UK GIB to launch new NHS energy efficiency financing programme in April

The UK Green Investment Bank (GIB) will be launching a new NHS energy efficiency financing programme next month, which aims to help Trusts and Health Boards bolster their budgets by implementing energy efficiency measures.


The NHS deals with more than one million patients every 36 hours working across 2,300 hospitals, making it a heavy user of energy because of its size and activities.

According to a report last year by the Tax Payers Alliance, NHS sites across England, including hospitals, spent more than £630m on energy in 2012-13.

UK GIB managing director for energy efficiency, Gregor Paterson-Jones said: “The NHS estate offers a huge opportunity for cost savings through energy efficiency. The time is right – the technology is mature and well proven, we have some very positive case studies showing what’s possible and all public bodies have to face the risks of rising energy costs and ongoing budget pressures”.

NHS chief executives, finance and estate directors have been invited to learn about the programme at its first NHS Energy Efficiency Forum in April, when the programme will be launched.

Senior representatives from GIB and the NHS will outline the opportunities available to reduce energy usage and associated costs, improve energy services and meet energy reduction targets, says the GIB.

Last year, a pilot project at Barts Health NHS Trust in London, the largest NHS Trust in the UK, saved the Trust £100,000 in energy bills. The organisers said the success of the project could be replicated on a larger scale.

Called Operation TLC, the behavioural change project, which involved 15,000 employees, reduced the number of lights left on in wards by up to 40%.

Leigh Stringer

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