Whole Life Carbon : Web-based Digital Platform for submission and review of whole life carbon assessments

Description

Provision of Web-based, digital platform to streamline the process of submission and review of whole life carbon assessments within the Town Planning department of Westminster City Council. This VEAT notice, which acknowledges that Westminster City Council (WCC) proposes to contract with Preoptima for the continued development and provision of the services for an initial period of three years, with the possibility of extending by a further five years, subject to the grounds for this award still being applicable following a market test at the time of extension. It should also be mentioned that the council and Preoptima have received funding from Innovate UK to develop this platform, which has been under development for the past two years. It is to be noted that the council are applying PCR 2015 and not PA 2023 regulations due to the engagement with Prepotima and the publication of a notice under Regulation 40 of PCR 2015 prior to 24/02/25. Lot 1: Provision of the following services in line with requirements as noted herein: Web-based digital platform for applicants to submit Whole Life Carbon Assessments (WLCAs) in a standardised, streamlined process. The platform must have the capability to check compliance with the requirements of the RICS "Whole Life Carbon Assessment (WCLA) for the built environment 2nd Edition. The platform must have the capability to check compliance with all relevant policy, including the GLA London Plan and the WCC City Plan, both current and emerging (Retrofit First) Policy requirements. Capability to critically review key material quantities and carbon emissions against expected values. This must use a generative design model to develop an expected material schedule and carbon model, rather than a reliance on historical data and benchmarks. Enable a semi-automated review process, providing all Officers with the tools required to check and review WLCAs' Built-in functionality for commenting and responses between the Council and the Applicant. Ability to present WLCA information in a concise and simple dashboard, which shall include comparison against industry benchmarks and policy targets. Provide free access to users, and store personal information in line with the Councils data protection requirements. Provide a minimum of 50 Case Officer accounts and 100 Applicant accounts. These must be confidential, secure accounts enabling applicants and case officers to confidentially upload, share, access and review data. (e.g. Project details, Building material details, WLCAs, reports, commentary). The platform must have accompanying training available free of charge to all users. A User Manual must also be provided. The Platform have the capacity to align with Westminster City Council (WCC) planning and submission processes, allowing for smooth transition and embedment across all teams. Platform allows for all capabilities to be deliverable within the same provider without the need for outsourcing the development. Allow full functionality and "live use" of a working platform. This requirement is to support the delivery of the WCC proposed Policy 43 Retrofit First, as well as the Climate Emergency Action Plan, and the overarching aims of Fairer Environment and Fairer Westminster. This VEAT notice, which acknowledges that Westminster City Council (WCC) proposes to contract with Preoptima for the continued development and provision of the services for an initial period of three years, with the possibility of extending by a further five years, subject to the grounds for this award still being applicable following a market test at the time of extension. It should also be mentioned that the council and Preoptima have received funding from Innovate UK to develop this platform, which has been under development for the past two years.