Centrica Drives Solihull Hospital’s Net Zero Energy Centre

Greetings, Net Zero News Community,

In a significant stride towards sustainability, Centrica Business Solutions has reaffirmed its commitment to Solihull Hospital by extending their partnership, which has flourished over the last two decades. This renewed collaboration is set to pave the way for the development of a cutting-edge energy centre, an initiative that promises to enhance the decarbonisation of the hospital’s estate while unlocking substantial savings.

The upcoming energy centre, anticipated to be completed by spring 2026, will replace the existing Combined Heat and Power (CHP) unit with a highly efficient 2MW cascade heat pump system. This modernisation aims to meet the hospital’s substantial heating demands, ensuring that patient care is not only effective but also ecologically responsible.

Once operational, this state-of-the-art facility is expected to fulfil over 75% of Solihull Hospital’s heating requirements, significantly reducing its carbon emissions by an impressive 1,185 tonnes annually. This ambitious project is a testament to Centrica Business Solutions’ ongoing commitment to support healthcare institutions in their journey towards a sustainable future.

For the past 20 years, Centrica has been an invaluable partner for Solihull Hospital, responsible for the maintenance and enhancement of energy assets across the estate. With the latest announcement, the collaboration will continue for an additional 18 years, allowing both entities to work hand in hand towards achieving net-zero goals.

This new energy centre is just the latest in a series of energy-saving solutions implemented by Centrica at Solihull Hospital. Recent upgrades have included modifications to the existing Building Management System to optimise performance and improve efficiency. These upgrades featured enhanced outstations, time scheduling, and set points, alongside the installation of cavity wall insulation and the replacement of 2,500 traditional lights with energy-efficient LEDs. Collectively, these improvements will reduce the hospital’s carbon footprint by an estimated 1,812 tonnes annually and deliver £62,000 in yearly cost savings based on current energy tariffs.

Solihull Hospital, operated by the University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, serves as an acute general hospital, providing a wide range of outpatient and inpatient services. Throughout the project, Centrica Business Solutions is dedicated to working closely with the Trust to ensure minimal disruption to patients, demonstrating a commitment to both sustainability and patient care.

Phil Bryant, Head of Business Development at Centrica Business Solutions, commented on the pressing need for energy efficiency in hospitals, stating: “Hospitals are facing increased pressures to balance their intensive energy demands with cost and carbon savings across their large estates. We’ve been a proud energy partner for Solihull Hospital for 20 years, and together we’ve worked to make the hospital estate more energy efficient by providing and maintaining low-carbon solutions. The new energy centre marks the next step on the hospital’s decarbonisation journey, and we look forward to seeing the results.”

Echoing this sentiment, Martin Richardson, Executive Director at Solihull Hospital, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, saying: “Our partnership with Centrica Business Solutions has really helped us set a standard for sustainable healthcare. We’ve been able to maximise our savings as well as make the hospital a more comfortable place for patients and staff. We have plans to continue to work alongside Centrica Business Solutions for years to come, with a goal of reaching net zero in the not-too-distant future.”

The funding for these energy reduction measures has been sourced from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, with Salix acting as the delivery body and development and procurement facilitated through the Carbon Energy Fund (CEF). This fund supports NHS Trusts and public organisations in enhancing energy infrastructure while reducing overall emissions.

Paddy Hendry from the Carbon and Energy Fund (CEF) expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating: “We were extremely pleased to be asked by the University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust to lead on the Procurement and development of their continued route to net zero. This is an exceptional project to be part of, delivering sustainable healthcare in true collaboration. The CEF-managed approach embraces the project from feasibility through procurement, construction, and contract and performance assurance (M&V).”

As we witness the transformation of Solihull Hospital, it underscores the vital role that partnerships between energy providers and healthcare institutions play in achieving broader environmental goals. The commitment to invest in sustainable energy solutions not only benefits the institution but also sets a precedent for others in the healthcare sector to follow.

With the world increasingly focused on the urgency of climate change, initiatives like this are crucial. They demonstrate that with collaboration, innovation, and a shared vision for a sustainable future, significant strides can be made towards achieving net-zero emissions. Centrica Business Solutions and Solihull Hospital are leading by example, showing that sustainability and healthcare can go hand in hand.

As we continue to follow this inspiring journey, it’s important for all of us to consider how we can contribute to similar initiatives in our communities. Whether through advocacy, supporting local projects, or simply spreading the word about the importance of sustainability, every action counts. Together, we can champion the transition to a net-zero future, ensuring a healthier planet for generations to come.

For further updates on this project and other initiatives aimed at achieving net-zero emissions, stay tuned to the Net Zero News Network. Together, let’s work towards a sustainable future!

For more information about Centrica Business Solutions, please visit their website.