The Christie Reduces Carbon Emissions by 10%
A multi-technology decarbonisation project at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust has reduced its building energy carbon emissions by an estimated 1,000 tonnes a year (around 10%) and is saving over £500,000 annually on energy costs.
The scheme is a vital component of The Christie’s sustainable development management plan and a significant stride toward achieving the NHS’s net-zero emissions goals.
The project was partly funded by an £8 million grant from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero through the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS), supplemented by £6.9 million from the Trust and supported by Salix who deliver government funding schemes across the UK for energy efficiency and heat decarbonisation projects in public sector buildings and the housing sector.
The integrated energy solution combines various renewable technologies including a new combined heat and power plant, a new energy-efficient boiler, two air source heat pumps, 640 solar panels for independent electricity generation, and a 2MW battery energy storage system (BESS) for storing excess electricity.
These measures not only reduce reliance on external power sources and the need to import electricity at the most expensive times but also create a smart grid from which the local community can benefit.
Energy efficiency upgrades include 3,000 LED lights, replacement of part of the aged steam heating infrastructure with modern high-efficiency low-temperature hot water distribution, improved insulation, and optimisation and upgrades to the existing Building Energy Management Systems.
The milestone is a step towards achieving NHS net zero goals
Alex Beedle, Head of Estates at The Christie, said: “We are very pleased with the decarbonisation scheme. 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.
“I want to thank all those who have helped us to deliver this scheme despite numerous challenges, including fitting a retrofit design to a densely-used hospital site.
Andy Yates, Head of Projects, Carbon and Energy Fund, commented: “Installing a new energy scheme in a live hospital provides unique challenges.
“It has taken close partnership working to bring the project to fruition, and I believe it will help The Christie reduce its carbon emissions and guarantee significant financial savings.”
The project was delivered with the assistance of the Carbon and Energy Fund Framework (CEF), specifically created to facilitate energy infrastructure projects for public sector organisations.
The Christie has also installed additional electric vehicle charging points at its Withington site to enable lower carbon transport options for staff.
Director of Public Sector Decarbonisation at Salix, Ian Rodger, said: “This is an important project and will certainly help The Christie NHS Foundation Trust support the transition to a net zero healthcare service.
“The NHS has set an ambitious target to reach net zero by 2040 for the emissions the NHS controls directly, and we are delighted to be on the journey with The Christie, supporting the team with its decarbonisation work.
“There is still a long way to go in terms of energy efficiency across the public sector, but every day we are making a difference.”
