Health Minister Andy Burnham has announced £100 million funding to help the NHS make further energy savings. He made the pledge as he published a new energy performance report for the NHS in England, showing substantial progress against energy efficiency and carbon emission targets.
There are currently two energy efficiency targets applying to the NHS:
To achieve energy usage of between 35-55 Gigajoules per 100 m3 for all new buildings – equivalent to up to one and a half times the energy usage of a domestic house – and 55-65 Gj/100 per m3 for all existing buildings – equivalent to that of 1.5-2 domestic houses;
To reduce primary energy consumption and reduce carbon emissions by 15% from 2000 by 2010.
The average energy performance of NHS building space has improved by 6% compared to 1999/2000, with 70% of Trusts reporting their building energy performance within the target ranges during 2004/05. However, during the same period, carbon emissions rose 11% as the number of buildings has expanded. Andy Burnham said: “Many NHS organisations are pioneering innovative cost saving energy schemes.
I congratulate those organisations and I would like to see more of these schemes across the NHS.
The reduction of carbon emissions and greenhouse gases is important for the environment and helps people lead a healthy life. Saving energy also means cost savings in the long term that Trusts can spend on improving patient care. The NHS is using more energy overall because it is occupying more space.
However, energy performance and efficiency is increasing and the £100 million that I’m announcing today will help NHS organisations achieve energy and carbon emissions targets.”
Environment Secretary David Miliband added: “If we are to effectively combat climate change, everyone – Government, business and individuals – must play their part. The public sector is taking a leading role in tackling climate change and I strongly welcome this initiative which will help the NHS in meeting its targets and reducing carbon emissions.”
Trusts can begin applying to the Department of Health through their SHA (directly for Foundation Trusts) for the £100 million funding immediately and money will be issued over a three year period.
