Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust has received funding from the Government’s Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS) to embark on an energy reduction programme which will reduce the carbon footprint of Nottingham City Hospital by 14,000 tonnes a year, with energy savings of £1.8m.

Vital Energi has secured a £25m contract to replace the hospital’s aged gas and coal-fired boilers with more energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly technologies.

The project received grant funding from the PSDS, which is administered by Salix on behalf of the Government’s Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS). 

Renewable energy

As part of the project, the old laundry building at the hospital will be demolished so Vital can construct a new energy centre at the heart of the site, which will be equipped with combined heat and power units to provide heating and electricity throughout the hospital using new and improved energy infrastructure.

Vital Energi will also install renewable generation and energy conservation measures such as LED lighting, 300 kWe solar PV panels, and 342 kW air source heat pumps. 

These solutions will have a significant impact on the overall energy performance and carbon emissions, and the lighting upgrades will enhance the patient experience in both the wards and common areas. 

Ashley Malin, managing director at Vital Energi Solutions, said: “We’re delighted to be working with the trust to provide innovative technical solutions which can be fully integrated into the existing energy infrastructure at the City Hospital. 

“The hospital is committed to reducing its carbon footprint, which aligns with our ethos. And, not only will our solutions pave the way for this and create a healthier environment, they will provide increased levels of staff and patient comfort too.” 

Increased efficiency

Andrew Chatten, director of estates and facilities at the trust, added: “We are committed to doing everything possible to reduce our carbon footprint, and to upgrade our ageing hospital estate, which costs a lot to maintain and makes it much harder for us to deliver the outstanding patient care to which we aspire. 

“Having secured grant funding as part of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, we are now looking forward to working with Vital Energi to make City Hospital much more energy efficient.”

And Sameen Khan, NHS programme manager for Salix Finance, told hdm: “We are pleased we can support Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and be a partner in this landmark project. 

“Its commitment to improving patient care, facilities, reducing its carbon footprint, and considering the impact it is having on the environment, has been emphasised from the onset of its funding application and relationship with Salix and we are proud to be a part of their journey towards a low-carbon future.”