Trafford General Hospital, the iconic birthplace of the NHS, will be making history once again when work begins in January on a £20 million initiative to transform it into the UK’s first inpatient hospital with a Carbon Net Zero energy system.
This pioneering project will replace the hospital’s ageing heating and energy infrastructure with cutting-edge, low-carbon technology, marking a major milestone in the NHS’s sustainability journey.
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), which manages Trafford General, secured £18.9 million in funding from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme to support this transformational programme. The project will significantly reduce the hospital’s carbon emissions, cutting energy-related emissions by an estimated 92% by 2040, and will also save up to £100,000 annually on energy costs.
The first phase of the project will be the transformation of the hospital’s 50-year-old, fossil fuel-reliant heating system. Dalkia, an energy services provider which is part of the EDF Group, has now been appointed to install state-of-the-art air and water source heat pumps to replace the outdated natural gas heating.
Mark Cubbon, Chief Executive of MFT was a nurse at Trafford General Hospital early in his career and described the project as a defining moment.
Mark said: “This pioneering scheme is fantastic news as we work towards making the NHS Carbon Net Zero. For our patients, staff, and communities, it demonstrates our commitment to improving the environment and tackling the broader causes of health inequality. Trafford General has an incredible heritage, and this project reinforces the hospital’s legacy as a symbol of progress; honouring its role as the birthplace of the NHS while paving the way for a greener, healthier future.”
Kathy Cowell, Trust Chair, said: “This historic step shows that the future of Trafford General Hospital is just as bright as its past. We are very proud to be playing such a major role in the plans of both the NHS and Greater Manchester to become Carbon Net Zero, with all the environmental and health benefits which this will bring for generations to come.”
Speaking about their role in this landmark project, Jon Kershaw, Managing Director for Dalkia, said:
“We are proud to deliver the initial stages of this groundbreaking project. By replacing the hospital’s aging heating system with cutting-edge low-carbon technology, we are helping to set a new benchmark for sustainability in healthcare. This project shows the power of collaboration and innovation in driving the transition to net-zero energy systems. We are delighted to be carrying this work out at the birthplace of the NHS.”
The project will also upgrade the hospital’s cavity wall insulation and “supercharge” its renewable energy generation by expanding its solar panels. These enhancements will ensure a more comfortable environment for patients and staff, delivering warmer winters and cooler summers while also taking a major step away from fossil fuels.
This project also represents significant progress for Greater Manchester’s drive to achieve Carbon Net Zero by 2038.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham praised the initiative, saying:
“This is great news for Trafford residents and beyond. It ensures the hospital continues to provide outstanding care while pioneering green energy solutions. It is another significant step toward making Greater Manchester carbon neutral.”