Construction of a new Energy Centre continues strong partnership spanning two decades
Solihull Hospital is part of University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust. Back in 2005, we installed a 750kW Combined Heat and Power (CHP) asset to support their heat and power demand.
Since then, we have been proud to be responsible for the ongoing maintenance of this asset – ensuring it performed at optimal levels and safeguarding its lifespan and effectiveness.
In September 2021, Centrica Business Solutions were invited by the Carbon & Energy Fund (CEF) to competitively tender for the first phase in a range of carbon reduction measures that were to be undertaken at Solihull Hospital.
Following tender evaluation, we were selected as their sustainability partner for this phase.
This initial project involved installing a 615kW Cascade Heat Pump system, cavity wall insulation, optimisation of the Building Management System (BMS), and the replacement of approximately 2,500 lights with LEDs.
These measures were chosen as they could deliver significant carbon savings and improve the hospital’s overall energy efficiency. After helping Solihull Hospital to navigate some complexities in securing planning permission, construction began in Nov 2022 and the project was completed in Jan 2024. The project was underpinned by PSDS3a funding administered by Salix.
The Heat Pump will deliver 777,092 kWh of heat per year, representing around 9% of the site’s heat requirements. Since Heat Pumps are a low-carbon heating solution, combined with the energy efficiency measures also delivered on site, the project will reduce the site’s carbon footprint by 627 tonnes of carbon per year.In addition, the cavity wall installation will reduce draughts across the site and the new LED lighting will reduce eye strain. Both measures will contribute to making the site more comfortable for patients and staff alike. The project was completed to the highest standards of Health and Safety, with zero recordable injuries reported onsite. Solihull Hospital remained open, busy and active throughout construction, with no disruptions to patient care reported
Our partnership with Centrica Business Solutions has really helped us set a standard for sustainable healthcare. We’ve been able to maximise our savings as well as make the hospital a more comfortable place for patients and staff. We have plans to continue to work alongside Centrica Business Solutions for years to come, with a goal of reaching net zero in the not-too distant future. Martin Richardson Executive Director at Solihull Hospital
Centrica Business Solutions and Solihull Hospital built on the success of Phase 1 (through PSDS3a grant funding) and applied for PSDS3c grant funding in late 2023 to support the next phase of decarbonisation and energy efficiency plans. The application was successful, and Phase 2 was approved with funding administered by Salix.
Phase 2 focuses on the construction of a brand-new energy centre for Solihull Hospital. The existing CHP system will be removed and replaced with a new 2MW Cascade Heat Pump. Additional energy efficiency measures will also be undertaken, including the replacement of a further 1,000 lights with LEDs. Construction will begin in early 2025 and is expected to be completed by Spring 2026.
This second phase of decarbonisation measures will cover a further 76% of the site’s heating requirements, meaning that across the two phases, 85% of the site is being powered by low-carbon Heat Pumps. This second phase will reduce Solihull Hospital’s carbon footprint by 1,185 tonnes of carbon per year.
Across the two projects, Centrica Business Solutions will have helped the hospital to have reduced its carbon emissions by a total of 1,812 tonnes of carbon per year. The increased energy efficiency across the site also means the Trust can also expect to save £62,000 per year in energy costs, based on the Trust’s current energy tariffs.
Centrica Business Solutions designed and built a Microgrid with a Battery Energy Storage System and…
Turnkey CHP solution and partnership approach supports leading chain of hotels.
Centrica Business Solutions helped Moog to roadmap their green ambitions, and install a 2,200 panel…
Sign up to receive regular updates on:
By submitting your details you agree to process your personal data by Centrica Business Solutions as described on the Privacy Policy. Centrica Business Solutions will send you a regular newsletter and other marketing material we believe is relevant. You will be able to opt out of communications from us at any time.
