Norfolk County Council (NCC) has appointed Mace, the global construction and consultancy experts as Principal Contractor, to deliver improvements on over one-hundred properties across the region under the Future Ready (FR) Property Enhancement Initiative.
The initiative will focus on modernising the Council’s property portfolio through a comprehensive program to ensure long term cost savings, longevity, and functionality, supporting an ever evolving, dynamic and diverse workforce.
The FR Initiative aims to improve energy efficiency and thermal integrity, eliminate the use of fossil fuel across multiple assets and prioritise structural integrity as well as addressing wear and tear issues. Solutions will include ASHP, PV panels and in some cases new facilities being added to meet the demands of an evolving workforce and community. Included in the initiative are community hubs, offices, children’s homes, fire and rescue service facilities, libraries and the museums portfolio.
In line with the NCC’s commitment to achieve net zero across all operations by 2030, Mace’s appointment will be fully compliant with the PAS2030 retrofit accreditation, contributing to overall energy efficiency and environmental sustainability. Mace has ensured the correct designer appointments within the professional team with an appointment which commences at RIBA stage 2, under an NEC 4 contract to support the rigorous PAS design process.
With no two properties alike, each building will bring its own challenges, for example those which are listed and of historical importance.
Mace will build upon its reputation of delivering a lasting legacy for the community with a dedicated social value team, providing local employment opportunities, training and apprenticeships, supply chain events and a commitment to bolstering green skills through educational services across Norfolk.
Stewart Ward, Managing Director for Mace Fitout and Retrofit, said: “We are honoured to be working with Norfolk County Council once again, harnessing our industry-leading expertise in delivering complex transformational net zero programmes.
“The Future Ready Initiative is a step in the right direction for the decarbonisation of public sector estates across the UK. By making these buildings fit for the future, we are ensuring they can be used by local communities for generations to come, while creating a blueprint of what can be achieved nation-wide.”
Cllr Jane James, the Cabinet Member for Corporate Services & Innovation from Norfolk County Council said: “Our initiative is crucial to maintain long term benefits, save costs and most importantly provide our community with the quality services they deserve. This strategy demonstrates our commitment to serving the public’s best interest. Together with Mace we will deliver not only significant energy and carbon savings across our portfolio, contributing towards our Net Zero target but ensure a resilient and forward-thinking property portfolio, and one which our service users can be proud of.”
