BWB Consulting appointed to £1.7bn national heat network consultancy framework

BWB Consulting has secured a place on STAR Procurement’s new national Heat Network Consultancy Services Open Framework, marking an important milestone in the company’s continued growth within the power, renewables and decarbonisation sectors.

The eight-year framework, with an estimated total value of £1.7 billion, will provide public sector organisations across the UK with access to specialist consultancy services to support the planning, development and delivery of heat network infrastructure.

BWB’s appointment across both the Non-Technical and Technical Services Lots creates opportunities to support projects throughout their lifecycle, bringing together expertise in engineering, environmental consultancy, infrastructure, energy and project management.

The appointment represents a significant step forward for BWB as it continues to expand its capabilities and presence in the heat networks market, supporting clients in developing resilient, efficient and future-ready energy infrastructure.

Supporting the future of heat networks

Heat networks play an important role in the UK’s transition towards lower-carbon heating, providing opportunities to distribute heat efficiently to homes, businesses and public buildings.

As investment in heat network infrastructure continues, projects require increasingly coordinated approaches to feasibility, design, delivery and long-term performance.

Through the STAR Procurement framework, BWB will be able to provide a broad range of consultancy services, from early-stage feasibility and strategic planning through to detailed technical design, construction planning and decarbonisation advice.

The company’s appointment covers nine specialist service categories across two Lots.

• Lot 1 – Non-Technical Services includes heat network strategy and zoning, local authority readiness, feasibility and investment due diligence, resident engagement, and project and programme management.
• Lot 2 – Technical Services covers developed and detailed design, technical assurance, pre-construction services, decarbonisation and futureproofing advice, and asset condition and lifecycle assessments.

Together, these services demonstrate BWB’s ability to support clients at multiple stages of heat network development, helping reduce project complexity, manage risk and deliver long-term value.

Bringing integrated expertise to complex energy projects

Heat network developments rarely involve energy infrastructure in isolation. From energy centres and underground pipework to highways, existing buildings and surrounding communities, successful delivery requires a coordinated understanding of the wider built environment.

BWB’s multidisciplinary approach brings together expertise across energy infrastructure, civil engineering, transport planning, environmental services, building physics and project management to help clients navigate these challenges.

This integrated capability is already being demonstrated through BWB’s work supporting Nottingham City Council with planning-stage assessments for the relocation of a district heating steam main near Nottingham Station.

The new framework appointment builds on this experience, providing further opportunities to support public sector organisations in delivering energy infrastructure that is efficient, resilient and designed with the future in mind.

Strengthening our national offering

Managed by STAR Procurement, a shared procurement service led by Trafford Council alongside five other local authorities, the framework will be available to eligible public sector organisations across the UK.

These include local authorities, government departments, NHS organisations, educational establishments, housing providers and other public bodies.

For BWB, the appointment supports its wider growth ambitions within the Power & Renewables market, strengthening the company’s position to contribute to the development and decarbonisation of essential energy infrastructure.

By combining technical expertise with strategic advice and coordinated project delivery, BWB is well placed to help clients unlock complex opportunities and develop heat networks that create lasting value for the communities they serve

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