This partnership, aligned with the Trust’s net zero commitment, includes the installation of a 1MW air and water source heat pump system, which will significantly cut reliance on fossil fuels by providing low-carbon heating and cooling.
Upgraded lighting and energy-saving improvements
More than 1,000 light fittings across the hospital are being upgraded to energy-efficient LEDs, enhancing lighting quality for patients and staff while reducing energy use.
Vital Energi is also implementing improvements to the hospital’s building fabric, including upgraded windows, roofs, and pipework insulation. These changes are aimed at preventing heat loss, reducing draughts, and cutting energy costs, creating more sustainable hospital facilities.
Grant-funded green technology investments
Supported by grant funding from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS), administered by Salix for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, the project will deliver significant environmental benefits.
Sandwell General Hospital’s carbon savings, equivalent to removing nearly 2,000 petrol cars from the road each year, underscore the impact of these energy-efficient solutions.
Fran Silcocks, head of sustainability at SWB NHS Trust, said: “We are proud to be taking such significant steps to improve our environmental impact.
“By investing in cutting-edge technologies like heat pumps and other energy efficiency measures, we are not only reducing our carbon footprint but also creating a more sustainable healthcare system that will benefit the community for years to come.
“These energy efficiency projects mark a major step in the Trust’s commitment to greener healthcare operations and support the NHS’s broader goals for a net zero health service.”
Steve Black, account director at Vital Energi, commented: “We are delighted to be working with Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust to deliver this innovative energy solution, which not only supports the Trust’s commitment to reaching net zero but also helps create a more sustainable healthcare environment, and a more comfortable environment for patients, staff, and visitors.
“By combining renewable technologies with comprehensive energy conservation measures, we are demonstrating the tangible benefits of decarbonisation in healthcare settings.”
Image: Vital Energi