A new report shows £540m has been invested over eight years in technologies such as LED lighting, insulation and better energy control in UK hospitals.
And, £1.85bn has been saved over that time; with £190m cut off the 2016 NHS energy bill.
The figures are electrifying. Rarely before has such concrete evidence on the benefits of sustainable light in the healthcare sector been available.
The paper, ‘Securing healthy returns; Realising the financial value of sustainable development,’ should come as a clarion wake up call to energy managers nationwide. It proves unequivocably why energy efficient technologies; both lighting and others, must play a central role in the future of the NHS.
NHS energy efficiency, the urgent call to action
The analysis follows on from the Carter Review. This identified potential efficiencies in NHS hospitals worth up to £1.3bn and included interventions with environmental co-benefits such as improved energy efficiency.
David Pencheon, Director, Sustainable Development Unit, said: “We know that the NHS and health sector is facing its greatest financial challenge, and we need to seize every opportunity to realise savings and efficiencies.
“This report and supporting resources help organisations to identify opportunities that can save money now and have a positive environmental effect, which will save money and improve health, now and in the future.”
The vast savings available
The paper estimates an average sized hospital with 3,000 staff, performing 60,000 operations a year could save up to £2.2m and cut 3,000 tonnes of carbon per year; the same as taking 1,300 cars off the road annually.
High efficiency lighting, lighting controls and boiler plant optimisation are all among measures recommended in the report, and are all measures supplied by Energys Group.
“We are delighted to see concrete evidence behind what we’ve long known to be the case, the major argument for essential energy efficiency improvements in hospitals,” says Kevin Cox, Managing Director, Energys Group.
“This report is a tremendous piece of work, because it highlights just how valuable an energy efficient approach is, not only in terms of cost savings, but in terms of mitigating carbon and delivering more holistic healthcare too.”
Cox cites a commitment the NHS has already made, detailed in the report; ‘The NHS is committed to providing best value for taxpayers’ money – it is committed to providing the most effective, fair and sustainable use of finite resources,’ reads NHS Constitution Commitment 6.
“This promise must be seen through,” Cox demands. “We’re truly excited to be on the precipice of a new sustainable era in UK healthcare. Energys Group stands ready and proud to deliver the efficient technologies, like lighting and boiler optimisation, that will revolutionise UK hospitals.”
The final word
“In addition to the legal and scientific reasons for taking sustainable development and climate change seriously, there are equally important financial and organisational reasons for action,” concludes Michael Brodie, Finance and Commercial Director, Public Health England
“In PHE, we have already saved millions of pounds and reduced our carbon footprint by rationalising processes and estate.”
