The Highland Council has announced a 'meet the buyer event' for contractors to tender for a new Highland Energy Efficiency Framework (domestic and non-domestic).

Suppliers are invited to attend an in-person event on Monday 5 Aug at Highland Council, Chamber, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness IV3 5NX.

Chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Cllr Ken Gowans said: "It is vital that local businesses take this opportunity and attend the 'Meet the Buyer Event' being organised for them in Inverness. The Council understands the importance of local business to our local economies and their contribution to vibrant communities; therefore I urge businesses to take this chance and find out more about future opportunities in the area."

The Council is seeking to undertake a transformational change to the delivery of energy efficiency and renewable works across the region. The Council is currently considering its options regarding the future of the contractual arrangements for Energy Efficiency works the proposal to establish a Highland Energy Efficiency framework (2024-2028) for energy efficiency and associated works to both domestic and non-domestic properties in the Highland region.

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Suitable contractors are being sought to undertake works on a design and/or installation basis on lotted allocations over the period of the proposed framework. The contractor shall be responsible for the survey, design, submission of proposals, installation, and defects management for the completed installations. The works are subject to Scottish Government and other external funding and there is no commitment to all/any contractor in the proposed framework.

The Council has a statutory obligation, as outlined in the Net Zero Strategy, to improve condition and efficiency of both Council domestic and non-domestic properties. To achieve these targets the Council must insulate, improve/replace current heating systems, and install solar PV. Battery storage will also be key to reduce costs and also consider options to offset/balance grid constraints.

The development and implementation of the Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy (LHEES) will help influence a regional approach for heat decarbonisation in both public and private buildings. Tackling climate change, decarbonising heat, improving the energy efficiency of buildings, reducing fuel poverty, supporting supply chain and skills retention, local development and community wealth building are key local priorities. LHEES is a step in the right direction to help the Council align their own individual targets and priorities to the wider target of achieving Net Zero.

As part of our fact finding process, the Council is inviting suppliers to attend an in-person meet the buyer event.  It is hoped this will assist Council staff in shaping the requirements for the future, understanding the current market and future developments, and developing the best value strategy for any future procurement.

Book tickets online at: buytickets.at/highlandcouncil1/1323884