Scale and pace: the holy grail of delivery. Often sought, not always experienced. After spending months securing funding for a project, successful delivery can be the test for securing future funding. So, what's the secret to achieving scale and pace? In my experience, it's not luck, but having the right delivery model and skilled capacity from the outset.
Re:fit is a public sector energy performance contracting framework, designed to help local authorities and other public bodies accelerate large-scale retrofit programmes. I delivered energy projects through the third version of the Re:fit framework, and now support organisations using the fourth version. As we await the launch of Re:fit 5, I find myself reflecting on what makes Re:fit work.
If you have one or two buildings and a few simple measures to install, the framework might not be right for you; but then we're not really talking about scale. If you have a lot of sites, need a blend of technologies deployed, have years' worth of projects to get through and need to keep momentum going, then the bottleneck is often having sufficient, skilled resource to put behind the programme.
I'm yet to come across a property or energy team with the spare capacity built in to deliver significant retrofit projects on top of the day job. Even where resources are dedicated to retrofit, it is unlikely to be sufficient.
When I'm supporting clients using Re:fit, and I see their team strengthened by additional electrical, mechanical and energy engineers, building surveyors, financial modelers, measurement and verification professionals and project managers, it's clear that Re:fit isn't a magic wand. The truth is that scale and pace requires the right mix and amount of professionals.
Let's not pretend this isn't still challenging work. Success still depends on committed individuals from within the organisation. However, if you are seeking scale and pace in delivering energy projects, then the reality is you will need to bring in skilled, capable capacity, which is where we can help.
To find out more about Re:fit 5 and support for accessing the framework, visit us at www.localpartnerships.gov.uk and get in touch.
Edward Barlow is director – climate at Local Partnerships
