Carbon Offsetting of Relocation of European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF)

Descriptions

Overview

The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) is an intergovernmental research institute with sites in Shenfield (UK), Bonn (Germany) and Bologna (Italy), and contributes to major European programmes including Copernicus (the Earth observation component of the European Union's Space Programme) and Horizon Europe (EU's flagship research and innovation programme).

The ECMWF will be relocating to a net-zero headquarters at the University of Reading's Whiteknights campus, with construction expected to complete between December 2026 and March 2027.

As part of its sustainability strategy, the building will need to meet the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard. To ensure this objective is met, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) will soon be undertaking a procurement exercise to secure a supplier to support carbon offsetting objectives linked to the relocation of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF).

Prior to advertising this opportunity, we are looking to undertake pre-market engagement with suitable and interested Suppliers, to understand the critical information required within the specification and elements that should be considered, prior to publication which will allow Suppliers to bid.

At present we believe we are looking for a UK nature-based carbon offsetting scheme to support its carbon neutrality goals.

The following are the key principles of Carbon Offsetting:

1. Additionality: The project depends on carbon finance and would not occur otherwise.

2. Avoid leakage: No displacement of emissions to other areas.

3. Permanence: Carbon absorbed will not be released later.

4. Validation and Verification: Independent assessment is not required but schemes considering future verification are welcomed.

5. Timing: Carbon removals may occur in the future; the scheme should estimate uptake potential and timings.

6. Double counting: Carbon reductions must not be claimed multiple times.

7. Transparency: While public information may be limited for developmental schemes, full transparency to the Authority is required, with openness to co-promotion.

Purpose of the Engagement

The purpose of this Pre-Market Engagement is to provide mutual benefits for both the Buyer and Supplier - If the Suppliers are able to be involved early, they can help DSIT to ensure it represents an appealing prospect to Suppliers while giving DSIT support in understanding the full scope of what is / may be required.

As part of this Pre-Market engagement, we are looking to:

• Share our objectives and requirements for carbon offsetting in the context of ECMWF's relocation and operational strategy.

• Explore market capabilities and innovative delivery models.

• Stimulate Supplier collaboration and consortia formation.

• Gather feedback to shape our procurement strategy and ensure a fair, transparent, and competitive process

Next Steps

To allow us to start crafting our specifications with all the relevant elements, for those interested Suppliers that are happy to support and engage in these early stages, we would be grateful if you could provide a response to the following questions:

1. Project Scope - Please advise the critical elements that you would need to know / understand, to allow you to bid.

2. Procurement Timescales - Please can you confirm if there would be any concerns with a 4-week tender period from Mid-November? Are there any industry shutdowns that we need to take into consideration?

3. Project Budget - Please can you advise if there are any budgetary considerations that should be defined prior to the tender being launched?

4. Direct Supplier Engagement - Following completion of this stage of Pre-Market engagement, please advise if you would be interested in being contacted further to discuss your responses.

5. Supplier Engagement Event - Prior to launching this procurement, do you feel that it would be beneficial for DSIT to hold a Supplier Engagement Event, where we can present a more finalised version of our Scope of Services, to allow for further clarification, questions and answers in an open forum?

To provide responses to the questions above, please click the link below:

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=FtDPLd_5jEixa2g0W1mvt7F9fP3l9ydBolC6y00YFrNURjRBVkZRUk9aUldXRVVHWVFHT1RBTkxKWS4u&origin=Invitation&channel=0

Where available, we would be grateful for responses to the above questions by Wednesday 15th October 2025.

Procurement Plan / Dates and Budget

Project budget - £600,000.00 excluding VAT

Indicative advertising timescales for a further competition - Mid November

Indicative tender live period - 4-week tender period