Big ambitions set the tone for a net zero future for Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust

Patients, community and planet benefit from Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme

Ambition comes big at Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust where a giant decarbonisation project has been celebrated.

Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust secured £10m from Phase 1 of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme and a further £21m from Phase 3c of the scheme.

The Phase 1 grant was one of the largest awarded under the £1bn scheme launched in 2020, and was used to improve hospital sites across Goole, Scunthorpe and Grimsby. The project was completed in April 2022.

Our teams at Salix have been working closely with the trust over the last few years to help them deliver annual savings of more than 2,000 tonnes of CO2.

We recently visited the trust to discuss its big net zero vision. We were able to take a look at how further projects at Scunthorpe Hospital, which was funded under Phase 3c of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, as well as the Goole works funded under Phase 1, contribute to the big picture.

Our programme co-ordinator Justin Morris has been working closely with the trust through its net zero journey. He said: “The NHS has set itself tough net zero targets and like all of us, is working hard to save the planet and avert climate change disaster.

“It is impressive to see how much the trust has achieved in a relatively short space of time. The hospital is acutely aware that reducing carbon emissions has significant health benefits.”

During the visit we were able to meet Alex Best, group deputy director of capital services, James Watts, engineering project manager, Ryan Peck, engineering project manager, and Craig Stapleton, energy manager from the trust who talked us through the technologies and the challenges of working on hospital sites.

Alex said: “We are very aware that we need to move fast, both for the wellbeing of the planet as well as for the local community that we serve.

“Poor environmental health contributes to a number of major diseases, including cardiac problems, asthma and cancer.

“We began by working through the challenging period of COVID and tight Phase 1 delivery timelines and during this period we were able to replace coal fired boilers at Goole District Hospital with an efficient combined heat and power engine.”

Goole was one of only two coal-fired boilers left in the country and, in carrying out this and alongside other planned energy saving works, it’s aim is to reduce this site’s carbon emissions by almost 60 per cent.

Craig explained that the combined heat and power engine supplies nine plant rooms across their Goole site. It has helped provide more than 4,000 tonnes of carbon savings and just over £1 million of cumulative financial savings since the project was completed in April 2022. 

Also at Goole, to complement effective management and optimisation of the system, the team installed carbon reduction measures, including building management systems, LED, cavity wall and loft insulation as well as air handling units.

At Scunthorpe Hospital, the trust is now embarking on the replacement of three end-of-life dual fuel boilers with a single electric fired steam raising boiler.  This is funded by Phase 3c of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme.

Contrary to de-steaming the site, they are installing the first electric boiler of this magnitude in the UK to keep their steam heating distribution system and radiators to avoid significant replacement costs, this amongst other measures will lead to the Trust having one of the first carbon neutral heating sites in the NHS.

The works at Scunthorpe Hospital is currently going through the planning permission application process, and they are hoping for approval in mid-April for the new energy centre. In May double glazing is due to start being installed in patient and staff areas, adding further complexities to meet tight timescales. And replacement roof coverings are also commencing in April. Alongside these works the Trust is converting all fluorescent light fittings to LED.

Challenges

There have been a number of challenges with the project. For example, the new 1MW solar car port array which will feed electricity to the electric boiler, leaves the trust facing challenges of arranging alternative parking for staff. 

Space will also be restricted when they install contractor cabins and works parking to access and install the various Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme funded measures, including double-glazing windows, roof insulation, BMS, and air handling units.

Justin said: “It’s incredibly inspiring to visit the trust and see the very real efforts being made to reduce carbon emissions.

“Working on a hospital site is complex and the priority will always be with the patients and ensuring that every team can do their job. However, behind the scenes there is a huge amount of thinking and work happening to help address the issues of climate change.”

For information about the trust’s net zero ambition see its Green Plan which sets out its commitment to a more sustainable future.

Thank you to the Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust for hosting our team and explaining the vision to reach net zero.