Partner with Us, for Effective Decarbonisation Strategy and Project Management
Twelvetrees Consulting Ltd specialises in low carbon and environmental consultancy across a multi-agency portfolio. Our work is aimed at developing and supporting proactive measures for clients to reduce cost, energy and carbon, whilst mitigating climate change, identifying adaptation, resilience and risk reduction measures for business.
Doing work for good
Mission
We do work for good. We support and drive innovative technology, energy, carbon, zero carbon generation and storage solutions.
Reputation
We have a strong reputation, regionally and nationally, whilst maintaining a personally focussed and relatable service.
Empowerment
Our collaborative approach fosters local engagement, ensuring sustainable practices that benefit both the environment and the people we serve.
ABOUT
At the heart of the company is its Director Dr John Hindley a highly effective and experienced professional at Assistant Director Level and Senior Project Manager, with over 25 years practise in Higher Education and public sector estates covering a diverse portfolio of experience in sustainability, management operations, carbon and energy strategy, compliance, revenue and capital development projects. Very adaptable, with transferable knowledge, logistics and skills with strong business acumen, driving value for money.
PORTFOLIO
Heat Network Efficiency Scheme (HNES) – Hospitals & Universities (2023–Present)
Role: Senior Project Manager
Twelvetrees is proud to be leading as Senior Project Manager across multiple projects under the Heat Network Efficiency Scheme (HNES), supporting a wide range of public sector organisations to improve the performance and sustainability of their heat networks.
Working with 17 organisations, our portfolio includes major institutions such as:
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University Hospitals Birmingham
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Hywel Dda University Health Board (NHS Wales)
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Suffolk County Council
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Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
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Universities of Chester, Coventry, and Nottingham
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Coventry City Council
Our role includes:
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Strategic oversight and delivery of heat network efficiency upgrades
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Technical advisory on system optimisation and decarbonisation
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Supporting funding compliance and reporting for BEIS/ DESNZ-backed initiatives
These projects are key to improving operational efficiency, reducing carbon emissions, and extending the lifespan of critical infrastructure within the public sector.
Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS) – Royal Northern College of Music (2021–Present)
Phase 1 (2021)
Role: Principal Sustainability Consultant & Senior Project Manager
Project Value: £6.5M
Twelvetrees was appointed as the Principal Sustainability Consultant and Senior Project Manager for a major building retrofit at the Royal Northern College of Music. Phase 1 focused on upgrading the infrastructure to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.
Key upgrades included:
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Insulated reroofing and cavity wall insulation
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Installation of a 4-pipe heating and cooling system
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Substation upgrade, solar PV, and 1MW battery storage
Impact:
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Over 50% decarbonisation
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Lower energy bills through improved energy efficiency
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Modernisation of critical infrastructure
Phase 2 (2023–2025)
Role: Client Project Manager – “The Future is Green” Project
Project Value: £7.1M
In Phase 2, Twelvetrees is supporting the extension of the heating and cooling network across the Link and Library Buildings. This phase includes a comprehensive retrofit with full insulated reroofing, upgraded glazing, additional heat pumps, new plant decks, and system consolidation.
A digital twin was developed using thermal hydraulic and control logic to simulate the system in a virtual environment. This model allows us to optimise capital costs and predict energy savings more accurately.
Key achievements:
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The hybrid heating scheme for the main building has reduced gas running costs by 85%
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Predicted 77% reduction in annual gas use
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Heating temperature reduced from 72°C to 50°C
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Over 90% decarbonisation is expected by project completion
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Ongoing savings from optimisations carried out via the digital twin model
Impact:
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Significant reduction in energy consumption
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Ongoing cost savings and improved system efficiency
Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS) – University Hospitals Birmingham (2023)
Role: Principal Sustainability Consultant & Decarbonisation Support Advisor
Project Value: £15M
Twelvetrees is providing expert consultancy and support for a £15 million heat decarbonisation project at University Hospitals Birmingham. The project involves the retrofitting of heat pumps across three key schemes within the hospital estate, aimed at reducing carbon emissions and improving energy efficiency.
