The PSDS is run by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, and delivered by Salix, and the Trust says the improvements will help cut energy bills and create a more comfortable patient and staff environment. It said: “From solar panels to new boilers, the upgrades will make the buildings more energy-efficient and cut carbon emissions, ensuing that Newham is on track to become the first hospital in the Barts Health group to reach Net Zero for carbon emissions with in just two years.
Starting next year, the following energy-saving improvements will be made across Newham Hospital:
- Solar panels – Thousands of solar panels will be placed on the hospital’s roofs, producing 955,015 kWh of electricity, and saving around £248,000 annually. They will also reduce annual carbon emissions by 37 tonnes of CO₂.
- Low carbon heat pumps – old gas boilers will be replaced with electric heat pumps, which provide heating, cooling, and hot water across the hospital, including air- conditioning, save around 2,150 tonnes of CO₂ every year.
- More electrical power – The hospital’s electrical capacity will be upgraded to handle more energy and prepare for future improvements and power the new low-carbon heat pumps.
- Energy-saving LED lighting will be installed throughout the hospital.
- A new Building Management System (BMS) will help manage energy use, keep the building at a comfortable temperature, stop areas from getting too hot or too cold, and reduce wasted energy.
Simon Ashton, Chief Executive of Newham Hospital said: “This investment is fantastic news for our hospital. Modernising our energy systems will create a more comfortable environment for our patients and staff, allowing us to reach Net Zero, and enabling us to reinvest the savings back into frontline care.”