Vital Energi is working with York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust on a decarbonisation project, helping the Trust achieve its goal of net zero by 2040
As part of the decarbonisation project, two 200kW air source heat pumps will enable zero carbon on-site energy generation. Vital Energi aims to help the hospital site become more energy efficient by upgrading the building fabric of the three-storey Ward Block Building.
The current fabric used on the Ward Block Building, which was built in the 1970s, has poor thermal insulation, which leads to heat loss which results in higher energy consumption.
The fabric upgrades have been installed in the west elevation of the site, which has the largest external surface of the estate, totalling 2,520m2. This will cut heat loss in the building, resulting in lower heating bills and carbon emissions. The decarbonisation project will also improve the aesthetics of the building. There will also be better lighting and ventilation.
The hospital can continue its clinical activities during the project
Vital Energi has a wealth of experience working with hospitals and medical staff. Vital Energi can help ensure that the hospital’s clinical activities can continue throughout the decarbonisation project. The hospital will also maintain optimal internal temperatures and air quality conditions.
“This is our second project at York Teaching Hospital, and we’re proud to be helping them make further strides towards their target of net zero emissions by 2040 through the installation of a range of energy solutions,” said Steve Black, Vital Energi’s account director.
“The upgrades to the external façade and the windows of the ward block are almost complete, and not only has the energy efficiency of the building increased significantly, but the upgrades have also created a strong visual impact,” he continued.
The decarbonisation project was funded by the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS), which is administered on behalf of the Government’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ).
The decarbonisation project will lead to huge financial savings
This is the second project at York Teaching Hospital delivered by Vital Energi. In 2016, they retrofitted the hospital’s energy centre and installed new energy conservation measures. These new measures led to savings of over £12m in energy costs and over 45,000 tonnes of carbon over the course of the 15-year contract. Work on the site is already underway and expected to be complete by autumn 2023.
“I am delighted to see the new insulation and new windows to the ward block, which will make this area more comfortable for patients, staff and other users, and will save 575 tonnes of carbon each year and contribute to the NHS target of an 80% carbon reduction by 2030,” concluded Jane Money, head of sustainability at the Trust.
