Building Back Greener: Strategies for Building, Transforming, and Retrofitting the NHS Estate
The webinar "Building Back Greener: Strategies for Building, Transforming, and Retrofitting the NHS Estate" brought together industry experts to discuss innovative approaches for enhancing sustainability within the NHS. With pressing environmental concerns and the NHS's ambitious net-zero goals, speakers shared valuable insights and strategies for optimizing healthcare facilities. The discussions emphasized collaboration and creativity in overcoming challenges, from energy-efficient technologies to integrating natural capital. Below are highlights from three key speakers who offered diverse perspectives on achieving a greener NHS.
David Coxon, NHS Newcastle upon Tyne
David, an NHS manager in Newcastle upon Tyne, shared his transition from arts management to sustainability in healthcare, overseeing two large hospitals and several community sites. He discussed the complexities of energy management, particularly the challenges of retrofitting older buildings to improve sustainability while ensuring safety. David emphasized the difficulties in accessing funding for green initiatives due to strict regulations and competition among trusts, which complicates planning for necessary upgrades. He highlighted the urgent need for innovative solutions to meet the NHS's ambitious net-zero goals by 2040, noting that public sector decarbonization funding remains competitive and uncertain. To navigate these challenges, David called for greater collaboration within the NHS to streamline funding processes and minimize resource competition. By questioning existing frameworks and fostering a supportive network, he aims to address common concerns in healthcare sustainability and promote shared success in achieving environmental goals.
Ian Sanderson, CEO of NextGen
In his webinar segment, Ian Sanderson, CEO of NextGen, introduced a revolutionary heating technology that resembles wallpaper. This next-generation radiator utilizes low-voltage electricity to generate infrared heat, mimicking the warmth felt from sunlight. Unlike traditional heating systems that warm air, this innovative system heats objects and surfaces, resulting in a more immediate and effective comfort level. Notably, the technology is adaptable for both new builds and retrofits, addressing challenges in older infrastructures. Ian highlighted its efficiency, demonstrating significant energy savings by allowing heating to activate based on occupancy. This is particularly beneficial in care homes, where patients are Bluetooth-tagged, enabling the system to adjust heating automatically. He emphasized that this innovation can enhance patient comfort and staff well-being while reducing energy waste, aligning with sustainability goals. Ian concluded by encouraging stakeholders to reconsider heating practices, particularly regarding energy usage and carbon footprint reduction in healthcare settings.
Alison Holt, Director of Natural Capital Solutions
In her segment, Alison Holt, director and co-founder of Natural Capital Solutions, discussed the vital role of biodiversity and ecosystem services in enhancing the NHS outdoor estate. She highlighted the importance of integrating natural capital into healthcare decision-making, emphasizing the substantial benefits these green spaces provide, including carbon sequestration, health and well-being improvements, and biodiversity support. Alison shared insights from her recent projects with NHS Scotland, revealing that many NHS sites possess significant outdoor areas that can be optimized for various activities, such as gardening and recreation. Her assessment of NHS Lothian identified over 81 hectares of green space, noting the potential for improving biodiversity and health outcomes. She stressed the need for a robust business case to advocate for preserving and enhancing these outdoor spaces, ultimately leading to cost savings and better health for patients and staff. Alison concluded by encouraging organizations to utilize natural capital assessments to inform future management strategies for outdoor estates.
Thank you so much to our panellists and all our attendees for an excellent webinar! Be sure to check out our upcoming webinars and register today!