A major upgrade has begun at Combe Park estate, Royal United Hospitals (RUH) Bath NHS Foundation Trust.

The upgrade will deliver a carbon reduction of approximately 25 percent from 2030 onwards.

The project has received £21.6 million grant funding from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS), which is administered by Salix on behalf of the Government’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ). 

The existing boiler plant will be removed and replaced with a new low-carbon heating system, including 2.2MW of air and water source cascade heat pumps.

A new 300kWp solar array will reduce the carbon impact of electricity, with potential future inclusion of battery energy storage.

Meanwhile, a new building management system will provide the essential control of all the systems and enable greater oversight and control of energy expenditure.

There will also be fabric improvements, new LED lighting, insulation, high voltage electrical infrastructure, and upgrading the on-site energy systems to extend the lifespan of existing equipment.

Toni Lynch, chief nursing officer at the RUH said: “The RUH is committed to supporting the NHS’s ambition to become the world’s first Net Zero health service, for the benefit of our patients, staff, and wider community. This carbon-saving project marks a crucial milestone on that journey, and we’re proud to be working in partnership with the CEF, Salix and Veolia to make it a reality.”

Director of public sector decarbonisation at Salix Ian Rodger said: “The NHS has set itself bold net zero targets and Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Trust is working hard towards achieving these.

“This project will go a long way towards helping the Trust meet their net zero targets and deliver significant energy cost savings.  It is a great example of how decarbonisation projects can deliver cost effective and sustainable buildings, as well as enhancing patient care.”