Axis and CLC Launch Decarbonisation Centre of Excellence to Accelerate Public Sector Net Zero Journey
Axis and CLC, leading providers of property services and maintenance, announce the formation of a dedicated Decarbonisation Centre of Excellence. This pivotal initiative is designed to provide unparalleled expertise, guidance, and cutting-edge solutions to public sector clients, accelerating their transition to net zero and helping them meet urgent environmental and regulatory targets.
The creation of the Centre of Excellence signifies a strategic consolidation of the extensive knowledge, resources, and innovation held across both Axis and CLC.
While Axis and CLC continue to operate as distinct trading entities, their recent coming together as part of a larger group allows clients working with either brand to draw upon enhanced collective strengths, vast experience, and shared resources. This unique structure ensures seamless access to an unparalleled depth of decarbonisation capability.
The Centre of Excellence will serve as a central function, bringing together highly qualified and knowledgeable experts from every facet of the group’s operations and its robust supply chain. This integrated approach is set to deliver:
- Best-in-Class Advice and Guidance: Informed by the latest regulations, funding opportunities, and industry best practices.
- Highly Qualified and Knowledgeable People: A dedicated team with deep technical understanding of retrofit, energy efficiency, and low-carbon technologies.
- A Strong and Vetted Supply Chain: Access to leading technology and materials providers.
- Deployment of Latest Technology: Integration of innovative solutions for heating, insulation, renewables, and smart building management.
- Learning from Previous Installations: Continuous improvement driven by insights and data from successful projects across thousands of properties.
Why Decarbonisation is critical for the Public Sector
Public sector bodies across the UK – including Local Authorities, Housing Associations, NHS and Healthcare estates, Defence estates, and Education institutes – collectively manage vast property portfolios that represent a significant portion of national carbon emissions. The imperative to decarbonise these assets is driven by:
- Legal & Regulatory Mandates: The UK’s Net Zero 2050 target, evolving EPC ratings (e.g., aiming for EPC C by 2030 for rental properties), and specific standards like the NHS Net Zero Building Standard.
- Financial Benefits: Reducing escalating energy costs, unlocking access to significant government funding schemes like the Warm Homes Social Housing Fund (formerly SHDF) and Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS), and preventing asset devaluation.
- Social & Welfare Improvements: Combating fuel poverty, enhancing resident and occupant health through improved indoor air quality, and ensuring comfortable, efficient living and working environments.
- Environmental Responsibility: Leading by example in addressing the climate crisis and demonstrating commitment to sustainability.
Our Comprehensive Decarbonisation Service Offering
The Centre of Excellence will enhance the group’s comprehensive decarbonisation services, which include:
- Whole-House & Non-Domestic Retrofit: Delivering PAS 2035 and PAS 2038 compliant solutions.
- Energy Efficiency Measures: From fabric-first improvements (insulation, windows, doors) to advanced ventilation systems.
- Low-Carbon Heating Solutions: Installation of air source heat pumps, ground source heat pumps, and solar thermal systems.
- Renewable Energy Integration: Design and installation of solar PV systems.
- Smart Building Technologies: Implementing controls and building management systems for optimised energy performance.
- Strategic Consultancy & Funding Support: Expert advice on net zero roadmaps, energy audits, and securing vital government funding.
- End-to-End Project Management: From initial assessment and design to installation, commissioning, and ongoing maintenance.
Paul Rogers to Lead as Head of Decarbonisation
The Centre of Excellence will be spearheaded by Paul Rogers, who has been promoted to the role of Head of Decarbonisation.
Paul’s deep understanding of quality assurance and regulatory frameworks is bolstered by his leadership in various industry bodies: he has previously served as National Decarbonisation Manager for CLC; Chairperson of the Innovation Working Group for the National Home Decarbonisation Group (NHDG), and as Head of Compliance & External Relations at TrustMark – the government-endorsed quality scheme that oversees standards for retrofit work, including PAS 2035 compliance. He is also a valued member of the NHMF Service Provider Forum, championing innovation in housing maintenance.
“The formation of our Decarbonisation Centre of Excellence marks a pivotal moment for our group and for our clients,” said Richard Morris, CEO of Axis CLC. “By bringing together the unparalleled expertise of Axis and CLC under Paul Rogers’ leadership, we are creating a powerhouse of knowledge and capability dedicated to helping the public sector navigate the complexities of their net zero journey. This strategic investment underscores our commitment to a sustainable future and delivering exceptional value for our clients.”
Paul Rogers added: “I am incredibly excited to lead this new Centre of Excellence. I’ll use my years of experience delivering this type of work, along with my background at TrustMark and involvement leading innovation groups to develop quality and transformative solutions.
“This Centre will ensure that every client, whether working with Axis or CLC, benefits from the very best advice, the most skilled professionals, and access to the latest technologies, all underpinned by a rigorous commitment to standards. We are here to empower our clients to achieve their net zero ambitions efficiently and effectively.”
About Axis Europe Ltd and CLC Group
Axis Europe Ltd and CLC Group are leading providers of property services and maintenance across the UK. Recently brought together under a shared group structure, the two companies continue to trade independently while leveraging combined strengths, extensive experience, and shared resources to deliver enhanced value to their clients. With decades of experience serving public sector clients, social housing providers, and commercial organisations, the group is committed to high-quality service delivery, sustainability, and supporting communities.
