Sustainable Warmth - Evaluation - RAF101/2223

***** THIS IS AN AWARD NOTICE, NOT A CALL FOR COMPETITION ***** This procurement is being concluded following a mini competition under the CCS RM6126 Research & insights DPS.

Brief Description of Requirement The UK has legislated to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050.

The UK has some of the oldest, and least energy efficient, homes in Europe.

To reach net zero, it is necessary to almost entirely decarbonise the heating of homes.

Several governments funded schemes across owner occupier, private rental and social housing sectors are seeking to improve the energy performance of these homes.

Several strategies, including the Clean Growth Strategy, Fuel Poverty Strategy and Heat and Buildings Strategy have sought to articulate the ambition and strategy for delivery over the next decade.

The primary purpose of the Sustainable Warmth competition funding is to raise the energy efficiency rating of low-income and low EPC rated homes (those with D, E, F or G) on the gas grid and off gas grid.

The funding will also support low-income households with the transition to low-carbon heating.

We expect the funding made available to result in the following outcomes: - Tackle fuel poverty by increasing low-income homes' energy efficiency rating and reducing their energy bills - a key principle of the Fuel Poverty Strategy 2021. - Deliver cost effective carbon savings to carbon budgets and progress towards the UK's target for net zero by 2050. - Support clean growth and ensure homes are thermally comfortable, efficient, and well-adapted to climate change. - Support economic resilience and a green recovery in response to the economic impacts of Covid-19, supporting thousands of jobs.

The Sustainable Warmth competition aims to fund upgrades to homes to a target energy efficiency rating of EPC C, or EPC D where this is not possible.

By focusing on low-income households, upgrades made to the housing stock and area based regeneration through the Sustainable Warmth competition funding will support deprived communities throughout England ensuring that these communities are not left behind in the transition towards net zero.

BEIS has encouraged LAs to support and boost local green growth by considering local and SME installers as part of a contribution to levelling up society whilst investing in the skills and supply chains necessary to meet net zero.