The new National Energy Performance Contracting Framework (RE:FIT ) is a rollout of the one piloted in London, which saw firms like Balfour Beatty, Skanska and Willmott Dixon take places.

It is estimated that the new national energy retrofitting framework could handle work valued at up to £1.5bn over four years.

The new national line-up for local authorities, the NHS, schools and universities looks different with a mix of players including Bouygues, Herbert Forrest, Kier Services, Robertson Group and Italian specialist Zephyro.

The new framework will help public sector organisations to save time and money by avoiding lengthy procurement processes.

Local Partnerships, a joint venture between HM Treasury and the Local Government Association, will provide support to clients outside London in the development and delivery of their RE:FIT projects.

Retrofitting can include low carbon technologies such as LED lighting, new and upgraded boilers, insulation, solar panels, and double glazing.

Although organisations need to fund the works themselves, the framework means that the company carrying out the retrofitting work must guarantee a minimum level of energy savings.

Andrew Coleman, Acting Chief Executive of Local Partnerships, said: “The new RE:FIT framework offers public sector clients the opportunity to achieve savings, reduce energy consumption, and lower CO2 emissions.

“We hope to build on the London programme’s success and help organisations across the public sector drive forward this vital element of their efficiency imperative.”

The Department of Energy and Climate Change has used RE:FIT on its own Whitehall offices, including two Grade II listed buildings.

Since switching to LED lighting and upgrading their ventilation systems in 2014, DECC have made savings of £30,000 a year and reduced their carbon dioxide emissions by 159 tonnes a year.

Cambridgeshire County Council is saving over £1.3m a year and 6,686 tonnes of carbon by investing £14m in retrofit of their schools and offices and a 13MW solar array. The Council is now rolling out the programme to other schools across the county.