NNUH secures £9 million sustainability grant to drive net zero ambitions
The Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has received a £9 million grant to assist in funding a sustainability project that will reduce our reliance on fossil fuels for energy needs.
The project also marks the start of a 17-year partnership between NNUH and the Carbon Energy Fund (CEF), who will provide expert guidance on technical design, procurement compliance and cost-effectiveness, ensuring the project delivers maximum value and sustainable outcomes.
The Trust is the only NHS Trust in the East of England to secure funding from the latest round of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS). The grant, delivered by Salix on behalf of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, will support the installation of an air source heat pump system, which will replace the hospital’s traditional gas boilers, making them largely redundant.
Linda Martin, Interim Director of Estates and Facilities said: “As part of our commitment to achieving net zero by 2040, we are upgrading our hospital’s heating system. After evaluating various options, our heating infrastructure will be supplemented with an air source heat pump, which has been identified as the best solution for the Trust.”
“Arranged in partnership with CEF, the £9 million of funding will contribute to upgrading our infrastructure to be more environmentally friendly, resulting in carbon savings of approximately 2,900 tonnes per year.”
“A significant number of Trusts are already working with CEF to achieve carbon and financial savings. In addition, the initiative is projected to be revenue positive, generating around £1.4 million in savings over 15 years.”
To complement the grant, NNUH will contribute £1.22 million from its capital programme by the end of 2027/28. The funding will be distributed over the next two financial years with the project being set for completion by Spring 2028.
Sustainability Manager Ellen Goodwin added: “Our Trust will continue to work closely with CEF, to work together in facilitating sustainable change over the long term, further helping us achieve our net zero by 2040 goals by upgrading our carbon and energy infrastructure.”
Will Fairclough, Project Manager at the Carbon and Energy Fund, said: “The decarbonisation project at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital is truly cutting-edge. It is delivering significant carbon reductions at a major acute hospital while successfully navigating the complexities of a Private Finance Initiative (PFI) Estate. The collaboration between the NNUH team and it’s PFI FM providers has been exemplary and has been fundamental to making this project possible.”
Director of public sector decarbonisation at Salix, Ian Rodger added: “We are delighted to work with Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to support its journey toward greater energy efficiency.
“This initiative will make hospital buildings more comfortable and welcoming for patients, while also reducing reliance on fossil fuels. By transitioning to cleaner energy, these sites will benefit both people and the planet.”