Barnsley Hospital has reached a green milestone – with the big ‘switch-on’ of its first solar panel installation.
The achievement ushers in the beginning of onsite green, renewable energy generation for the hospital. Alan Heathcote, Head of Projects for Barnsley Facilities Services (BFS) Estates, said 1,001 panels had been installed with an energy generation of 378,660 kWhs or the equivalent to power 140 homes in Barnsley.
The project was funded by the NHS Energy Efficiency Fund, resulting in an annual carbon saving of 73 tonnes.
Michael Wright, Managing Director, Net Zero Lead, Barnsley Hospital NHS FT, said: “We are proud to be part of this important solar initiative. Installing solar panels across our buildings will not only help reduce our energy costs while powering our buildings with clean, renewable energy, directly supporting our commitment to achieving net zero.”
Standing on part of the hospital roof for the switch-on, where the panels are installed, Alan Heathcote added: “This project represents more than just a new piece of technology; it symbolises our commitment to environmental stewardship and innovation within healthcare.
“By harnessing clean, renewable energy, we are making a significant step towards reducing our carbon footprint and ensuring that our hospitals can continue to care for both our people and our planet, for generations to come.”
As part of the hospital’s Green Plan, it has adopted a range of cutting-edge technologies, from intelligent building management systems that optimise energy use, to heat recovery and air-source heat pump installations, to electric vehicle charging infrastructure supporting greener transport.
“Together, these initiatives bring us closer to our goal of becoming net zero carbon by 2040.
“This solar installation is just the start. It shows what can be achieved when innovation, teamwork, and vision come together. I’d like to thank everyone involved including the NHS Energy Efficiency Fund, Energy Efficient Solutions Group, our Estates Team, our Sustainability Manager and our Exec Team for supporting this project.”