Carbon cutting plans unveiled by the Royal Bath
Plans include new heating systems to help improve air quality
The NHS Trust which runs Bath's hospital has unveiled what it says are ambitious plans to cut carbon emmissions.
It's been given a £21-million grant from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme which will help fund new solar panels and LED lighting - and replace the ageing boiler system to improve air quality around the site.
There would also be new Air Source Heat Pumps on the roof - which officials do not believe would add to noise pollution for people living nearby.
The NHS is now drawing up a planning application, for changes to the pipework and other infrastructure.
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.”
"The application focuses on the redevelopment of the hospital’s existing Energy Centre on the west of its site and would see four Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs) installed on the roof of the Energy Centre. The carefully researched proposals include steps to reduce noise omitted by the ASHPs, to make sure that residents living on roads close to the development notice as little difference as possible.
"A future planning application, expected to be submitted in the new year, will see the hospital apply for additional permissions where required to install the pipework and other infrastructure that is needed to circulate this lower-temperature water.
"Improving air quality in this way is not just important for the environment. It also benefits the health of all those who use, work in and live near the hospital. Fossil fuels are one of the main contributors towards ill-health caused by air pollution, and it’s thought that over one-third of asthma cases could be avoided by efforts to cut carbon emissions."
Ian Rodger, Director of Public Sector Decarbonisation at Salix, said: “The NHS has set challenging net zero targets and we are looking forward to working with the RUH as it progresses its journey in support of these targets.”
"If plans are approved, work would start soon after and be completed by 2026.