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We’re delighted to announce our commitment to the Young Person’s Guarantee and join employers across Scotland in creating opportunities for young people.

The Young Person’s Guarantee is a joint commitment to provide opportunities for all 16-24 year old’s in Scotland through jobs, apprenticeships, further and higher education, training programmes and volunteering.

With the support of our local partners, we plan to offer work placements, and site visits to some of our key projects across Scotland. Through this partnership, we’ll also be engaging with local schools to create work experience opportunities and encourage more young people to consider a career in the green energy sector via our Climate Education programme.

The £2.6m first phase of an energy saving project delivered by Vital Energi for Aberystwyth University has completed its first full year of operation and verified figures show it is now delivering 30% more energy and carbon savings than originally guaranteed.

The project saw Vital Energi upgrade the University’s energy systems at 20 buildings on the Penglais Campus, installing a range of initiatives including upgrades to almost 4,000 light fittings, Building Management System optimisation, improved air handling systems, chiller replacement, pipework insulation and energy efficient upgrades to laboratory equipment.

As part of an energy performance contract, Vital Energi guaranteed minimum carbon and financial savings.  The project was initially expected to reduce the University’s emissions by 802 tonnes, but the final verified figure for the year saw the project overperform and actually reduce emissions by 1,042 tonnes per annum.

Chris Yeo, Vital Energi’s Director of Low Carbon Solutions commented, “All RE:FIT projects come with guarantees to the client which ensure they get the results they expect.  This scheme has performed particularly well from an environmental perspective, but they have also made significant financial savings due to using less gas and electricity.

“We’re delighted to see the project is exceeding its guarantees, which is a fantastic result for the University as they continue their decarbonisation works.” Since Phase 1, we have returned to Aberystwyth University to deliver a 4,500-panel solar farm which will drive their emissions down by a further 500 tonnes per year, making another strong contribution to their net zero journey.

Phase 1 of the project has offset over 2.32million kWh of electricity and 2.16million kWh of gas and, in addition to the carbon savings, has reduced the University’s energy bill by £368k per year.

As the UK’s heat network market moves towards regulation, the importance of developing sustainable and customer-focused energy solutions is becoming more critical than ever. For housing developers and providers, partnering with an Energy Services Company (ESCo) can enable them to benefit from reduced operational and financial risks, data-driven insights to support regulatory compliance, affordable tariff structures, and effective customer engagement strategies.

Here are six key steps to building a successful ESCo partnership:

1. Evaluate potential ESCo partners to ensure your long-term goals are met

The first step of developing an Energy Services Company (ESCo) is to evaluate whether your intended partner’s ESCo service model aligns with your long-term goals. Focus on ESCo providers with a proven track record of delivering efficiency gains, carbon footprint reduction, consumer protection, proactive customer communication, and operational cost savings specifically within the heat network sector. Consider how their proposed solutions could meet your required performance metrics, sustainability targets, and customer experience values.

2. Minimise your risk by negotiating the right contractual framework

Next, negotiate a transparent and risk-aligned contract that clearly defines performance guarantees, service levels, and financial liability. This will ensure customers benefit from fair tariffs, a great customer experience, and optimal system performance. Take the time to understand any proposed ESCo revenue-sharing model and ensure it motivates both parties to achieve optimal network performance, providing a revenue stream that could be utilised to offset capital costs or further reduce consumer tariffs. Thoroughly evaluate the proposed operational and financial risk mitigation strategies, ensuring comprehensive liability insurance is in place for any potential system malfunctions or performance shortfalls.

3. Treating customers fairly and providing a great experience is critical to success

It’s crucial to select a partner which at its core, emphasises treating customers fairly, and engages with the community at every level of service delivery. This approach, as demonstrated by Vital Community Energi, is designed to ensure that the energy solutions provided are not only efficient, but also consider the consumer experience, and ultimately enhance customer satisfaction.

You will need to be able to fully rely on your ESCo partner to support your customers and ensure they are equipped to answer questions and requests. There is a responsibility in providing heating and hot water and by building an ESCo partnership built on customer service values, you can contribute positively to community welfare and sustainability.

4. Taking control of regulatory compliance with technical expertise and innovation

Your ESCo partner should take full control over your compliance with heat network regulation therefore it is important to evaluate their technical capabilities and experience in design, constructing, and optimising heat network infrastructure and assets. To support Heat Network Technical Assurance Scheme (HNTAS) compliance, look for partners who can demonstrate their expertise in energy audits, equipment upgrades, data analytics platforms, and advanced control systems. Prioritise ESCos actively researching and implementing cutting-edge technologies for improved network efficiency and resilience.

