Breathe is working with the Trust to deliver sustainable carbon reduction through a range of energy efficiency and capital improvements to hospital buildings. The project will enable the Trust to move some way towards the NHS Net Zero target by 2040, with Scope 1 and 2 CO2 emissions estimated to reduce down to 25% of 2021 baseline by 2030 and 10% by 2040 respectively.
The project has been funded by the government's Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, following the successful award of a £19.5m grant. Breathe has worked closely with the Trust to model the optimum technical solution, whilst meeting the eligibility requirements of the funding.
Replacement of the existing ageing steam boiler plant with new Heat Pumps will significantly increase efficiency, whilst addressing the Trust's critical backlog maintenance and improving resilience. The three existing steam boilers, two of which are 45 years old, are being removed with a new low temperature hot water system installed. This will be in-situ before the steam system is removed, guaranteeing continuity of energy supply to the hospital.
Close co-ordination with hospital staff and considered programming such as night time working, has been critical during the installation process, in order to minimise disruption to care. On completion, the project will deliver a marked improvement in the comfort for both staff and patients through efficient temperature controls.
“Breathe has supported the Trust with comprehensive study and assessment to determine the best fit heat and energy decarbonisation strategy for the site. They have been side by side with us in working with Salix to develop a successful PSDS application, liberating much needed funds for the decarbonisation of our infrastructure. We look forward to completing the design and construction of the scheme with them.”