Following the NISTA/IPA guidance for the Decarbonisation of Operational PFI projects published in 2023, NISTA has now published a suite of materials to assist individual projects.
At its core is the drive to support the reduction of carbon emissions from operational PFI projects, a significant part of the public sector estate, and contribute to wider government decarbonisation goals and commitments. We also anticipate that individual project parties will likely have their own net zero targets to strive for.
Key points from the latest guidance
- Key role of a project stakeholder forum for decarbonisation, perhaps to be built into existing project management tools.
- Template documentation and forms, including an emissions calculator.
- A recognition that, as with any decarbonisation assessment, data is key. Ready access to data on energy consumption and operational carbon emissions are critical to provide a baseline from which to report and track progress. All to be supported by a good understanding of the contract.
- LED lighting guidance – NISTA has issued guidance to support authorities who may be receiving qualifying change in law claims from project companies and FM providers in respect of LED lighting installation (a usual measure to reduce electricity consumption). NISTA regards such claims as unlikely to be valid.
Our expectation is that many PFI projects will already be adopting decarbonisation and net zero measures, with more advanced projects implementing solar PV and other features.
Projects in their latter stages and which are contemplating handback and expiry may also want to consider decarbonisation measures with a view to post-expiry arrangements. This guidance and NISTA support will be welcomed.
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