5. Explore funding options from full ownership to shared investment models

Each ESCo is unique, so review the proposed financial model and ensure it meets your strategic objectives and fits within your financial expectations. If not, you can explore various funding options ranging from full ESCo ownership and operation to shared investment models. Consider the implications of upfront capital outlays versus performance-based contracts and look for competitive terms for ongoing maintenance and service fees, to enable you to interrogate the long-term costs of the ESCo.

6. Develop a collaborative approach and clear communication channels

Finally, choose an ESCo partner with a collaborative approach, that values your operational expertise and integrates seamlessly into your existing team. It is important to have clear communication channels for regular data sharing, performance reporting, and joint decision-making on energy optimisation strategies. A relationship built on open communication and transparency will ensure a successful and mutually beneficial partnership.

Developing a successful ESCo partnership involves carefully evaluating potential partners, negotiating risk-aligned agreements, and prioritising the fair treatment of customers. Collaboration is key and by working with an established company like Vital Energi, you gain access to proven expertise in the development of sustainable energy processes, tailored funding models, and an enhanced customer experience. Choosing the right ESCo partner is not just about meeting today’s needs—it’s an investment in a sustainable, resilient, and community-focused energy solution.

If you are interested in developing an ESCo partnership and would like to learn more, please get in touch.

You can also read the full Housebuilder & Developer article here.

Our projects go beyond infrastructure. They serve as catalysts for local employment, training, and community investment opportunities, which can leave lasting, impactful legacies. We’ve been working in partnership with Lancaster University, to deliver two major low carbon, energy projects, the Net Zero Energy Project, and the Solar Farm.

Throughout these projects, we have worked closely with students, staff, and local stakeholders on various social value initiatives, to inspire action on carbon reduction, promote sustainable careers, and emphasise the importance of the University’s net zero journey.

Our impact so far

So far on the project, we’ve delivered more than 70 hours of engagement with local schools and colleges, sponsored over £3000 towards the Lancaster University Triathlon in support of the St John’s Hospice and Cancer Care charities, hosted and attended 5 career drop ins, in addition to 7 student engagement events, and provided 3 internships to university students.

Looking ahead, we’re planning a range of activities over the coming months, including a tree planting event for students to participate in.

Empowering the Next Generation

As part of our ongoing efforts to inspire and educate the next generation, we’ve delivered a range of enriching initiatives involving local schools and colleges. In one of our recent sessions, we facilitated a workshop in collaboration with Vital Energi and Lancaster University, for pupils at Central High School. The session was inspired by the book “How Bad Are Bananas? – The carbon footprint of everything by Mike Berners-Lee” and explored environmental impacts of everyday choices. This gave pupils the tools they needed to understand how they can make small changes to lessen their impact.

Creating First Steps towards Careers in Green Energy

We hosted a seminar for Lancaster University students to introduce them to careers in the sustainability sector. Our aim is to inspire those who have begun to explore the world of green careers and want to know what it is like to work on projects such as the Net Zero Energy Project. We followed up with a careers drop-in session to network with university stakeholders across the departments. Discussions with our senior construction team, apprentices and graduates centred on collaborative opportunities for students. These could be work placements, upskilling tours or construction phase projects which all help students take their first step towards a sustainable future.

The Healthy Living Roadshow

Giving students a sense of ownership and an understanding of the intricacies and benefits of the Net Zero Energy Project was a core part of our pre-construction planning, and our staff have been happy to support multiple drop-in sessions, including the Healthy Living Roadshow at County College. Through showcases of the ongoing scheme, as well as direct access to our project management team, students gained a deeper understanding of the innovative works taking place and the direct impact on campus life. Interactive activities like the “Aim for Net Zero” darts competition made learning engaging, whilst promoting awareness of the project’s significance.

Good Things Come in Threes

Since 2016, Sport Lancaster’s sprint-distance Triathlon event has been a huge success, and along with sponsoring the University’s “Try-a-Try” Triathlon, three of our colleagues put themselves forward to compete in the event as a relay team. The morning was a great chance for us to help raise money for both St John’s Hospice and Cancer Care. The Sport Lancaster team praised our contributions, noting that the sponsorship of the bike racking, traffic management, and race timing supported the smooth running of the event. They also acknowledged that although the construction works may have altered the route, it is all part of a positive initiative, the Net Zero Energy Project.

