2, which has so far enabled £93.5m worth of offsite homes projects with a total forecast value of £277m.”

The Consultancy Services (CS1) Framework

This £30m framework provides the public sector with access to consultancy services to support the new build, refurbishment and retrofit of public sector buildings and homes.

“This framework arrives as a result of the thorough engagement with public sector procurement teams, who said they were looking for access to a wide range of specialist expertise under one framework, from initial design to build with asset management and maintenance,” said Dean.

“CS1, which is part of our portfolio of consultancy frameworks, truly delivers end-to-end – encompassing construction planning, management and design, civil and structural engineering, landscape and building architectural services, mechanical, electrical and plumbing expertise, asset management, PAS 2035/38, and health and safety consultancy.”

What’s coming next?

The Refurbishment & Modernisation (RM3) Framework

Coming in spring 2024 and replacing LHC’s Whole House Refurbishment & Associated Works (WH2) framework is the RM3 framework, which includes the refurbishment of both residential and non-residential buildings.

RM3 will offer social housing providers and public sector organisations the flexibility to procure a range of refurbishment, modernisation and retrofit works to meet their asset management and improvement requirements.

The Fire Safety (FS2) Framework

Replacing the current Fire Safety (FS1) framework, which covers passive fire protection and consultancy services.

Due to be available from spring 2024, this will provide a more enhanced scope of fire safety measures including new or replacement, passive and active fire protection measures, as well as fire suppression and fire safety consultancy, ‘waking watch’ services and cladding remediation.

The framework covers all current legislation including the Building Safety Act 2022, the Fire Safety Act 2021, and the Fire Safety (England) regulations 2022.

The Frameworks in development.

Retrofit and Decarbonisation Framework (N9) Framework

Designed to support the public sector in its journey to net zero, the N9 framework will deliver a range of energy efficiency and decarbonisation works, and energy efficiency consultancy services.

N9 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. The tender for this framework is expected to be released in spring 2024.

“Following an extensive pre-tender engagement with the market and seeing high levels of interest and feedback; we are now in the final stages of design and development of the replacement to our current iteration of our energy efficiency framework. The fantastic response and levels of engagement we have seen from the market, subsequently enables us to have a good understanding of the challenges facing the sector in decarbonising the UK's existing built environment and are developing a comprehensive and flexible solution, to help our clients address this.” said Dean Fazackerley, LHC head of technical procurement.

Dean continues “However, we believe increased collaboration is the answer”.

This is a sentiment expressed by Professor David Mosey CBE, author of “Constructing the Gold Standard” who also spoke at our recent ASC1 launch event in London. “The industry knows how to do this,” he said. “But, after the financial crash, it seemed to forget the benefits of early engagement and started to focus procurement on lowest cost.” He added that once in place, companies on frameworks should be proactive partners to ensure that everything is working as it should be and best practice is passed on.

To further support the sector in sharing learning and best practice, LHC will be hosting an event on 28^th February 2024 in Birmingham, giving attendees access to a range of speakers to discuss the challenges, opportunities, and experiences in delivering retrofit and decarbonisation programmes. LHC will also be providing an update of our upcoming retrofit and decarbonisation framework including scope, lots, and key dates at this event.