Government funds heat study to boost Oxford hospitals' energy efficiency
New study aims to enhance energy systems at the John Radcliffe and Churchill hospitals
Oxford University Hospitals will soon be taking action to make their energy systems more efficient at the John Radcliffe and Churchill hospitals.
The hospitals have received funding from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero to support the project, which falls under the Heat Network Efficiency Scheme.
Starting in June, the study will look at how heat is generated and distributed around the hospital buildings and will explore ways to make these systems work better.
This follows earlier improvements which updated systems and added low-carbon technologies like heat pumps at Horton General Hospital in Banbury and the John Radcliffe Hospital.
The focus now is on ensuring all these systems function well together to meet the needs of the hospital estate.
The study's findings, set for release in spring 2027, will help guide future energy decisions across Oxford University Hospitals.
It is part of a larger effort to reduce carbon emissions and contribute to wider low-carbon heat networks in Oxford.
The Trust says efficient energy systems are key to cutting down carbon emissions, reducing energy costs, and making sure hospitals have reliable energy for patient care.
Lisa Hofen, Chief Estates and Facilities Officer at Oxford University Hospitals, said: "This funding is a really important step in helping us understand how our energy systems are performing following major recent upgrades across our estate.
"Using detailed evidence, we can improve efficiency, reduce carbon emissions and make best use of the technologies already in place."