The services will be delivered under an energy performance contract (EPC) with the aim of lowering costs and cutting carbon emissions across three key hospitals – Lincoln County Hospital, Pilgrim Hospital in Boston, and Grantham and District Hospital.
By implementing a wide-ranging programme, the contract will look to annually reduce carbon emissions by 7712 tonnes, according to Veolia, as well as provide £1.4 million of financial efficiencies per year, build long term energy resilience, and make lasting enhancements to the patient care environment.
Measures will include installing nearly 13,000 LED light fittings, a new combined heat and power plant, boiler enhancements, conversion of the steam system to a low temperature hot water network, new electrical infrastructure upgrades and control systems for the facilities that cover 74,174m2. The new plant will be operated and maintained by Veolia's engineering teams for 15 years, with investment payback achieved in just over three years.
The new works will build on the reductions already achieved by Veolia at Lincoln Hospital, where around 64,000 tonnes of CO2 have reportedly been saved since 2004, and included the ‘90k in 90 days’ initiative, a three-month challenge to engage staffto make regular, small, money-saving changes.
Gavin Graveson, executive VP at Veolia UK & Ireland, says: “We look forward to continuing our work with the UHLT and helping them achieve their carbon reduction targets. The new measures will now extend their efficiency and sustainability, and make a real difference to the patient care facilities. At over £1 million a year, the savings will also make a big difference to the Trusts budget.”
Claire Hall, associate director for strategic business planning at ULHT, adds: “Sustainability, energy efficiency, and carbon reduction, are at the heart of our management policy. We have already made great strides in reducing our carbon footprint. By upgrading and investing in sustainable technologies, it’s our ambition to reduce this by 28 per cent by 2021.”