The challenge
Milton Keynes University Hospital (MKUH) NHS Foundation Trust has an ongoing commitment to reducing its carbon impact, and through its Sustainability Strategy, has already cut emissions by 20%.
As part of this mission, and to meet increasing demand for services at the 550-bed healthcare facility, the trust began the latest phase of its CO2 reduction strategy.
This involves upgrading the flat roof over the original community hospital buildings to improve its thermal performance by installing insulation and photovoltaic panels (PV).
And all works are being undertaken while the hospital is open and operating as usual.
Due to the size of the flat roofs, works are being carried out in phases.
For phase one, covering 5000sq m over eight roofs, an indepth roof condition survey was carried out by Langley and found that the aged felt roofs and one raised asphalt area forming the main flat roof were all showing major deterioration, posing an urgent health and safety risk.
Therefore, the project required a rapid resolution through an efficient procurement process.
It was also important to use a knowledgeable contractor that could react to the short lead-in period, project manage as budgetary/contract lead, and provide innovative solutions to on-site problems.
The solution
CWG Group, an approved contractor of Langley, was appointed via the LHC Framework as principal contractor to carry out the works.
And a team, comprising of a full-time site manager and 25 roofing operatives, came together to achieve delivery of the extensive project.
Multiple potential combustible details were identified.
One of the roofs had several failed rooflights, which CWG removed and upgraded.
A triple-skin construction with a translucent inner skin, the rooflights optimise thermal insulation while allowing diffused natural light inside without solar glare.
A snap-on security frame was also fitted for site safety.
In co-ordination with the roof works, CWG further installed 2,000 photovoltaic (PV) panels to increase cost-effective and sustainable running of the building.
Phase two will start later this year and will involve further extensive flat roof refurbishment.
With the extensive consumption of electricity in a hospital environment, the trust is demonstrating a benchmark in healthcare refurbishment.
By utilising its flat roof estate to install a solar PV scheme, it is supporting the future of both the local community and the environment by delivering renewable energy and a greener solution.
Refurbishment of the hospital estate also allows for the proficient care of the community, ensuring no operational theatres and other essential rooms are closed due to issues faced with aged and defected waterproofing.
Tony Marsh, estates services manager at Milton Keynes University Hospital, said: “We are undertaking a significant programme of work to replace and upgrade the flat roofing across the site, enabling us to improve the energy efficiency and performance of our estate.
“This includes enhancing our roofing insulation, increasing the energy that we produce on site and reducing our carbon emissions.”