Sustainability
The Key to Our Energy Future
Sustainability is a key factor in all Government Procurement Service operations and offerings.
Electricity suppliers are required to provide a portion of our energy from renewable sources and good quality combined heat and power (GQCHP). This allows us to supply customers with the appropriate energy source mix, to meet the levels set under various sustainability targets.
For example, the Sustainable Operation of the Government Estate (SOGE) targets (which apply to central government departments) required at least 10% of electricity to come from renewable sources from April 2008 and at least 15% from GQCHP from 2010. *
Our suppliers are expected to work with customers to achieve any additional targets introduced during the lifetime of the frameworks.
For the further benefit of customers, we have increased the scope of some of our frameworks to enable call-off for additional added-value services relating to reduction of energy consumption.
The frameworks have been designed to help customers who may need help to meet the relevant sections of the SOGE targets. Examples of additional services could be the provision of Display Energy Certificates, Energy Performance Certificates and Energy and Environmental Consultancy, etc.
In agreement with Government Procurement Service, suppliers are able to add further services to meet changing customer requirements and demand. An example of these could be the installation of ground source heat pumps, purchase of excess energy from renewable generation etc. These additional services will only be available to customers using the framework for the supply of electricity.
See the Further Information section for useful links and publications.
* Electricity from renewable sources is defined as climate change levy exempt with the support of an EU approved certificate of origin (REGO). Electricity from GQCHP is certified supplied through the issue of climate change levy exempt certificates arising from the generation of electricity from GQCHP schemes.