With an estimated value of £120 million, appointed firms can expect to drive significant energy upgrades in public sector buildings, including schools, hospitals, social housing, and community spaces.

Now the largest-ever framework from the Scottish Procurement Alliance (SPA), known Retrofit and Decarbonisation (N9), will play a key role in delivering these essential upgrades.

N9 aims to not only drive Scotland’s transition to net zero but also address the country’s green skills shortage while creating wider economic opportunities for organisations of all sizes.

Lesley Anderson, regional director at the Scottish Procurement Alliance, said: “Addressing the green skills gap is going to be vital in supporting Scotland’s energy transition. With an ageing workforce and a shortage of skilled professionals, the demand for green skills far exceeds the current supply.

“That’s why we’ve pledged to invest a portion of the income generated through the N9 Framework into organisations that are innovating and training the next generation of green-skilled workers, ensuring the sector is equipped to meet both current and future challenges.

“This framework will not only deliver high-quality retrofit solutions, but it will invest in organisations that are nurturing the next generation of green talent, ensuring long-term sustainability for our partners and communities.”

Marking a significant step in Scotland’s net zero journey, the framework provides public sector bodies with essential resources for decarbonisation, alongside sourcing consultants to identify grant funding that will tackle financial challenges and kick-start progress.

The framework will encompass services ranging from energy policy development and retrofit design to the installation of advanced heating systems, building management controls, and solar energy solutions.

Lesley Anderson added: “The N9 Framework makes it easier for public sector organisations to connect with top-quality contractors while fostering collaboration and innovation. It’s designed to support businesses of all sizes, with dedicated opportunities for small and micro firms to ensure a fair and inclusive approach.

“By accommodating flexible project sizes, from smaller contracts under £750,000 to those exceeding £2.5 million, we’re helping to drive local economic growth while ensuring the framework meets the diverse needs of everyone involved.

“We also want to make social value a key priority by requiring appointed companies to deliver measurable benefits in individual wellbeing, environmental preservation, and social mobility.”

With a total UK value of £660m, including projects in England and Wales, the N9 Framework will set a national benchmark for energy efficiency and retrofit delivery.

SPA’s February launch event marks the start of a wider initiative to engage with stakeholders. A follow-up event for appointed contractors will be held in March, with a session for SPA’s partners scheduled for April.

Warmworks has celebrated being appointed the top ranked supplier on the framework.

In all UK regions in which it bid, Warmworks came out as the top ranked supplier appointed to Workstream 1 – Energy Efficiency, Retrofit and Decarbonisation Consultancy:

• Sub Lot: Energy Policy & Strategy Development and Grant Funding Support
• Sub Lot Management Agent/Multi-Disciplinary Consultancy

Previously, Warmworks was top placed contractor on the Scottish Procurement Alliance’s (SPA) Energy Efficiency Services (N8C) for Scotland only. Warmworks’ appointment on the new N9 Framework enables clients across the UK to directly award the organisation works, which will save time and money on procurement processes and provide them with valuable reassurances around compliance and value for money.

Since launching in 2015, Warmworks has played a leading role in tackling fuel poverty across the UK, helping nearly 50,000 homes and families to be warmer, happier, and healthier by installing high-quality energy efficiency improvements.

Simon Kemp, Warmworks’ growth and innovation director, said: “We have enjoyed a positive and productive relationship with SPA and LHCPG for several years now, and we’re delighted to see that will continue. Being appointed on the new N9 Framework, and to come out as the top ranked supplier in every area we’re working in, is a terrific result for us. We know this is a trusted framework for our local authority and social housing clients to use and this can simplify the procurement route for them in an effective way.”