How RE:FIT 5 helps public sector organisations deliver green funding
Many London‑based organisations have secured capital or grant funding for decarbonisation but still need a clear, compliant way to deliver projects at pace.
This blog explains how recipients of the London Efficient and Decentralised Generation of Energy (EDGE) Fund, The Mayor’s Green Finance Fund and Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund can use RE:FIT 5 to deliver decarbonisation projects.
- London Efficient and Decentralised Generation of Energy (EDGE) Fund
- The Mayor’s Green Finance Fund
- Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund
What is RE:FIT 5?
RE:FIT 5 is a national framework that helps public sector organisations decarbonise their buildings. It offers:
- guaranteed energy and carbon savings
- a compliant, trusted delivery route through pre-approved suppliers and potential for faster direct award
- greater affordability facilitated by Energy Performance Contracts to achieve off-balance sheet solutions
- technical support from the Zero Carbon Accelerator.
Earlier versions of the framework have already supported over 220 organisations across London and enabled up to £500m of decarbonisation projects.
RE:FIT 5 is designed to help organisations deliver funded projects, supporting them from pre-procurement, through to delivery. Read on to understand how grant-funded projects can be delivered through the framework.
London Efficient and Decentralised Generation of Energy (EDGE)
What is the EDGE fund?
The London Efficient and Decentralised Generation of Energy (EDGE) Fund is a £100 million co-investment fund between the Greater London Authority (GLA) and Sustainable Development Capital LLP. The fund invests in projects that support the Mayor of London’s net zero ambitions.
It supports capital works such as:
- energy efficiency upgrades, including LED lighting and heat pumps
- on-site generation, including solar and district energy
- clean energy infrastructure like electric vehicle (EV) charging and battery storage.
How does the EDGE Fund work?
Once funding is approved, the organisation enters an Energy Service Agreement (ESA) with the EDGE fund. Under this model:
- a delivery partner manages the construction of the project and appoints contractors
- this partner takes on delivery risk and handles ongoing maintenance
- project performance is monitored against agreed KPIs.
Who does the EDGE Fund support?
The EDGE fund is available for all public sector organisations in London.
Why do organisations use the EDGE Fund?
EDGE operates as a subscription model, so organisations do not need to provide upfront capital. The fund transfers construction and operational risk away from the organisation, with a fixed service fee linked to agreed performance standards.
How RE:FIT 5 can help deliver EDGE funding
RE:FIT 5 service providers can work with the EDGE Fund to deliver off-balance sheet solutions. The Framework’s Investment Grade Proposal process helps identify suitable projects early, while performance guarantees and Energy Performance Contract forms protect organisations through delivery.
The Mayor’s Green Finance Fund (GFF)
What is the Green Finance Fund?
The Mayor’s Green Finance Fund (GFF) offers flexible, low-interest loans to support London’s transition to net zero, with up to £500 million available to invest in projects.
Launched in 2023, the fund supports projects that deliver:
- energy efficiency
- renewable energy
- clean transport.
Who is it the Green Finance Fund for?
The GFF supports:
- cultural and heritage institutions
- education providers
- GLA group organisations
- health providers
- local authorities
- social housing providers.
Why do organisations use this fund?
Organisations can benefit from:
- low-cost borrowing with interest rates below Public Works Loan Board levels
- loan options of up to 25 years
- flexible repayment options, including maturity, annuity or equal instalments.
How RE:FIT 5 can help deliver GFF funding
RE:FIT 5 provides a compliant and efficient route to deliver GFF-funded projects. Organisations can get support from the Mayor of London’s Zero Carbon Accelerator to help develop and deliver projects.
Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund (WH:SHF)
What is the Social Housing Fund?
The Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund (SHF) provides funding for energy efficiency upgrades and low-carbon heating measures in social housing.
The Wave 3 delivery window runs until 30th September 2028.
How does the Social Housing Fund work?
The fund provides grants that do not need to be repaid, helping organisations deliver housing retrofit projects.
Who does the Fund support?
The SHF is for community groups, local authorities and social housing providers.
Why do organisations used this fund?
The Social Housing Fund:
- reduces financial barriers to retrofit
- supports long-term improvements to housing quality
- helps improve energy performance and resident comfort.
How RE:FIT 5 can help deliver SHF funding
RE:FIT 5 supports recipients with technical advice on building decarbonisation and support the procurement of services for retrofit projects.
How to get support through RE:FIT 5
Has your organisation received funding from the streams above? RE:FIT 5 can support you to deliver your project. Start by submitting an Expression of Interest.
If you’d like an informal chat about your ideas and available support, contact us at [email protected].