Hull’s Marfleet Health Centre is set to become more sustainable as part of the NHS’s drive to net zero, with the installation of photovoltaic panels on the roof.
The project is part of a joint project between Hull Citycare, who owns and manages the building, and Community Health Partnerships (CHP), who is the head tenant.
The health centre was originally built in 2005 under the NHS LIFT programme, which was aimed at transforming health services across the country. The building will have a number of modifications to reduce its carbon footprint, becoming the first LIFT health centre in Hull to have photovoltaic panels funded by Community Health Partnerships.
Citycare has created a digital model of the building, enabling them to test out ideas and create a decarbonisation plan. The health centre is currently having 166 photovoltaic panels installed on the roof, which convert sunlight into electricity. They will produce around 56,000 KWh of energy per year, enough for 62% of the health centre’s energy needs.
As well as providing an annual saving on energy bills of around £9,500, the panels will save 14 tonnes of CO2 a year, reducing the carbon footprint of the building. Over the lifetime of the panels, that’s equivalent to saving the carbon emissions of over 300 long haul flights.
The installation of the photovoltaic panels is one of a number of measures which will reduce Marfleet Health Centre’s impact on the environment. Over the last 18 months, the centre has had all its 386 traditional light fixtures gradually replaced by LEDs, which use 25% less energy and last up to a decade, ten times as long as a traditional fluorescent light bulb. These have dramatically reduced the centre’s energy usage, and made it one of the few LIFT health centres in the country to be fully lit with LEDs.
The health centre is also set to have further work in the next year, with a plant room upgrade and air conditioning replacement scheduled to take place. CHP is also funding the installation of voltage optimisation to all 13 Hull LIFT health centres.
Tim Wigglesworth, Chief Executive of Hull Citycare, said: “With the NHS aiming to achieve net zero by 2040, it’s vital that everyone involved in healthcare has a robust plan to make their estate as sustainable and energy efficient as possible.
“We’re hoping that this scheme will inspire other health centres across the country to look at their buildings and explore what modifications will help reduce their carbon footprints.”
CHP, a Department of Health and Social Care-owned property company, are head tenants at Marfleet Health Centre.
Alan Land, Head of Technical Services at CHP, said: “”The installation of photovoltaic panels at Marfleet Health Centre in Hull is a tangible example of Community Health Partnerships’ commitment to driving sustainability across our estate. This project not only reduces the building’s carbon footprint and operational costs, but it also directly supports the Greener NHS target to reach net zero before 2040.
“The team at CHP are working on initiatives across our portfolio, from energy-efficient upgrades to innovative renewable energy solutions, ensuring that our healthcare facilities contribute to a healthier environment for all. As a key member of the NHS family, we recognise our responsibility to protect the environment and promote sustainable practices.”
The six-week programme to fit the solar panels, which is being project managed by Sewell Facilities Management and fitted by local renewable energy specialists N&P, will be completed by the middle of April, without disruption to health centre operations.
