Mace has been appointed by Norfolk County Council (NCC) 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 address 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 achieving 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 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 nationwide.”

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