Scotland's Public Sector Heat Decarbonisation Framework 2026-2029
Framework Description
Scotland's Public Sector Heat Decarbonisation Framework 2026–2029 is a Scottish Government framework for energy retrofit across the public sector estate, delivered through a Design and Build Energy Performance Contract model. It targets large and complex projects, typically worth more than £1 million. The framework period runs to 16 February 2029, with an option to extend to 16 February 2030, and a Project Support Unit appointed under a separate single-supplier framework helps public bodies scope and tender their projects.
Context & Use Case
Public sector organisations use it to cut energy use, fuel bills and carbon emissions in non-domestic buildings, in line with net zero commitments. The Project Support Unit helps them build business cases, weigh up funding options and prepare call-off tenders. Contractors are appointed on an unranked basis and each project is awarded by mini-competition. Schemes can combine fabric upgrades, low-carbon heating, building services upgrades, on-site renewables and district heating connections.
Scope of Services
Building fabric improvement and insulation Heating system decarbonisation Ventilation, cooling, lighting and water system upgrades On-site renewable energy installation District heating connections Maintenance and operation services
Lots
See framework link
Who Can Apply
It suits experienced retrofit contractors and energy services companies able to take design and build responsibility under an energy performance contract. Bids were due in June 2026, and the Scottish Government's buyer's guide expects contractor appointments in early 2027, so the framework is not open to new applicants. Firms outside the tender should look at subcontract roles or the next procurement.
Buyer Benefits
The Design and Build Energy Performance Contract model gives buyers one contractor responsible for design, delivery and energy performance, which reduces risk on complex retrofits. Mini-competitions among unranked contractors let them test price and approach for each building or programme, and the framework's scale suits estate-wide decarbonisation.
Next Steps
Bidders awaiting the outcome should get ready for mini-competitions by organising measured energy and carbon results from past projects. Firms that did not bid can seek subcontract work in fabric, heating, controls or renewables once the contractors are listed in the Scottish Government's buyer's guide, and build large-project case studies with measured performance ahead of the framework's end on 16 February 2029, or 16 February 2030 if extended.
How Athena Can Help
On an unranked framework, every mini-competition is a fresh contest. Once contractors are appointed, Athena's mini-competition bid support builds win themes around measured savings and carbon outcomes, models your score against the other contractors and tests your pricing before you submit.
Specialist subcontractors and firms aiming at the next procurement can use our decarbonisation framework planning to find other routes into retrofit work, while retrofit bid/no-bid advice helps you pick standalone public sector schemes where your track record is strongest.
