Essentia launches new Energy Performance Contracting (EPC) Framework

Published: 5-Feb-2018

Money-saving procurement framework to help trusts deliver energy-saving projects

Essentia Trading has launched a new version of its award-winning Energy Performance Contracting (EPC) framework, enabling NHS trusts and other public sector organisations to procure and deliver energy projects.

It follows on from Essentia’s previous EPC framework which comes to an end in March.

The OJEU-compliant framework will help NHS trusts make typical savings of 15-25% a year on their energy and carbon consumption.

It offers a refreshed, market-ready list of trusted energy service companies (ESCos) which can offer technical advice, design solutions, risk assessments, financial modelling and the funding to make the projects happen.

A wide range of projects can be procured under the framework, ranging from combined heat and power (CHP) systems and renewable energy technologies to backlog maintenance and water efficiencies.

Essentia can also work with clients to ensure that projects are integrated with their overall Sustainability & Transformation Plans (STPs).

Essentia’s approach is collaborative, working closely with clients and guiding them through the whole process. It provides advice, support and easy-to-use legal documentation to speed up the process as much as possible. Transparent costs and staged reviews are agreed throughout the engagement, with Essentia being the only UK EPC framework to have signed up to the European Union Code of Conduct for EPCs.

Since launching its first EPC framework in 2014, Essentia has channelled £90m investment into the NHS, delivered over £18m of energy savings, and worked with 19 NHS trusts, 27 acute hospitals, and over 30 community-based sites.

The potential for NHS estates to make savings on their energy bills as well as move to a low carbon environment is massive

Owned by Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, its profits go back into the NHS.

Alexandra Hammond, associate director of sustainability, at Essentia, said: “The potential for NHS estates to make savings on their energy bills as well as move to a low carbon environment is massive.

“Lord Carter’s 2015 review of productivity in NHS hospitals estimated that trusts could save as much as £125m collectively by investing in schemes such as LED lighting, combined heat and power units, and smart energy management systems.

“The major benefit of using the Essentia framework is that it takes away the complexity of energy-saving procurement and provides a fast route to market.

“We work closely with clients to advise them on the process, support them through the necessary contract negotiations and ultimately find the right energy partner.”

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