LHC Procurement Group’s Delivery Framework - Case Study

Introduction

LHC Procurement Group (LHCPG) was originally set out almost 60 years ago to improve collaboration between local authorities and the construction industry, centralising the bulk purchasing of traditional building systems and establishing consistent social and technical standards across the sector.

LHCPG has since become a trusted, not-for-profit procurement partner for public sector organisations across Great Britain. LHCPG has been involved in a wide range of construction, refurbishment, and maintenance projects, working with local authorities, housing associations, and other public and private organisations such as the NHS and education sector.

Operating nationally, LHCPG delivers frameworks and Dynamic Purchasing Systems (DPSs) with a strong regional focus across England, Scotland, and Wales. This regional approach ensures clients gain best value by working with local suppliers, while also supporting local employment and economic growth and delivering lasting social value into local communities.

LHCPG’s delivery of frameworks has been recognised and awarded the Gold Standard verification from Constructing Excellence in November 2024. Out of the 2000 construction frameworks, LCHPG’s activities across its five regions means it is the only one operating across the whole of Great Britain. LHCPG’s Gold Standard verification highlights their commitment transparency, sustainability, and delivery of social value in every project.

Can you tell us about the retrofit and decarbonisation (N9) framework?

As the UK continues to strive for 2050 net zero targets, LHCPG’s Retrofit and Decarbonisation (N9) framework has been created to support the retrofit space with skilled and accredited professionals. The existing housing stock in the UK is one of the oldest in western Europe and over 29 million homes require retrofitting1. The framework meets the requirements for critical solutions for public sector organisations under pressure to upgrade their existing buildings and improve the EPC ratings of their stock

There is a known shortage of retrofit assessors, coordinators, and installers with PAS 2030/35 and TrustMark accreditation. The N9 framework addresses this challenge by ensuring its suppliers are fully accredited. Public sector clients can then be connected with experienced suppliers who can support the delivery of compliant energy efficiency and decarbonisation projects.

All public sector organisations can apply to the framework regardless of whether their project is fully or partially public funded. The purpose of the framework is that is provides a one-stop solution for clients aiming to meet their environmental and social value goals, from providing technical experts on low carbon heating solutions to supporting local employment and improving the wellbeing and living standards of people in the local community.

1  UK housing stock age https://ukgbc.org/policy-advocacy/domestic-retrofit/

What are the benefits of using a framework for procurement?

LHCPG’s procurement frameworks can provide a range of benefits:

1. Efficiency and cost savings: Frameworks can remove the complexity and time resource associated to procurement procedures, including checks of suppliers, and present opportunities for bulk purchasing that can improve pricing and value
2. Compliance and quality assurance: Frameworks aims to reduce your financial and legal risk by meeting all the relevant UK procurement regulations. This includes the assurance of your suppliers so that quality and compliance is not compromised on. Pricing structures are also clearly defined so that budgets can be managed effectively
3. Access to high-quality expertise: Specialist technical skills are provided by a trusted supply chain
4. Flexibility and regional relevance: Procurement options prioritise the local context and specific regional needs with the flexibility to appoint directly or via mini competitions to meet specific needs
5. Social value and community investment: Sustainable and environmental targets are supported, as well as social value commitments. LHCPG as a not- for-profit organisation will reinvest surplus funds through its own Community Benefit Fund for a range of local initiatives including employment and training

The main outcome of LHCPG frameworks is to provide public sector clients with the means to procure services efficiently, reduce their risk, and ensure long-term value, both financially and socially.

What are your top three things to be aware of when using frameworks?

1. Do your research: Ensure the framework is specifically designed for the public sector and that the framework provider has Contracting Authority status. This guarantees compliance and suitability for your procurement needs
2. Understand the supply chain: Take time to explore the framework suppliers and visit their websites and assess whether their expertise aligns with your project requirements
3. Plan for early engagement: Start the process early and allow time for engagement with the framework provider and suppliers. This ensures you can shape the procurement to meet your objectives, achieve the best possible outcomes and align your own social value goals to the projects

Transforming homes in Camden

LHC Midlands, London and South East

What was the project?

The London Borough of Camden worked with Ameresco to improve the energy efficiency and building performance of local housing. This formed part of Camden’s wider retrofit programme that targeted pre-1920s built homes to provide essential retrofit upgrades with the aim to reduce carbon emissions and improve the comfort of residents.

Were there any challenges?

The main issue identified was poor insulation, which caused a host of further problems such as an over energy consumption to make up for heat loss, discomfort for residents and condensation build up. The main causes for this identified were low-efficiency heating systems and poorly insulated windows.

What was the solution?

A fabric first approach was taken, prioritising insulation of the building loft, roof, external walls and some flooring types to reduce heat loss and new window installations to double or secondary glazing. The building was modernised overall with energy efficient devices and controls for heating, hot water, and ventilation systems. The positive outcomes from this included:

• Better soundproofing and reduced noise pollution
• Improved thermal efficiency and increased warmth during winter months
• Lower energy bills and carbon emissions from heating
• Improved air quality and healthier indoor environments due to improved thermal efficiency reducing condensation

The project was completed via the Energy Efficiency (N8) framework, which was the predecessor to the Retrofit and Decarbonisation (N9) framework. Contractors used for these works had therefore been procured through LHC, meaning the client could call them off without running a full, in-house procurement process.

Resources

Transforming Homes in Camden – The Belsize Grove Retrofit Project

LHC Midlands, London and South East