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Part of the LHC Procurement Group, the South West Procurement Alliance (SWPA) was launched in October 2019. The relationship between the LHC Procurement Group and the local South West team gives SWPA the unique position of having local knowledge and relationships, while also benefiting from additional resources and expertise from a national framework provider. SWPA currently offers 16 frameworks and 2 DPS’, working with approximately 56 Clients on over 220 projects. SWPA brings together Clients with Appointed Companies to build, refurbish and maintain social housing and public property more efficiently and cost effectively, and to benefit the local community.

Amongst these frameworks, is the Energy Efficiency Measures & Associated Works (N8) which allows local authorities, social landlords and other public sector bodies to source specialist suppliers for the installation of 21 energy efficiency measures and associated works delivered through 2 workstreams. Fully compliant, the framework is suitable for low, medium, and high-rise housing schemes, schools and colleges and all other types of public sector buildings. Low Carbon Exchange currently feature on the Energy Efficiency Measure & Associate Works (N8) Framework.

Low Carbon Exchange are renewable energy specialists and retrofit contractors, with nationwide coverage they are decarbonising thousands of homes through the installation and ongoing maintenance of renewable technologies, and energy-efficient building materials. This impressive transformation aims to hit Net Zero targets by altering the way energy is produced and used. Their services enable buildings to become low-carbon, energy efficient and more sustainable, with a fabric-first approach and retrofitting renewable technologies as smarter choices to achieve Net Zero by reducing, storing, and generating energy in more environmentally sustainable ways.

Low Carbon Exchange currently offer many installation and project services, such as cavity wall insulation, damp and mold solutions, ventilation systems, external wall insulation, heat pumps, loft insulation, retrofit and quantum heating, amongst many more. Additionally, Low Carbon Exchange offers nationwide repairs and servicing on heat pumps, solar PV, and solar thermal, MVHR and 24/7 repair packages.

However, most impressively Low Carbon Exchange run the LCX Training Academy. They provide NICEIC and LCL Award accredited training programs that cover the installation and maintenance of various renewable technologies, such as Solar PV, Air & Ground Source Heat Pumps, MVHR Units, and more. They also provide “Lunch & Learn” sessions to their valued clients and external teams, giving them a greater understanding and knowledge of the latest renewable technologies.

When the training centre was thought up in 2021 the intention was initially to upskill their own, directly employed engineers, this quickly evolved due to interest from both clients and external bodies. The industry recognises that they have many skill-gaps at all levels and trades. To combat this, they opened their state-of-the-art training academy in 2022, offering unique in-house training, with external training opportunities available to anyone looking to get into the industry. They offer accredited courses from LCL Logic and NICEIC. This remarkable training academy has combatted the green skills shortage and contributes greatly to client’s meeting their energy efficiency goals using education and training.  

It previously became clear that whilst setting up a full R&M delivery and install service for renewables, there was a distinct lack of qualified engineers, and just as importantly a distinct lack of training facilities and courses available. Providing the solution many organisations had been waiting for, Low Carbon Exchange made the decision to offer training to external bodies in the belief that the more trained engineers in the sector, the better for all concerned.

It further became clear that in fact green skills training was needed across the board, in many different sectors and industries, for multi-purpose use. To this end they now offer ‘Lunch and Learn’ sessions for administrators and planners. A bespoke course for client surveyors & Housing Officers, along with the formal accredited courses. Low Carbon Exchanges have plans to extend its offering in the future, aiming to become a nationally recognised training provider and centre for Green skills in the UK, helping to assist in reducing the green skills gap within the industry.

Find out more about the Low Carbon Training Academy here: https://lowcarbonexchange.com/training-academy/