Heating upgrades to cut carbon emissions are starting at Royal Stoke University Hospital.

University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM), which runs the site, aims to achieve net zero emissions by 2040.

A two-year project is getting under way this week, which will see four large industrial boilers used to heat the hospital replaced with local air source heat pumps, while gas-fuelled steam production is set to be replaced by local electrical generated steam. Almost 100 solar panels will be installed on two buildings and work is already under way to install energy-saving LED lights in three buildings.

UHNM is working towards a national target of cutting carbon emissions by 80% by 2028. THe project is being funded by a £5.4 million Decarbonisation Scheme grant from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

Almost 100 solar panels will be installed on two buildings and LED lights will be installed in three buildings (SWNS).

Lou Jenkins, Transformation Project Manager at UHNM said: "We are delighted that work is underway on this monumental project, enabling the delivery of schemes that will significantly decarbonise the heating of our estate The replacement of gas-fuelled heating systems with air source heat pumps and locally generated steam means UHNM is not only progressing towards its mandated carbon emission targets, but improving local air quality for our staff, patients, and local residents in our surrounding community."

Planning applications have recently been submitted to Stoke-on-Trent City Council seeking permission to install air source heat pumps at the Lyme Building and the Under Graduate Medical School building. Each new facility will be contained in a secure enclosure.

A design and access statement submitted as part of the applications said: "The selection of these units was based on their minimal height, and so, it is not envisaged that it will have a detrimental impact on the visual amenity of this area. The loss of five parking bays is anticipated, however there is further parking provision in proximity.

"The proposal(s) seek to upgrade the existing building(s) to a low carbon heating system. Visual amenity, noise impact on nearby buildings and pedestrian and vehicular access to the UGMS building and Lyme Building will be unaffected by the proposals."

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