Their mission is to reduce the carbon footprint of York Teaching Hospital by introducing low-carbon energy solutions. This step is crucial in helping the Trust achieve its net zero ambitions by 2040.
Two 200kW air source heat pumps will be installed, enabling zero carbon on-site energy generation. Additionally, Vital Energi aims to make the hospital site more energy efficient. The focus is the 3-storey Ward Block Building, housing ward and clinical areas, which will undergo significant upgrades.
Improving building fabric for better energy efficiency
The Ward Block Building, built in the 1970s, suffers from poor thermal insulation and significant heat loss. This issue leads to high energy consumption. Recent upgrades on the west elevation aim to mitigate this problem, providing benefits including reduced heating bills and lower carbon emissions. Moreover, these improvements will significantly enhance the building’s external aesthetics and boost natural light and ventilation to benefit patients and staff.
Steve Black, account director at Vital Energi, said: “This is our second project at York Teaching Hospital, and we’re proud to be helping them make further strides towards their target of net zero emissions by 2040… not only has the energy efficiency of the building increased significantly, the upgrades have created a strong visual impact.”
Jane Money, head of sustainability at the Trust, was equally enthusiastic and said: “I am delighted to see the new insulation and new windows to the ward block, which will make this area more comfortable for patients, staff and other users, and will save 575 tonnes of carbon each year and contribute to the NHS target of an 80% carbon reduction by 2030.”
Preserving clinical services during upgrades
With extensive experience in hospital environments, the Vital Energi team works closely with hospital staff to maintain clinical services during the upgrades. This collaboration also ensures optimal internal temperatures and air quality conditions are sustained.
The project is financed by the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS), which Salix Finance administers on behalf of the Government’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ). The initiative focuses on replacing old gas-powered heating and hot water systems with low carbon alternatives and bolstering energy efficiency through increased insulation.
DESNZ, York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and Vital Energi deliver the project through the Carbon and Energy Fund Framework. This framework specifically aids public sector organisations in funding complex energy infrastructure upgrades.
A history of collaboration
This is not the first collaboration between Vital Energi and York Teaching Hospital. Back in 2016, Vital Energi redesigned and retrofitted the hospital’s existing energy centre and installed a range of energy conservation measures. This led to a guaranteed saving for the Trust of over £12m in energy costs and more than 45,000 tonnes of carbon over 15 years.
Work on the current project is progressing smoothly, with the expected completion by autumn.