Delivering a large-scale retrofit programme for Leicester City Council through Fusion21's Decarbonisation Framework

Leicester City Council used Fusion21's Decarbonisation Framework to appoint Sustainable Building Services (SBS) and deliver a large-scale retrofit programme across more than 300 privately-owned homes, improving energy efficiency, reducing carbon emissions and supporting residents with rising energy costs.

The challenge

Leicester City Council required a fast, compliant and efficient route to market to deliver a decarbonisation scheme for more than 300 privately-owned properties in five central postcodes as part of its net zero strategy.

Key challenges included:

• Delivering retrofit works across different neighbourhood types and property archetypes
• Earning buy-in from private residents by demonstrating the benefits of the energy efficiency measures in a clear and concise manner
• Meeting local authority requirements by preserving the character of the local neighbourhoods

Delivering a programme across privately-owned homes required a flexible approach that could balance resident engagement, compliance and delivery at scale.

The approach

Leicester City Council accessed Fusion21’s Decarbonisation Framework (Lot 1: Whole House Decarbonisation) to appoint an experienced delivery partner for this scheme.

Through the framework:

• Fusion21 supplier Sustainable Building Services (SBS) was appointed from a pre-qualified supply chain
• Funding was secured through the Warm Homes: Local Grant with additional funding opportunities presented by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ)
• Early community engagement by SBS and stakeholder partners helped raise awareness with eligible residents
• Social value impact was achieved through various local initiatives

This approach enabled:

• Streamlined, fully compliant procurement
• A high rate of resident engagement – over 750 applications
• A flexible approach to match the varied needs of residents
• Cost savings achieved through a whole-house, fabric-first approach

Daniel Owens, Regional Director at SBS said: “So far, residents have engaged positively, with overwhelming interest in the project, this is an incredible opportunity to make an impact and support the alleviation of fuel poverty.”

The outcomes

The scope of works for this scheme varies by property, but includes:

• External wall insulation
• Internal wall insulation
• Cavity wall insulation
• Top-up/replacement loft insulation
• Solar PV installation and battery storage
• Air source heat pumps and hybrid heat pumps

This will deliver:

• Reduced energy bills for residents
• Improved thermal comfort and living conditions
• Progress towards government decarbonisation targets
• Long-term resilience and future-proofed homes

The scheme also delivered the following social value outcomes:

• One new local employee and one new local apprentice recruited by SBS to work on the project
• More than £12,000 committed throughout the period of the contract to support the council’s Winter Warmth Packs and fuel vouchers scheme – supporting around 150 residents each year

Lucy Birch, Energy Projects Manager at Leicester City Council said: “We're really pleased how Fusion21’s Decarbonisation Framework brought about collaboration with Sustainable Building Services (UK) Ltd. Our partnership allows us to extend practical support through our Winter Warmth Packs and fuel vouchers, delivered alongside trusted energy advice in community settings. By working together, we can reach people who need help most and provide support that is timely, targeted and easy to access.”

Proof points:

• Decarbonisation delivered at scale with 300+ homes being upgraded across Leicester
• Delivered through Fusion21’s Decarbonisation Framework
• An average estimated carbon saving of 12.7 tonnes of CO₂
• Estimated SAP cost reductions/lifetime savings for residents of £9,749 per property

Start your retrofit programme with confidence

Fusion21 provides housing providers with a proven, compliant route to deliver retrofit programmes at scale as part of the government’s strategy to achieve net zero by 2050 – reducing risk, accelerating delivery, and driving real outcomes for residents. Find out more about our Decarbonisation Framework here.