Intensive care? Intensive carbon?
With an ambitious goal of achieving net zero carbon by 2040 for the emissions it directly controls (alongside the broader national target of net zero by 2050), the NHS faces a monumental task in reshaping its energy infrastructure and practices.
Intensive care? Intensive carbon?
With an ambitious goal of achieving net zero carbon by 2040 for the emissions it directly controls (alongside the broader national target of net zero by 2050), the NHS faces a monumental task in reshaping its energy infrastructure and practices.
POSSIBILITIES
Andrew Kuo
Data Science Lead
Hoare Lea
As the NHS navigates this challenge, we are providing innovative solutions and support, ensuring that Net Zero Carbon goals are met, and patient care is enhanced.
When supporting this effort, the importance of understanding the trends and insights from across the NHS estate cannot be overstated. Our insight into the energy landscape for the NHS involves an analysis of the Estates Returns Information Collection (ERIC) dataset. ERIC serves as a comprehensive repository of mandatory submissions by all NHS trusts, providing valuable data on the operational, cost, and sustainability aspects of the NHS.
The analysis focuses on two key metrics: Energy Use Intensity (EUI) and Green Energy %. Energy Use Intensity measures the total amount of energy consumed per square meter per year, while Green Energy % is the proportion of energy consumption that comes from renewable sources.
Overview.
Energy Use Intensity (EUI) trends since 2019
Since 2009, there has been a general decrease in EUI across most NHS use typologies.
Fuel mix trends since 2008
Delving into the composition of the fuel mix over the years, a clear shift is evident.
Green energy by use typology and region
The analysis of Green Energy % shows variations across regions and use typologies. Overall the East of England and North East/Yorkshire have led in the adoption of renewables, whilst the North West lags across the board.
Green energy year-on-year change by use typologies (2022-23)
Shown on the left.
Green energy year-on-year change by region (2022-23)
Shown on the right.
Green energy year-on-year change by use typologies (2022-23)
Green energy year-on-year change by region (2022-23)
Performance initiatives.
Green energy % by Energy Manager
To enhance performance, NHS trusts have implemented various strategies, including the establishment of designated Energy Manager positions.
Heat Decarbonisation Plan (2023)
Considering the substantial presence of gas in the current fuel mix, transitioning heat sources away from fossil fuels presents a significant challenge and opportunity in the coming years.
(2022 figures shown in brackets)
While much progress is still required, the increase from 26% of trusts in 2022 represents a marked year-on-year improvement.
Backlog.
Cost to eradicate backlog by risk level (2023)
Each year, the NHS estimates the cost to eradicate the backlog of repairs across its estates.
Non-Inpatient sites
While decarbonisation is obviously worth pursuing in its own right, the NHS also see it as part of the solution to the current backlog issue. In the report Greening the Business Case (NHS England ยป Greening the business case), they make a strategic case for green investment, siting both the benefits of operational energy related cost savings and reduction in backlog maintenance.
It is evident that intervention is required across the NHS estate to both realise the Net Zero Carbon ambitions by 2040 and meet the clinical service needs of patients. Achieving these aims would befit the world leading institution that is the NHS.
LET'S TALK
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