Why was the programme developed?

This was launched to test whether a combination of an energy performance contracting (EPC) model and expert technical support could overcome the barriers set out above and so accelerate the pace and scale of retrofit. Under this model, energy service companies (ESCos) guarantee a set level of energy savings, thus ensuring a future income stream to fund investment in the energy efficiency improvements.

This approach means the risk associated with the delivery of energy savings is borne by the ESCo rather than the building owner. During the pilot, 42 GLA-owned buildings successfully underwent energy efficiency works, with energy savings as high as 28 per cent over an average seven year payback from an investment of £8m.

This EPC framework of ten suppliers was set up under the EU procurement regime, to streamline the procurement process and ensure guaranteed savings for public sector organisations. The framework was open to organisations throughout the UK. Technical support was provided on an interim basis.

This was set up by the GLA, with funding from ELENA, to support London’s public sector organisations and to manage the framework.

The second RE:FIT framework procured by the GLA comprised 12 suppliers.

A testament to the success of RE:FIT is that, in 2014, Local Partnerships, with the support of and funding from the Department of Energy and Climate Change, launched a RE:FIT support service similar (though not identical) to the one operating in London, for public sector organisations outside the capital.

Early 2016 saw the launch of a new national RE:FIT framework and a new London Programme Delivery Unit, in place until 2020 and 2019 respectively.

RE:FIT 4 is launched with new PDU, with ERDF funding support extended to 2023.