Retrofit and Energy Efficiency Procurement Framework Analysis and Recommendations

Built Environment – Smarter Transformation (BE-ST) was commissioned by Scottish Enterprise in December 2024 to undertake a research and analysis project focused on public sector procurement in Scotland. The project aims to identify the predominant procurement frameworks used to deliver retrofit, energy efficiency, and decarbonisation projects and understand how these frameworks support or inhibit engagement by Scottish suppliers, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises.

Alongside this report, there are two other outputs:

• A database of companies 
• A map showing locations, categorisation and concentrations of expertise and services in the energy efficiency industry to identify gapsopens in a new window
  
  

This research included desk based research as well as stakeholder engagement consisting of 10 in-depth interviews with framework owners, suppliers, framework customers and an independent expert. A further 11 companies completed an online survey. 

This report provides insight into the main procurement frameworks used to deliver retrofit, energy efficiency and decarbonisation projects as well as understanding how these frameworks affect engagement by Scottish suppliers, focusing primarily on SMEs. This will help Scottish Enterprise to work with procurement frameworks and the retrofit and energy efficiency sector to broaden SME participation, accelerate the decarbonisation of Scotland’s built environment, and advance national net-zero targets.

Engaging with framework providers to share the findings and recommendations of this report and convening a community of stakeholders - including framework providers, local authorities, and Scottish suppliers - to discuss opportunities for growth in this sector.