Royal United Hospitals Bath (RUH) has announced plans to become a more sustainable and energy-efficient organisation, after submitting a planning permission application to make major improvements to the heating system at its Combe Park site.

The RUH has received a £21.6-million government grant from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, which will be used to partially de-steam the site by replacing its ageing, inefficient boiler heating systems with more sustainable and energy-efficient equipment. This will enable the hospital to reduce the carbon emissions over which it has direct control by 19 per cent initially, and 25 per cent by 2030. In turn, this will improve the air quality around the hospital for patients and visitors, staff and the local community.

The grant will also be used to fund other improvements, such as solar panels and LED lighting, which is more user-friendly, environmentally friendly and comfortable for staff and patients.

The site's energy centre will be redeveloped, with four Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs) installed. This means that RUH could decommission some of the existing, less environmentally friendly gas boilers. It is also hoped the new system would see fewer leaks and disruption to services.

Toni Lynch, chief nursing officer for the RUH, said: “The RUH is aiming to reach Net Zero for scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions by 2030, in line with Bath and North East Somerset Council, and for the benefit of all of the people in our community. Decarbonising our site, and moving towards cleaner, more energy-efficient options, is essential in helping us reach this goal. We are very grateful to all the partners who are working together with us on this exciting project to make these vital changes.”