Public sector organisations save £7.4 million with low-carbon projects

Public sector organisations across the UK have saved £7.4 million and cut more than 15,000 tonnes of carbon annually through energy efficiency and low-carbon projects.

Vital Energi’s RE:FIT framework has completed more than £100 million of decarbonisation work across over 30 projects for local authorities, NHS Trusts and universities since 2016.

Projects have included LED lighting, rooftop solar, solar farms, battery storage, heat pumps and building management system upgrades.

At Swansea Bay University Health Board, four phases of work have delivered annual savings of more than £1.5 million and reduced carbon emissions by 3,797 tonnes.

Des Keighan, Assistant Director at Swansea Bay University Health Board, said: “The RE:FIT framework is ideal for organisations that want to achieve decarbonisation quickly, whilst guaranteeing rapid payback. The fact that carbon and financial savings are guaranteed reduces risk and gives clients confidence in the success of the project.”

Westminster City Council is delivering a £23 million programme across 183 projects, including almost 10,000 lighting replacements.

Meanwhile, Aberystwyth University saw energy improvements across 20 buildings, including a 2.5MW solar farm and heat pumps.

The latest development in this programme is a direct award route designed to speed up procurement, while requiring delivery partners to develop investment proposals.

The framework also gives social value a formal role, covering areas including local employment and community investment, alongside energy and carbon savings.