The NHS recognises the critical role that sustainability plays in promoting public health and minimising the impact services have on the environment.
Under government support, and by embracing new, greener methods, the NHS has made a substantial commitment to reducing carbon emissions and engaging in renewable energy sources in order to reach net-zero emissions by 2040.
And commercial heat pumps are proving a popular choice to drive energy efficiency in the health sector as they offer a low-energy alternative to conventional heating and conditioning systems.
This more-environmentally-friendly method transfers heat efficiently and affordably from one location to another using small amounts of energy.
Implementing energy-efficient technology can help healthcare facilities to enhance their public image and attract environmentally-conscious patients and staff
“Healthcare providers face several challenges in reducing energy consumption, including the need for 24/7 operation, energy-intensive medical equipment, and ageing infrastructure,” explains Tim Rook, a chartered engineer at Clade Engineering.
“To date, changing behaviour among staff and patients to adopt sustainable practices has proved difficult, yet, through government-supported schemes and a need to fulfil the requirements set by the Paris agreement, the NHS progresses well towards its sustainable future.”
NHS organisations have been able to invest in heat pumps through the £635m Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, which launched in October 2022.
The argument for heat pumps
Rook said: “Heat pumps are an efficient and practical option for commercial buildings because they maintain low carbon emissions and require little maintenance.
“Air source heat pumps use grid flexibility to reduce costs even further and are 300%-400% efficient, zero or low carbon, depending on the price.”
He added: “The NHS uses enormous quantities of heat and hot water to provide safe and effective healthcare for patients, contributing to around 22% of the UK carbon footprint.
“Currently this is generated by the combustion of fossil fuels, a high-cost and high-carbon activity.
“Heat pumps are the only scalable, available, and viable low-carbon heat generation technology.
“CO2 heat pumps, for example, can generate very-high temperatures suitable for hospitals where cleanliness and hygiene are of vital importance, and are low carbon and sustainable.”
The adoption of commercial heat pumps for heating and cooling brings lasting benefits to healthcare facilities.
Heat pumps are the only scalable, available, and viable low-carbon heat generation technology
“Commercial heat pumps can help overcome carbon emissions by using renewable energy sources to transfer heat, rather than burning fossil fuels”, said Rook.
“This reduces the amount of carbon emissions released into the environment and helps NHS buildings to achieve their carbon reduction goals.”
Affordable and capable
As a major polluter, accounting for 5% of the UK’s carbon emissions and 3.5% of all road travel, strides of progress are under way to bring CO2 emissions down within the NHS.
“With over 2000 hospitals in England alone, the NHS annually spends about £500m on electricity,” said Rook.
“And, according to estimates, it contributes four million tonnes of CO2 to the UK’s overall carbon footprint – or about 22% of the NHS.
“Heat pumps can save money and use less energy by moving heat from a cooler source to a warmer one, keeping buildings at a comfortable and even temperature with less energy.
“And patients receiving care, as well as the staff members, all benefit from this alternative source.
“CO2 heat pumps are more affordable, easier to install, and capable of generating high temperatures with high efficiency because they are air source heat pumps.”
The critical care unit at St Mary’s Hospital in London has installed a ground source heat pump system to provide heating and cooling.
As a result, the hospital’s carbon emissions have dropped by over 40%, and it expects annual energy savings of around £1m.
Clade has worked with a number of trusts to deploy heat pumps, supported by the £635m Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme
Widespread adoption
And the University Hospital of South Manchester has installed air source heat pumps to provide heating and cooling to the hospital’s new outpatient building, reducing the building’s carbon emissions by over 30%.
The financial benefits of commercial heat pumps make them an attractive option for healthcare facilities looking to reduce their environmental impact while saving money
“Trusts are constantly working to increase their buildings’ energy effectiveness,” said Rook.
“The Central London Community Healthcare (CLCH) NHS Trust powers its buildings with renewable electricity and intends to upgrade three of them with heat systems and solar panels over the next three years.”
Air source heat pump installations are also planned by Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust at Alfred Bean Hospital, Hornsea Cottage Hospital, and two locations offering private mental health services – St Andrews Place clinic and West End clinic.
In addition, a ground and water source heat pump system will be constructed at Birmingham Children’s Hospital operated by the Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust; while an air source and water source heat pump will also be constructed at the Parkview Clinic.
“There are over 40 planned installations across NHS trusts under the decarbonisation scheme across the UK,” said Rook.
With the right investments and policies in place, healthcare facilities can contribute to a healthier, more-sustainable world for generations to come
“Financially, these offer several benefits to healthcare facilities.
“They can reduce energy consumption and lower energy bills and help facilities qualify for financial incentives, such as government grants or rebates, for implementing energy-efficient technology.
“Commercial heat pumps also have a long lifespan and require minimal maintenance, reducing operational costs.
Leading the way
“Finally, implementing energy-efficient technology can help healthcare facilities to enhance their public image and attract environmentally-conscious patients and staff.
“Overall, the financial benefits of commercial heat pumps make them an attractive option for healthcare facilities looking to reduce their environmental impact while saving money.
“As the NHS’s adoption of commercial heat pumps shows, they have the potential to lead the way in sustainable healthcare practices, setting an example for other healthcare providers to follow.
“With the right investments and policies in place, healthcare facilities can contribute to a healthier, more-sustainable world for generations to come.”