The energy centre, due to complete in spring 2026, will see the existing CHP unit replaced with an ‘energy-efficient’ 2M W cascade heat pump system to meet the hospital’s high heating demands. Once operational, Centrica Business Solutions says the centre will deliver more than 75% of Solihull Hospital’s heating requirements and reduce its carbon emissions by 1,185 tonnes per year.
Centrica Business Solutions has remained the hospital’s energy partner for the past 20 years, maintaining and upgrading the energy assets across the estate. Following the recent announcement, the company will continue to work closely with Solihull Hospital for up to 18 years.
The latest project follows ‘a string of energy-saving solutions’ the business has delivered for the hospital. This included modifications to the existing Building Management System to optimise performance and improve efficiency, with updated outstations and the introduction of time scheduling and set points, along with cavity wall insulation and the replacement of 2,500 lights with LEDs. These improvements, together with the new energy centre, will reportedly reduce the hospital’s annual carbon footprint by 1,812 tonnes, alongside delivering £62,000 in cost savings per year, based on the Trust’s current energy tariffs.
Operated by University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Solihull Hospital is an acute general hospital providing a range of outpatient and inpatient services. Centrica Business Solutions is working closely with the Trust to ensure patient disruption is minimised throughout the project.
Martin Richardson, Executive director at Solihull Hospital, said: “Our partnership with Centrica Business Solutions has really helped us set a standard for sustainable healthcare. We’ve been able to maximise our savings, as well as make the hospital a more comfortable place for patients and staff.”
The energy reduction measures were funded through the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme – with Salix as the delivery body, and development and procurement via the Carbon Energy Fund (CEF).
The CEF’s Paddy Hendry said: “We were extremely pleased to be asked by the University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust to lead on the procurement and development of it continued route to Net Zero. This is an exceptional project to be part of, delivering sustainable healthcare in true collaboration”.