A new framework for contractors to deliver energy efficiency retrofits to 175,000 homes in London – expected to be worth at least £50m – is to be advertised on the OJEU journal in the coming weeks.
Project manager Capita will be placing the ad on behalf of the mayor of London, who yesterday announced the launch of the £50m RE:NEW retrofitting programme.
The successful RE:NEW framework contractors will work on projects for social housing providers, local authorities and private homeowners to deliver green retrofits that cut carbon emissions and reduce fuel poverty. Contractors will also be expected to make a commitment to create jobs for Londoners.
The new framework will also aim to simplify and streamline procurement and become the leading framework for retrofit across the UK.
Under the contract, worth £2.7m over three years, Capita will provide funding, technical and procurement advisory services to support energy improvement works.
Through its “Innovation Unit”, Capita will also develop new approaches to drive mass market adoption of energy efficiency measures.
Typical measures will include: loft and cavity insulation; internal and external solid wall insulation; heating upgrades; water efficiency measures; double glazing and draught proofing.
Contractors would also be able to propose district-wide renewable schemes that could also provide opportunities for revenue generation.
The Mayor’s office hopes to save 93,000 annual tonnes of carbon with the three-year retrofit programme, while it is estimated that measures could save residents up to £180 a year on their energy bills.
John Alker, director of policy and communications at the UK Green Building Council, said: “With rising energy bills sure to be hitting the headlines over the coming months, energy efficiency is by far the most cost effective way to permanently bring them down. This funding will help hard-pressed Londoners this winter and is a welcome boost for the capital’s green housing ambitions.”
Meanwhile, the Mayor’s office has also announced that £145m has been secured from the government’s Decent Homes funding that will be distributed to London boroughs to improve housing standards.
The £145m fund is in addition to the £821m share of the Decent Homes programme that was committed to 14 boroughs during 2011-15 to help transform social housing in the worst conditions.
As part of the bidding process each borough will be required to review the potential for additional building of homes on their estates. Bidding closes on 19 September 2014 with announcements of successful borough landlords in early November.