Internships and Work Placements

What better way to make a mark in the sustainable energy sector than by gaining first-hand experience on the project. In partnership with Lancaster University, we have been offering internships and work placements to give students real-world experiences. The Net Zero Energy Project offers learning and development opportunities for junior engineers, apprentices, and graduates across various disciplines. These early-career professionals can gain practical knowledge of cutting-edge energy technologies, system integration, and sustainable heating solutions, preparing the next generation of engineers and specialists to lead on future projects.

Passing on our Skills and Knowledge to Future Leaders

Why do we do this? Because we believe that the next generation is the key to achieving global net zero. Through our partnership, we contribute to a healthier planet, by educating individuals on the importance of eco-friendly living and sustainable careers. We aim to motivate them, giving meaning to their aspirations. By providing access to resources that support sustainable practices and careers, we can guide them in making a meaningful difference.

As part of our celebrations for National Apprenticeship Week, we caught up with Technical Apprentice, Aidan Whetham, who is currently working on site at Torry Heat Network.

Aidan, please could you tell us a little bit more about yourself…

Hey, I’m Aidan, I’m 19 years old and I’ve been a Vital Energi apprentice since September 2022. Before that I was studying, and in my spare time I coached children aged from 18 months to 12 years in community clubs and football nursery schemes. I still enjoy watching and playing football at evenings and weekends with my friends.

What attracted you to be an apprentice at Vital Energi?

I think apprenticeships are a great way for young people to enter into the world of work, especially into the energy industry. It’s a really exciting time and I think the industry will continue to grow over the next few years and throughout my lifetime. I’ve always had an interest in learning and understanding renewables so the opportunity to become an apprentice with Vital was something I couldn’t pass up on. My dad is also a Project Manager at Vital, so I’ve heard a lot from him whilst growing up and wanted to explore my interest further and develop my knowledge and skills.

Can you tell us a bit about the project that you’re working on?

I’m currently on site on the Torry Heat Network project, which is a district heating scheme with an energy centre that is supplied by an EFW (energy from waste) plant. It will use the non-recyclable rubbish from Aberdeen City and convert it into power. During this process, steam is generated which is then converted into hot water and pumped around almost 300 homes in the Torry area of Aberdeen via a 3.7 mile network of underground pipes. We’re currently working on the civil engineering, laying more pipework in the ground as the network continues to grow at pace.

What have you learned so far from working on this project?

I didn’t understand all the moving parts within project management and delivery, and now I think I’m really developing a sound knowledge of all the aspects by being put in at the deep end (but with support). I really enjoy being hands on and going through the equipment schedule, from contacting supply chain partners and ensuring parts are on-site ready for installation, and when mechanical contractors are ready to install them.

What’s been a highlight for you whilst working on site?

The biggest highlight is watching the project unfold, from the early stages to now and beyond. It’s really rewarding to see my involvement, and the team’s hard work come to life every day during the delivery.

Is the apprenticeship what you expected it to be?

It’s a lot more than I expected, but in a good way. I didn’t expect to be hitting the ground running as much as I have done. I’ve really enjoyed being part of the team and learning from experts within their field, with responsibilities from the get-go.

What’s next after your apprenticeship? Where would you like to see yourself in the next 5 years

As part of my apprenticeship, over the next 2 years, I’ll do a rotation across different departments of the business to learn more and see what I enjoy the most. After this I’ll hopefully return to permanently join an on-site team, helping with project delivery, as I feel that I’m more suited to being on the delivery side of hopefully lots of different energy projects in the future.

If you’re considering the renewable energy and heat networks industry as a career, our apprenticeship scheme is now open. Click here for more information.

My alarm goes off at …
I’m a serial alarm setter – I have alarms set for 5:40 then again at 5:45, 5:50 and finally at 6am (when I actually get up).

The first thing I do each day is …
Make a coffee. I’ll get the strongest coffee I can find and put it in the largest container I have (usually a mug – but I have been known to stretch to a small bowl). I love freshly ground coffee and taking that extra time really makes a difference first thing in the morning.

I prepare for the day ahead by …
Catching up on industry news to see what’s happening in the ever-changing energy market. I also write a list of tasks I want to achieve that day – ticking them off is so satisfying!

I can’t leave the house without …
Gadgets! Once I’m on the train, I love nothing more than listening to a podcast and getting my brain in gear for the day ahead. I listen to all sorts. A lot of Radio 4 documentaries, The News Quiz, More or Less (which is all about statistics, geeky I know), as well as No Such Thing as a Fish.  I’m currently listening to The Guilty Feminist, which is funny and topical.