As Principal Sustainability Consultant and Decarbonisation Support Advisor, we are delivering key services to optimise the project’s performance:
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Digital twinning for design validation, ensuring the proposed system meets energy efficiency goals
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Preparation for condition compliance and audit-readiness to meet PSDS funding criteria
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Ongoing support to ensure systems are effectively integrated and fully aligned with decarbonisation targets
The project is integral to the NHS’s Net Zero ambitions, helping to reduce operational costs while improving the sustainability of critical healthcare infrastructure.
Low Carbon Skills Fund (LCSF) – Liverpool City Region Combined Authority/Merseytravel (2022–2023)
Role: Turnkey Senior Project Manager
Twelvetrees led the application of the Low Carbon Skills Fund (LCSF) across 52 buildings within the Liverpool City Region and wider Merseyside local authorities. This initiative set the stage for comprehensive Heat Decarbonisation Plans in preparation for the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS).
The project was delivered in partnership with Kier Ltd and will be recognised in the 2024 Awards.
Key Achievements:
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52 buildings and 187 individual projects completed
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Delivered a total of 21.2 MWh energy savings
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Predicted 47.2% energy savings across the portfolio
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Supported the preparation of £56 million capital investment for decarbonisation projects
Impact:
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Significant reduction in energy consumption and emissions
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Established a clear pathway for decarbonisation across the region’s public sector buildings
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Positioned the City Region for long-term sustainability improvements
Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS) – Greater Manchester (2021–2023)
Role: Programme Technical Delivery Lead
Twelvetrees led the technical delivery of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS) within the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) Investment Delivery Team. The project focused on delivering public sector decarbonisation investment across 15 partners, including key local authorities, educational institutions, and public sector bodies.
Key Responsibilities:
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Oversaw programme delivery for decarbonisation projects across 152 buildings and 600 carbon reduction initiatives
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Managed the detailed execution of the £115 million investment across Phases 1 and 3a
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Ensured compliance with PSDS scheme audit criteria and rigorous monitoring of fund usage
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Coordinated with partners to optimise energy efficiency and emissions reductions
Key Achievements:
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Successfully delivered £78.3 million in capital funding, directly contributing to decarbonisation efforts
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Delivered over 121,000 lifetime tonnes of carbon emissions saved
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Managed 152 buildings and 600 individual project lines
Impact:
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Significant carbon reduction and energy savings across Greater Manchester’s public sector
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Established a scalable and sustainable framework for future decarbonisation efforts
Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (2021–2022)
Role: Principal Sustainability Consultant & Senior Project Manager
Twelvetrees provided expert consultancy to the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, advising on their route to Zero strategy. As Principal Sustainability Consultant, we modelled and guided the approach for achieving net-zero carbon emissions across the region’s public sector infrastructure.
In addition, we served as Senior Project Manager for the Merseytravel HQ Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, overseeing the implementation of key sustainability measures and supporting the transition to low-carbon systems.
Key Contributions:
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Developed comprehensive models to support the region’s route to Zero carbon
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Managed the Merseytravel HQ decarbonisation scheme, ensuring efficient delivery of low-carbon heating and energy systems
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Provided strategic advice and technical expertise for decarbonisation and energy efficiency improvements across public sector buildings
Impact:
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Laying the foundation for achieving long-term net-zero carbon targets
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Enhanced energy efficiency and carbon reduction within Merseytravel’s headquarters
Local Energy North West Hub / Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) (2020–2023)
Role: Principal Sustainability Consultant
Twelvetrees worked as the Principal Sustainability Consultant for the Local Energy North West Hub in partnership with the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS). Over a three-year period, we collaborated with 32 local authorities and public bodies across the four Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs): Cheshire & Warrington, Cumbria, Lancashire, and Liverpool City Region.
Our role was to support the development of Carbon Pathway Investment Plans, aiming to help the North West region reach its decarbonisation targets. We provided expert consultancy on sustainable energy strategies, identifying opportunities for carbon reduction investment to align with the broader North West Regional Decarbonisation Programme.
Key Contributions:
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Developed tailored Carbon Pathway investment strategies for each LEP, prioritising decarbonisation across diverse sectors
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Supported the North West Regional Decarbonisation Programme, identifying key actions and funding opportunities
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Provided strategic guidance on carbon reduction potential and long-term sustainability plans for local authorities and public bodies
Impact:
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Contributed to shaping the region's decarbonisation strategy
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Enabled 32 local authorities and public bodies to unlock carbon reduction investments and meet future energy targets
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