Newcastle Hospitals has secured over £40m funding from UK government to support its move towards net zero.
The trust received the second largest grant in England as part of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme which is run by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.
The funding will be used to decarbonise the Freeman Hospital, and community sites at Benfield Park and Ponteland Road Health Centre.
The decarbonisation projects will include the installation of heat pumps, electrical upgrades, double glazing, solar panels, and energy-efficient lighting.
Significant carbon emission savings
It is anticipated that the project will save over 9,300 tonnes of CO2e per year, including over 2700 tonnes through improvements to building fabrics and energy efficiency.
Over 6,658 tonnes of carbon emissions will also be saved by replacing fossil fuels with low carbon heating solutions.
Significant works will be undertaken at the Freeman Hospital to reduce the site’s reliance on steam. Current steam pipes, used to heat water, radiators, and sterilise equipment, will be replaced with hot water pipes heated with electricity instead of fossil fuel gas.
Greener NHS
Sir Paul Ennals, chair of Newcastle Hospitals, said:
“The NHS contributes significantly to the UK’s overall carbon emissions, and we all need to take action to reduce our environmental impact.
“Decarbonising the trust’s estate is an instrumental part of reaching our net zero by 2030 goal.
“This funding is vital in helping to create a greener NHS that works for both patients and the planet.”
David Coxon, energy manager at Newcastle Hospitals, added:
“This funding will help us to proceed with a major project to decarbonise heat at hospital and community sites, significantly reducing our carbon emissions and improving air quality locally.”
Commitment to net zero
The trust has committed to becoming net zero by 2030 and has already introduced several initiatives to meet its target.
This includes installation of solar panels at its Regent Point offices and embedding sustainability into all purchasing decisions to meet its net zero supply chain goal by 2040.
Efforts have also made to introduce meat-free menus to catering facilities, generating energy from heat pumps, and increasing biodiversity for the benefit of patients, visitors and staff wellbeing.
The Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme is delivered by Salix. Director of public sector decarbonisation at Salix Ian Rodger said: “We’re committed to helping organisations across the country reduce their net zero emissions.
“This money will support Newcastle Hospitals to achieving its net zero goals by introducing a variety of energy efficiency measures. These will not only address the carbon emissions but make these buildings more comfortable places for the patients, staff and all those who use them.”
- More information about Salix can be found on their website