My typical day… In this part please talk us through your day sharing in brief the main activities involved – both planned and unexpected – the places you go to and the people you interact with
I head into the office for around 8:30am, more coffee, have a catch-up with our Community Energy Director, Paul McIver, who I share an office with.

I tend to spend a large part of the day energy modelling, with tools such as EnergyPro, and pulling together commercial techno economic models for new projects, as well as analysing our existing projects. I look at the design, energy inputs and outputs from different sources, O&M costs, life cycle costs of assets, energy input costs, as well as pricing to customers. I coordinate with different teams across the business daily to analyse systems so we can provide our clients with an optimal solution. Some days, I may present solutions to clients or write proposals.

My work is mostly office based, and to date at Vital, I’ve focussed mainly on new build systems. However, where existing sites are involved, I will look to visit site, aligning analysis  with the reality – no substitution for that really!

Being in central London in the Holborn office, food exploration for lunch is always something to look forward to!

I try and leave the office at 5pm and arrive home at around 7pm.

My most memorable work moment …
I’ve only been at Vital Energi for a few months, but there are a few things that have stood out so far…

I joined the business to focus on further developing the ESCo business, as well as working on EPC projects. I knew the D&B reputation of Vital, but hadn’t understood the breadth and scale of O&M and metering and billing services that we already have in place, as well as our existing ESCo systems. We have in the order of 36,500 heat customers, 123 O&M contracts, and in London alone, there’s a team of over 35 mobile O&M engineers.

I was impressed by the scale of some of the heat pump projects Vital have designed and already delivered,  or are in the process of doing so. Where many heat pump projects in the UK are still in the development stage this hands-on delivery experience really stands out. For example, we delivered the UK’s first large-scale water source heat pump scheme in Queens Quay, and are currently working with Southwark Council to retrofit water source heat pumps into existing heat networks across three estates, benefitting over 2,000 properties – one of the first projects of this scale to be deployed within London.

The worst part of my job …
Vital are doing so much and there are so many things that would be great to get involved with, but I can’t do everything!

The best part of my job …
Learning new things and tackling new challenges. Particularly at this time where we’re seeing rapid change and transition as part of the zero carbon trajectory where Vital are leading the market… this includes considering different ranges of technologies and changes to energy markets.

My job involves considering the whole life cycle of projects, typically long-term contracts. This means interaction with wide range of teams, such as design, estimation, operations, commercial and financial, which I really enjoy.

Having the opportunity to work with all of these experts in their fields at Vital, and pulling that expertise into projects so we can offer the best solution to our customers.

I relax after work by …
Depending on the time of year, I’ll head out onto the Brighton seafront, get some sun and indulge in some ice cream.

I’m an avid cyclist and when I’m working from home, I’ll get on my bike and unwind when I finish. Either with a turbo trainer during the winter (Zwift addict!) or out and about on the South Downs in the summer.

On my bedside table is …
If my cat hasn’t pushed everything off, there will usually be a few books both fiction and non-fiction as well as a number of industry magazines. I am currently reading The Player of Games by Iain M. Banks – a great read if you like Sci-Fi!

The last thing I do each day is …
Try to unwind – read, watch a TV show or film, (which can be anything from an F1 documentary to Below Deck) just something relaxing to decompress from the day. Oh, and watching the Tour de France is a must each year!

I’m normally in bed by …
I try to get to bed for a sensible time of about 10pm or so, but at the weekend I’ll go out with friends and extend the bedtime by a bit.

Caitlin Villaneuva was born in Stirling, but she’s proud of her Filipino roots. At 25, she credits her mother’s work ethic for the woman she’s become, a rising star in renewables.

“My mother has always emphasised the importance of education and pushed me to work hard academically. In the Philippines, access to education is limited without money, so at just 17, my mum made the decision to move abroad in search of better opportunities. Over the years she established two successful takeaway restaurants in Edinburgh. I worked in the business from when I was 16, however realised early on that I wanted to pursue a different path for my future.”

“It wasn’t like I ever thought of being an architect, it just suited my skill set and I knew I could excel in it. I fell in love with it. It was all about designing and using AutoCAD. I never knew that architectural technology was a career. You always hear about architects and visual design but not about that bridge between design and structural practicality.”

A career in renewable energy hadn’t been high on Caitlin’s list but then fate intervened.

