Sector Focus: Justice & MOJ

The Ministry of Justice operates a construction framework for delivery of new-build, refurbishment, and fit-out projects across the justice estate. This includes prisons, courts, immigration facilities, and secure training centres.

Tier 1 contractors on the framework appoint specialist technical consultants to manage environmental assessments. However, the requirements placed on those consultants go beyond technical capability. Supply chain compliance, secure-site working experience, and continuity from design to certification all determine whether a consultancy is a viable partner on these schemes.

BREEAM New Construction is the standard environmental assessment applied across MOJ framework projects. Ministry of Justice policy requires new-build developments to achieve BREEAM Excellent as a minimum, with an ambition to reach Outstanding – the highest rating available – where technically feasible. In practice this varies by project: HMP New Hall achieved Outstanding, while our own work on HMP Exeter targeted Excellent.

However, most MOJ schemes are refurbishment rather than new-build. Where a project is delivered under BREEAM Refurbishment and Fit-Out (RFO), the Ministry’s target is typically Very Good rather than Outstanding, reflecting the more limited scope for environmental improvement on an existing structure compared with a new-build. The assessment methodology and evidence requirements differ between the two schemes, though many of the same disciplines – energy modelling, air quality, commissioning – apply to both.

Achieving that target, whether Outstanding on new-build or Very Good on refurbishment, is more demanding on a justice sector project than on a comparable commercial scheme. Several BREEAM credits that are straightforward on an open commercial site become logistically complex in a custodial environment. Site visits for BREEAM APs, commissioning testing, air permeability testing and thermographic surveys, for instance, all require advance security clearance, escorted access and coordination with the prison’s operational timetable. The nature of the building’s users demands a considered approach.

MOJ framework contractors apply strict supply chain qualification requirements. Cyber Essentials certification is a common prerequisite for any organisation in the supply chain and is the UK government’s baseline standard for cyber security. Build Energy holds Cyber Essentials certification and maintains it to remain a qualified partner on government framework schemes.

Beyond certification, tier 1 contractors need consultants who can operate without hand-holding. As a result, restricted access and unpredictable site availability create real programme risk. Site-dependent services – testing, commissioning and surveys – must be planned and executed efficiently. In addition, consultants must remain flexible when access windows change at short notice.

Build Energy is active on multiple justice sector and wider government schemes across the UK, however many are sensitive and subject to confidentiality restrictions. We work within the supply chains of tier 1 contractors across the justice estate and our role typically spans RIBA Stages 2 through to 6.

Current and Recent MOJ Framework examples:

• HMP New Hall, Wakefield – new modular Video Conferencing Centre targeting BREEAM Outstanding, delivered within the supply chain of Wates Smartspace.
• HMP Norwich – Video Conferencing Centre as part of the same nationwide MOJ/Wates Smartspace VCC programme. Delivered under BREEAM Refurbishment and Fit-Out (RFO), achieving Very Good.
• HMP Wayland, Norfolk – new 247-place houseblock expansion targeting BREEAM Excellent, delivered by Wates Construction as part of the Accelerated Houseblocks Delivery Programme.
• HMP Exeter – New Visitors Building, Devon – new-build visitors centre at a Category B local prison targeting BREEAM Excellent by Vinci Construction on behalf of HMPPS.

The HMP New Hall and HMP Norwich projects form part of Wates Smartspace’s nationwide programme of Video Conferencing Centres. Specifically, this programme allows prisoners to attend court hearings by video link to reduce logistical, security, and welfare challenges of physical prisoner transport.

Our multi-disciplinary team covers the full range of technical services required on justice sector projects:

• BREEAM Consultancy
• Accredited Professional (AP) Support
• Energy Modelling
• Life Cycle Assessment
• Life Cycle Costing
• Daylight & Sunlight Analysis
• Thermal Comfort Analysis
• Air Permeability Testing & Consultancy
• Indoor Air Quality Monitoring 
• Thermographic Surveys

What BREEAM rating is typically required on MOJ framework projects?

Ministry of Justice policy requires new-build projects to achieve BREEAM Excellent as a minimum, with an ambition to reach Outstanding – the highest rating available under the New Construction scheme – where feasible. Refurbishment projects are assessed under BREEAM Refurbishment and Fit-Out (RFO) and typically target Very Good. Even the minimum requirement is a demanding target in a live custodial environment.

Is Cyber Essentials certification required to work on MOJ framework projects?

Many tier 1 contractors on the MOJ construction framework require supply chain partners to hold Cyber Essentials certification. Specifically, this is the UK government’s baseline cyber security standard. CE is designed to protect sensitive project data and ensure supply chain integrity on public sector schemes.

What makes justice sector BREEAM different from standard commercial projects?

Justice sector BREEAM assessments present practical challenges that are not typical on commercial schemes. Site-dependent services all require advance security clearance and escorted access, and they must be completed within access windows subject to operational constraints beyond the contractor’s control.

What is a BREEAM Accredited Professional and why does it matter on MOJ projects?

A BREEAM Accredited Professional (AP) is an independently certified consultant. They are appointed to work alongside the project team from the earliest stages of design – typically from RIBA Stage 2 or 3. Their role is to integrate the BREEAM credit strategy into design decisions from the outset – far more effective than retrofitting sustainability measures after design is complete. AP involvement is a prerequisite for certain BREEAM credits – on Outstanding-target MOJ schemes, AP involvement from Stage 3 is standard practice.

Can Build Energy provide continuity from design stage through to post-construction certification?

Yes – and on complex justice sector projects, that continuity is important. The same Build Energy team advises on credit strategy at RIBA Stage 3 and carries the project through to post-construction certification. This approach avoids the information gaps that can occur when different consultants handle different stages. As a result, the tier 1 contractor has a single point of contact for all BREEAM and sustainability matters across the full project lifecycle.