Royal Shrewsbury Hospital Breaks Ground on £16.2 Million Decarbonisation Project to Drive NHS Net Zero Goals
Royal Shrewsbury Hospital (RSH) has officially begun work on a landmark £16.2 million decarbonisation project that will slash the site’s carbon footprint by more than 3,000 tonnes each year—equivalent to taking over 1,000 cars off the road.
Delivered by The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH) in partnership with energy specialists Vital Energi and the Carbon and Energy Fund (CEF), the scheme represents a major step forward in the NHS’s national ambition to achieve Net Zero by 2040.
The project is being funded through the Government’s Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS), administered by Salix Finance on behalf of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ).
Transforming hospital energy for a sustainable future
At the heart of the upgrade is the replacement of outdated steam boilers and gas-fired equipment with a state-of-the-art 1.6MW air and water source heat pump system, providing low-carbon heating, hot water, and chilled water across the site. Once complete, the hospital will become a fully de-steamed estate.
The project also includes:
- Solar panel installation across rooftops to generate renewable electricity.
- Building Energy Management System (BEMS) optimisation for smarter, more efficient energy use.
- Upgrades to insulation for roofs and pipework to reduce energy loss.
- Replacement of air handling unit fans with next-generation, low-energy alternatives to improve air quality while cutting consumption.
Together, these measures will not only reduce the hospital’s environmental impact but also save the Trust an estimated £1 million annually in energy costs, freeing up resources to reinvest in patient care and hospital services.
Supporting NHS Net Zero by 2040
This ambitious programme is a key part of SaTH’s Estates Decarbonisation Strategy and Green Plan, aligning directly with the NHS’s national pledge to deliver net zero healthcare.
Inese Robotham, Assistant Chief Executive and Chair of the Trust’s Climate Group, said:
“It is wonderful to see work commence on this sizeable project, which will reduce our carbon footprint by more than 3,000 tonnes each year. This is a vital step towards delivering modern, sustainable health services for our patients, staff, and communities.”
Phil Mottershead, Project Development Director for Vital Energi, added:
“This project brings Royal Shrewsbury Hospital closer to its net zero goals while enhancing the overall environment for patients, staff, and visitors. It is an exciting milestone that demonstrates what can be achieved through strong collaboration.”
Dominic Clarke, Project Manager for the Carbon and Energy Fund (CEF), said:
“The CEF is proud to support the Trust in reaching its carbon reduction targets. Through PSDS Phase 3C funding and partnership with Vital Energi, this project highlights the power of electrification and innovation in helping the NHS meet its 2040 net zero target.”
A greener, healthier legacy
By combining renewable technologies with smarter energy systems, Royal Shrewsbury Hospital is set to become a flagship example of sustainable healthcare—delivering lower emissions, significant cost savings, and a healthier environment for generations to come.
This groundbreaking initiative reinforces the Trust’s commitment to building a greener NHS and marks a bold step towards a cleaner, more resilient future for healthcare in Shropshire and beyond.
