Group wins place on £500m decarbonisation framework

Hull-headquartered Sewell Group has been appointed to a major new framework agreement to support the decarbonisation of public sector organisations, including the NHS.

The £500m framework from NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS) will help public sector organisations with work such as retrofitting aging buildings with new technology including photovoltaic and ventilation systems, as well as internal and external wall insulation, replacement of windows and doors and monitoring and optimising buildings already in use to reduce their carbon footprint.

The four-year framework covers everything from consultancy to construction, providing holistic or turnkey services to make decarbonisation projects a reality.

Sewell Group has a number of estates businesses, including construction companies Sewell Construction and I&G, estates consultancy Sewell Advisory and Sewell Facilities Management.

Steve Dam, retrofit lead at the group, said: “Decarbonisation of the country’s public sector is essential, both to reach net zero targets and to help combat rising energy costs.

“We’re pleased Sewell Group has been chosen to support the journey to net zero, and we’re looking forward to bringing our expertise in sustainable refurbishment and retrofit to help the NHS and other public organisations create sustainable buildings and modernise their existing estate.”

Anjub Ali, senior category manager at NHS SBS, said: “With the announcement of over £1bn for public sector decarbonisation in 2024’s Budget, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero confirmed funding for the next wave of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme.

“This new framework agreement will support the delivery of the NHS’s ambition in ‘Delivering a Net Zero Health Service’ and is a response to the profound and growing threat to health posed by climate change.

“It is geared towards helping the NHS modernise and decarbonise aged assets and buildings throughout the public sector’s estates.”

The framework allows organisations across the north of England to make direct awards to Sewell Group.

This framework agreement can be used by all NHS and wider public sector bodies, including local authorities, universities, schools, police, blue light, central government and third sector organisations.