“I needed a placement as part of my course, so I started looking on LinkedIn and came across an advert for an architectural technologist with Aberdeen City Council. The council was a client of Vital Energi’s, they passed my details on, and Vital asked me to come in for a chat. They were originally looking to hire apprentices but were open to the idea of a pre-graduate, so it was a good thing for me and a good thing for them, and it just blossomed from there.”

While women remain underrepresented in renewable energy in Scotland and the UK, the sector is making strides toward greater inclusivity. However, according to POWERful Women, an organisation that tracks gender diversity in the UK energy sector, it’s estimated that only around 32% of employees are women.

Caitlin, who now works in Vital Energi’s Scotland office in Glasgow, thinks she has some ideas why.

“Vital are passionate about their young workforce. I’m a visual learner and fortunate that Vital encourage me to go to a site and see what I’ve been doing on paper in real life. You get to meet a lot of different people, and they will always talk to you about what they are doing and how things work.

“I’ve never felt like a minority, even though I will go on a call with 20 people, and I am the only female. Nobody makes you feel like you’re small or invalid, everybody knows it doesn’t matter who you are. But the wider industry is still lagging behind.”

Caitlin also feels companies could do more to engage with academia, not just universities but high schools as well, and not only in the big cities. This is something Vital Energi is already doing through its climate education programme, vital education, which aims to inspire the next generation and empower them to make small changes that will have a big impact on the UK’s journey to net zero.

“I went to Bannockburn High School before we moved to Glenrothes when I was 15. Not a lot of companies came to Auchmuty high, even though we are a short commute from Edinburgh and Dundee. I just don’t think they see it as an opportunity to try and grasp people at a young age. I honestly don’t understand it.”

Caitlin is Gen-Z. She loves to travel, touring Argentina and Brazil last year, she’s just back from a trip to Italy and she’s off to Jordan this summer. She also loves a good music festival and has a gym membership where pole fitness classes are her thing.

Although sometimes dismissed as a workshy generation, Caitlin says she and her friends are highly motivated and expect prospective employers to have a positive, modern vision.

“Young people want to know the real world impact of the work and value a company which trusts its employees and embraces flexible working. We need industry role models and there aren’t many of them. We also need mentors. And young people value a sense of community at work, colleagues they can socialise with and who understand what they do.”

For that reason, and like several of her Vital Energi colleagues, Caitlin has joined the District Heating Divas, an organisation designed to support women in renewables.

“It’s a networking thing but it’s also just about making friends, and having that environment where people understand you. It’s good to see things from the perspective of others as well”.

Caitlin is just starting out in her career but she’s making a tangible impact in the industry already. Her feet are firmly on the ground, but they are certainly taking her places.

Battery storage, or battery energy storage systems (BESS), are rechargeable batteries that can store energy from different sources and then release power when customers need it most. It’s an exciting time for Vital as we’ve recently installed four 2MW BESS at acute hospital sites across the UK.

Commercial Structuring Manager, Stewart Williams, has been involved in the procurement of our batteries and is playing a key role in the research and development of batteries and energy storage. He’s investigating emerging battery technologies for use in future projects too!

Stewart shares 5 things you may not know about battery storage…

1. A useful analogy to understand GW vs GWh
   Power Capacity (GW) vs Energy Capacity (GWh) explained. Energy is the ability to cause change; power is the rate energy is moved, or used – think of a bath, the rate the water runs down the plughole is power capacity (maximum power discharged at a given time) and the amount of water the bathtub holds is energy capacity (total amount of energy able to be stored).
2. How many homes can the current UK battery fleet power?
   At the end of 2023, the total operating power capacity of batteries in Great Britain was 3.5GW, up from 2.1 GW at the end of 2022.Total energy capacity has grown even quicker, up to 4.5GWh at the end 2023 from 2.3GWh in 2022, which means the average duration of battery energy capacity in GB is now 1.27 hours, up from 1.1 hours in 2022. The UK battery fleet is forecasted to reach over 5GWh in energy capacity by the end of 2023, which would be enough to power 600,000 homes for a full day.
3. UK battery storage pipeline
   With a record 1.5GW and 2.2GWh of battery capacity being added operationally in 2023, the pipeline for battery storage schemes in the UK is now at 71GW/110GWh. This includes 24GW/40GWh with planning approval and 2.8GW/4.9GWh already being constructed. There is still marginal difference in GW/GWh for operational (peak chasing) assets, but now a significant difference for pipeline schemes with the emergence of longer duration storage assets. 
4. Government investment in battery
   Recent data shows that nearly a fifth of the UK government’s total energy technologies investment must be spent on energy storage between 2025 and 2030 to meet renewables targets. Almost 10% of grid capacity in the UK will be provided by battery storage by 2030, costing an estimated £20 billion.
5. Europe’s largest battery is in the UK
   The largest live Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) by energy capacity in Europe as at the beginning of 2023 is in the UK, in Yorkshire. This stores up to 196MWh or enough to power around 300,000 homes for 2 hours. For context, each of the four 2MW/2MWh BESS we’ve installed at NHS sites across the UK would store enough power to boil nearly 22,000 kettles…

Click here to learn more about battery storage.

