Royal United Hospitals gets £21.6m for energy efficiency

A fresh £21.6m decarbonisation grant has been awarded to assist the Royal United Hospitals Bath (RUH) NHS Foundation Trust achieve its net zero goals.

The multimillion pound cash boost, awarded by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero as part of the Salix Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme phase 3c, will fund improvements including more environmentally friendly lighting, insulation, and heating and cooling controls.

Funds will be used to de-steam much of the RUH’s 52-acre site, a process that will see the hospital’s ageing heating systems replaced with more energy-efficient options such as heat pumps.

The RUH worked closely with the Carbon Energy Fund to develop the plans, and they will continue to support the RUH as the changes are implemented. Now, the team is working to secure contractors for the project, with work due to take place over the next two years.

When the proposed improvements are completed by 2026, it will create an estimated 24% annual reduction in carbon emissions. This equates to just over 3,400 tonnes of carbon dioxide.

RUH Chief Executive Cara Charles-Barks said:

“We are beginning to make great strides to reduce our emissions, through initiatives such as decommissioning our entire nitrous oxide manifold and a sustainable travel plan. However, we knew we needed to make significant investments in our estate to fulfil our commitment of reaching net zero for scope one and two emissions by 2030, in line with BaNES Council’s goals.

“This grant is therefore invaluable. It will enable us to make these essential changes in the coming years, and will have a positive impact on the environment and the experience of being in hospital. We know that getting this right will be better for the health and wellbeing of the people we care for, the people we work with and the people in our community.”

Steven Heape, Project Manager of the Carbon Energy Fund said:

“It’s been a pleasure to support the Trust in working towards its ‘net zero by 2030’ goal. We look forward to working with them with the project throughout its construction and the 15-year operational phrase, ensuring delivery of the guarantee carbon savings.”

Laura Couldrey, Senior Programme Manager at Salix said:

“Ultimately it will result in a better place environment for patients and visitors, as well as the staff working at the hospital. We look forward to supporting RUH in achieving its goals and cannot wait to see this work begin.”

Image from Royal United Hospitals Trust

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