Over 10% of NHS estate to switch to 100% renewable electricity

Published: 18-Feb-2020

Landmark deal will help towards carbon neutral pledge

NHS Property Services (NHSPS), the body responsible for more than 10% of the NHS estate, has announced two new energy contracts which will see it switching to natural gas across its sites.

Under the deals, secured via Inspired Energy Solutions; British Gas will provide 100% renewable electricity and Corona will provide natural gas to all NHSPS properties across England by April this year.

NHSPS is responsible for around 11% of the NHS estate, totalling more than 34 million sq ft, and with over 3,500 properties, mostly hospitals, health centres and GP surgeries; and 5,000 employees.

By moving to 100% renewable electricity, it will offset over 40,000 tonnes of CO2 per year, demonstrating its dedication to tackling climate change while promoting sustainable practices within all its buildings.

Switching to 100% renewable electricity for all our buildings is a landmark moment in efforts to transform our NHS portfolio into a sustainable estate

The use of renewable electricity will not increase costs to either NHSPS tenants or NHSPS itself.

And, with the implementation of a new procurement strategy, as part of the new contracts; it will be able to deliver some of the best prices in the market, while managing risk and maintaining budget certainty.

The move follows the launch of the For a greener NHS campaign and forms part of NHSPS helping to transform the estate so it can provide sustainably run buildings that help to deliver excellent patient care.

The NHS is currently responsible for around 4-5% of the UK’s carbon footprint.

In September 2019, Simon Stevens, chief executive of NHS England, said the NHS would be accelerating its efforts to tackle climate change with a series of co-ordinated measures to reduce its carbon output – saying that the health service should also embolden staff to lead discussions with the public about wider measures needed to address climate change.

As well as switching to 100% renewable electricity by April 2020, NHSPS is also committing £1.5m in 2019/20 towards an LED upgrade programme, among other measures.

We take our responsibility towards reducing the environmental impact of our buildings very seriously

Commenting on the deal, Martin Steele, chief operating officer at NHS Property Services, said: “Switching to 100% renewable electricity for all our buildings is a landmark moment in efforts to transform our NHS portfolio into a sustainable estate.

“We take our responsibility towards reducing the environmental impact of our buildings very seriously.

“This move will also help us to improve the wellbeing of our people and patients whilst reducing NHS operating and maintenance costs.”

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