How EPC Models Enable Public Sector Decarbonisation at Scale

Delivering Net Zero with Certainty: From Strategy to Implementation

Representatives from Alternative Heat were pleased to attend and speak at the Delivering DeliveREE Final Conference in Dublin, hosted by Codema – Dublin’s Energy Agency.

Bringing together local authorities, delivery partners and industry specialists, the event reinforced a clear message: while Net Zero ambition and funding are well established, the real constraint lies in delivery — how projects move from concept through procurement to implementation at pace and scale.

With over €21 million in contracts already awarded and a strong pipeline to follow, the DeliveREE model demonstrates what can be achieved when delivery structures remove complexity, allocate risk effectively and prioritise performance outcomes.

A key theme throughout the event was the growing role of Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contracts in enabling this progress.

A Delivery Model Built on Certainty

For many public sector organisations, the challenge is not intent, but the practical realities of procurement, funding and performance risk.

EPC models address this by combining design, delivery and long-term performance assurance within a single contractual structure — embedding guaranteed outcomes and shifting the focus from projected savings to measurable, verified results.

As an appointed ESCo across the delivery frameworks, Alternative Heat is directly involved in delivering this model in practice, working alongside Codema and local authority partners.

These frameworks include both long-term EPC arrangements for larger, multi-building projects and multi-party frameworks designed to deliver smaller, repeatable energy upgrades.

Under the EPC model, ESCo partners take responsibility for design, implementation and long-term performance outcomes, while the multi-party framework enables more streamlined delivery of smaller projects with defined savings verification periods.

Alternative Heat is actively working with local authorities under the Multi-Party Energy Performance Framework, while also progressing multi-site EPC schemes — including the delivery of a six-site Energy Performance Contract for South Dublin County Council.

Enabling Progress Across Entire Estates

The conference reinforced the importance of structured frameworks, such as the Mid-East Energy Unit Multi-Party Framework, in enabling scalable delivery.

By aggregating projects and creating repeatable procurement pathways, these frameworks reduce complexity, strengthen market engagement and provide a clear route from project identification through to delivery.

This enables organisations to move beyond fragmented, building-by-building approaches towards coordinated, estate-wide decarbonisation programmes, including across smaller and more complex assets.

From Ambition to Action

As the public sector accelerates its response to climate targets, the focus is firmly shifting from strategy to implementation.

The scale of projects already progressing — including multi-site EPCs across leisure centres, civic buildings and local authority estates — demonstrates that this model is not theoretical, but actively being delivered.

The key takeaway is clear: accelerating decarbonisation is not just about ambition or investment, but about designing delivery systems that provide certainty in approach and accountability in outcomes.

As these models continue to mature, they offer a practical and scalable pathway for public sector organisations to move from strategy to implementation — and ultimately, to measurable Net Zero results.

To discuss any of your decarbonisation needs please contact  Rory Ferguson, Regional Manager – Low Carbon Solutions

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