Lead time
- Re:Fit: 9 to 18 months from kick-off to site-start.
- Direct: 4 to 10 months under existing public-sector frameworks.
Cost
- Re:Fit: ESCO margin embedded; total cost typically higher.
- Direct: competitive call-off; total cost typically lower.
Risk transfer
- Re:Fit: guaranteed savings shift performance risk to the ESCO.
- Direct: school holds performance risk; mitigated by contractor warranty.
Where CCS beats both
CCS RM6238 is a faster procurement route than Re:Fit, with competitive pricing and full public-sector compliance, without the guaranteed-savings overhead.
Who sits on Re:Fit
Equans, Mitie, and a small number of other accredited ESCOs.