Learn more about Vital’s battery projects:

• Northwick Park Hospital
• The Christie Hospital
• Cheltenham General Hospital and Gloucestershire Royal Hospital

Principal Engineer, Alex Marshall, has been with Vital Energi for almost four years and plays a key role in bid development for a wide range of projects, many of which include solar.

We asked him to share 5 interesting facts about solar…

1. By the end of 2023, the UK is expected to have 15,674 MWp of installed solar capacity; a growth of roughly 20% from 2022. The renewable energy that will be generated by those panels is equivalent to the annual electricity demand of approximately 4 million traditional homes. Vital will have installed almost 50 MWp by 2024!
2. The largest solar farm in the world is the Golmud Solar Park in Qinghai, China. It has an output capacity of 2.8 GWp, which is equivalent in size to over 10,000 football fields. It contains over 7 million solar panels, which would have required 126,000 tonnes of sand to produce enough silicon to make the panels. The energy produced from this solar farm would equate to the annual demand of over 1.3 million traditional UK homes alone.
3. Conventional solar panels have a maximum efficiency of 33.7%. By re-engineering the way panels are made, such as using multiple layers and combining different materials, scientists have worked out that this could go up to 86%! But we are a long way off yet…
   Some novel materials that are being used require interesting combinations of elements, such as Gallium, Indium, and Arsenic. Newer materials that are being investigated are Perovskites – which have complex crystal structures for harvesting light and significantly increase the efficiency of panels.
4. Solar panels are manufactured using silicon, which is highly abundant in its natural ores (the main one being sand). Silicon can be processed into different types of material depending on the intended use:
   ​​​​​​​Traditional solar panels use individual or multiple smaller wafers of silicon (monocrystalline and polycrystalline), which can be expensive to produce, but have high efficiencies and outputs with relatively long lifespans.
   Some solar panels are coated with an amorphous (gel-like) layer, which is less expensive and better suited to harsh environments (dark / cold / hot), but is more susceptible to degradation over time.
   Unfortunately, as has been reported in the press, a lot of the silicon produced for solar panels is produced in an area of China where there have been widespread reports of modern slavery. At Vital, we work closely with our supply chain to ensure that the PV panels we procure are not linked to these specific areas of China, and that everything we use is ethically sourced.
5. The world’s power usage is approximately 17 Terawatts (TW) on average. If we built a huge solar farm in the desert, we’d need around 43,000 square miles to produce this level of continuous power. Just 1% of the Sahara Desert would be enough area to provide all of this power and would cost a tenth of the equivalent in nuclear power stations.

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Learn more about some of Vital’s solar projects:

• Swansea solar farm
• Elstow solar farm
• Wolverhampton solar farm
• Dundee City council roof mounted solar
• Northwick Park Hospital roof mounted solar

The project represents the largest Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme Grant made to a London Local Authority.

Westminster City Council is set to make a significant contribution to the decarbonisation of London after awarding us a contract to revolutionise the way they generate and use energy. In February 2021, Westminster City Council was awarded a £13million grant via the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy’s Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme.

The first phase of the partnership, which is being delivered through the Retrofit Accelerator Framework, will see energy conservation measures installed in up to 70 buildings including schools, leisure centres, libraries and commercial premises, and the improvements will save around 1,700 tonnes of carbon emissions per year.

In 2019, the City Council declared a climate emergency. The contract with us is one of a number of practical steps being taken to meet its ambitious targets to become a net zero council by 2030 and a net zero city by 2040.

The work has involved a comprehensive energy audit on the council’s property portfolio and has identified a range of energy conservation and energy generating measures which will, not only reduce emissions, but also deliver a future reduced carbon footprint for the Council.

The works will deliver energy efficient upgrades to the lighting, heating, ventilation and BMS systems within Westminster City Council buildings as well as harnessing the latest renewable technologies such as solar PV and air source heat pumps.