Big eco-friendly upgrade at Croydon University Hospital
All lighting at Croydon University Hospital will be replaced by eco-friendly LED bulbs by the end of Summer 2020, saving the equivalent of 800 homes’ electricity use(1).
This bright idea is also estimated to release £205,000 in energy savings each year(1), funding further improvements in patient care.
Other benefits are(1):
• Bright and comfortable lighting for patients.
• Reduced carbon emissions, equivalent to planting 28,400 trees.
• Saves 2,440,000 kWh of energy each year.
The Hospital successfully secured all of the £856,000 required for this upgrade from national body NHS Improvement, which has a limited sustainability fund, so this has not needed any local funding.
Work has begun and the new LED bulbs are already installed in some parts of the Hospital, including the large Jubilee Wing that has 11 wards. In total, 6,327 lights will be upgraded.
It is another big step in the greening of Croydon, alongside a range of initiatives by partner organisations across the borough.
Allan Morley, Director of Estates and Facilities at Croydon Health Services NHS Trust (which runs the Hospital), said:
“Being more sustainable begins to address problems like air pollution, heatwaves and flooding that can put people in hospital, so this issue is very close to our hearts in the NHS. We want a healthier future for everyone. It’s great to be part of Croydon’s community which is among the best at sustainability in London.
“We’re proud to bring nearly one million pounds of funding into Croydon for this upgrade. It will also save us a lot of money that we will use to develop Croydon’s NHS services, which is more good news for our local community.”
Other examples of the Trust’s commitment to sustainability include:
- Its reduction in direct carbon emissions (from energy) by 18.5% from 2013 to 2019, despite increases in floor space by 3% (new ED department) and in staffing by 4%.
- The total Trust electrical usage had fallen by 9% by 2019, from its peak demand in 16/17. This has been achieved through a variety of energy saving projects.
- Changes in how it procures all its stock and materials, which make up 76% of its overall carbon footprint, such as sourcing more of it locally and combining transport.
- Business travel emissions were reduced to 90% and patient transport emissions reduced to 51% by 2019, compared to what they were in 2013/14.
NOTES:
- (1) Figures provided to the Trust by Energys Group.