Delivering over £1 m in annual energy cost savings, and reducing the site’s annual carbon footprint by around 1,000 tonnes, this is a key project in the Trust’s sustainability aspirations, and – it says – puts it a step closer towards achieving the NHS target of Net Zero by 2040.
The decarbonisation project was part funded by an £8 m Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme grant to support the installation of ‘a self-funding, fully integrated energy solution comprising a unique blend of renewable technologies’.
Vital Energi has installed two air source heat pumps, 640 solar panels – on roofs across the hospital to generate independent site electricity, and a 2 MW battery energy storage system (BESS) – pictured.
As well as enabling the site to maximise onsite generation and help the hospital avoid importing electricity at the most expensive times, Vital Energi says the BESS ‘will provide flexibility during times of high demand, and help create a smart grid from which the local community will benefit’.
Energy efficiency measures installed include the upgrade of 3,000 lights to LED fittings, replacement of ‘aged’ steam infrastructure heating distribution with ‘modern, high-efficiency’ low temperature hot water distribution, and optimisation and upgrades to the existing building energy management systems.
Alex Beedle, head of Estates at The Christie, said: “The reduction in carbon emissions is estimated to be around 10% of the total from our site, and is a big step towards achieving our ambitions for Net Zero in accordance with NHS targets. We will also make significant savings on our energy bill year after year.”
Phil Mottershead, Project Development director at Vital Energi, added: “We’re incredibly proud to help the Trust on its journey to Net Zero through the installation of low carbon technologies and futureproofed energy infrastructure at The Christie Hospital. The Christie has been Vital Energi’s charity of choice for many years, making this project particularly close to our hearts as we support its mission to support the development of cancer prevention, treatment, research, and education.”
The project was delivered through the Carbon and Energy Fund Framework (CEF).