The NHS Shared Business Services Decarbonisation of Estates Framework will run for four years and is expected to be worth £500m. It presents an opportunity for successfully appointed businesses to tender for works that will help NHS Trusts and other public sector organisations improve the energy efficiency and environmental sustainability of their buildings and estates.

Owing to its extensive experience, including the successful completion of over 50 healthcare construction projects and its recent role on decarbonisation projects for Oxford City Council, Oxfordshire County Council, Somerset County Council and the TBC.London redevelopment for Fore Partnerships, Willmott Dixon has secured a position on Lot 1 – decarbonisation of non-domestic/public buildings, across several regions including North of England, Midlands, London and South East, South West, and Wales.

Under a single contract, healthcare specialist Willmott Dixon will be able to implement a range of decarbonisation measures including insulation, solar energy, renewable heating installations, windows, LED lighting, building management systems, air conditioning, cooling and ventilation.

Director of Frameworks at Willmott Dixon, Chris Farr, said:

“Frameworks run by NHS SBS are always competitive, which is why we are so proud to be appointed onto this framework. Energy efficiency and estate improvements are at the top of the agenda in the healthcare sector, and we are well positioned to use our experience and expertise to make a material difference to net-zero ambitions.

“The NHS is investing significantly in decarbonisation, and we’re ready to provide practical, impactful solutions tailored to individual project needs. Our approach involves simplifying the process but still delivering the required results, made possible by bringing together our experts in decarbonisation, development and construction.”

The NHS aims to be the world’s first net-zero national health service, aiming for emissions it controls directly to be net zero by 2040, and emissions it can influence to be net zero by 2045. NHS Trusts can simplify procurement by selecting a single contractor for multiple services through this framework, ensuring a variety of green upgrades can be implemented under one contract.

Anjub Ali, Senior Category Manager at NHS Shared Business Services, said:

"With the announcement of over £1bn for public sector decarbonisation in the Autumn Budget 2024, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has confirmed funding for the next wave of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme. The new Decarbonisation of Estates Framework Agreement will support the delivery of the NHS’s ambition in 'Delivering a Net Zero Health Service' and respond to the profound and growing threat to health posed by climate change."

Willmott Dixon’s flagship decarbonisation scheme in the healthcare sector was delivered for Nottingham University Hospitals (NUH) NHS Trust. The contractor replaced more than two miles of windows to improve the insulation, energy efficiency and thermal comfort. The £28.8m project was part of a wider scheme of works that is aiming to help the Trust achieve its goal of reducing carbon emissions by 45% by 2030.

Other notable projects include:

• Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust: A £7.9m redevelopment of the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit at St Mary’s Hospital, reducing emissions by 15%.
• Dorset County Hospital Foundation Trust: A £7.8m emergency department remodel and extension, achieving a 24% carbon reduction and BREEAM Very Good certification.
• Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust: A £14.5m emergency department refurbishment, set to reduce annual emissions by 286 tonnes of CO2e.

Across the healthcare sector and beyond, Willmott Dixon is supporting customers with their route to net-zero carbon and decarbonisation needs. It supports NHS Trusts, public sector organisations and other customers to identify the best solution for all stakeholders, align tangible objectives with achievable outcomes, and deliver impactful projects that embrace potential challenges.

Head of Decarbonisation at Willmott Dixon, Kelly Crews, said:

“Decarbonisation and the journey to net-zero are areas of increasing importance, particularly as we head closer to 2030 commitments.

“Having previously worked within NHS Trusts, many of us at Willmott Dixon have firsthand insight into the complexities of managing extensive estate portfolios. This experience allows us to offer practical support to customers, from securing funding to solution development and delivery, as they navigate their decarbonisation goals.”

Find out more about how we can help with services procured through this framework by contacting Willmott Dixon's Strategic Framework Manager, Anna Lutterodt, or Head of Decarbonisation, Kelly Crews.