Boost for council energy strategies with launch of £5m consultancy framework

A new framework for consultancy services has gone live to support Scottish councils with the ongoing development of their Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategies (LHEES).

Two small Scottish companies are among the15 businesses that have been awarded a place on the new Scotland Excel framework, which is estimated to be worth £5m over four years.

The LHEES framework was developed in partnership with the Scottish Government and will support the Energy Efficient Scotland programme that aims to create warmer, greener buildings by 2040.

Councillor John Shaw, Scotland Excel’s Convener, said: “I welcome the launch of this framework that will support Scotland’s public sector as it works to accelerate the country’s journey to net zero.

“Our team has carried out a robust procurement process for the framework, meaning our members now have a ready to use contract and easy access to a wide range of suppliers in the specialist energy efficiency strategy market.

“I am delighted that two Scottish-based consultancies have earned a place on the framework and now have a chance to secure a share of the business.”

To make it easier for public sector organisations to connect with high quality contractors for the work they need, the framework has been divided into three lots:

· Local heat and energy efficiency strategies: To help councils set out long term plans for decarbonising heat in buildings and improving regional energy efficiency.

· Head network zoning: To support councils in reviewing how suitable areas are for the implementation of district heating.

· Local area-based plans: To help councils produce a plan that’s based in data and evidence and which identifies the most effective route to meeting local and national net zero targets.

All 15 suppliers pay the Real Living wage and have committed to delivering community benefits through business gained via the framework. The framework will also offer savings of 5% and has prices fixed for its duration.

The LHEES framework went live in April 2025 and joins Scotland Excel’s specialist construction portfolio. It is Scotland’s leading public construction and property management portfolio; helping the sector engage suppliers at every point in the construction and property management cycle.

1.     The framework was advertised with a value of up to £1.25million per annum with an estimated spend of £5million over the maximum four-year period.

      From 2019 to 2021, the Scottish Government had a multi-supplier framework agreement in place with six suppliers, to provide councils with access to advice and support on heat and energy efficiency. The Scotland Excel Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategies (LHEES) framework replaces the previous Scottish Government framework.