Barnsley Hospital advances decarbonisation with new low-carbon upgrades

£399k investment through the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme will bring heat pumps, solar panels and energy efficiency improvements to part of the hospital estate, supporting long-term net zero ambitions

Patients, staff and the wider community are set to benefit from further investment in greener infrastructure at Barnsley Hospital, as work supported through the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme continues to progress.

The scheme, delivered by our teams at Salix on behalf of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, has awarded Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust £399,384 through Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme Phase 4 to support the decarbonisation of part of its estate.

We’ve been working with the Trust to deliver the project.

Members of our team recently visited the site to see the progress of the work first-hand and to understand how the technologies being installed will support the hospital’s long-term sustainability ambitions. The visit included a tour of the building where the measures are being delivered. We were able to explore how the improvements will reduce emissions while improving the working environment for staff.

The Phase 4 single-year project focuses on one of the hospital’s IT office buildings and is on track to be completed by the end of March. 

The work includes the installation of air source heat pumps to replace the end-of-life heating system, solar photovoltaic panels to generate renewable electricity on site and a new roof to improve the overall energy performance of the building.

Together, these upgrades will reduce the building’s reliance on fossil fuels, cut carbon emissions and improve energy efficiency, supporting the hospital’s wider efforts to decarbonise its estate.

Team members client support officer Jude Bywater and programme manager Christopher Masters joined the visit to learn more about the project and how the technologies are already making a difference across the site.

Jude said: “It’s fascinating to see the progress of the work and the technologies being installed. Visiting the site really brings to life how these projects are helping organisations move away from fossil fuels and towards cleaner, more efficient systems.

“We have worked with Barnsley Hospital over a number of years and it’s inspiring to see how they continue to build on that investment. Previous projects have already made a huge difference to how some of the buildings operate and to the comfort of those using them. 

“It’s encouraging to see the Trust continuing to innovate and push forward with its net zero ambitions.”

Beyond the environmental benefits, projects like this can have a tangible impact on the day-to-day experience of people working in and visiting the hospital. More efficient heating systems and improved building fabric help maintain more stable indoor temperatures, creating a more comfortable and reliable working environment for staff and supporting patient care by ensuring hospital spaces remain warm, well-ventilated and energy efficient.

Reducing energy consumption and generating renewable power on site can also help the Trust manage rising energy costs, freeing up more resources to focus on delivering vital healthcare services.

Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust energy and sustainability manager Mo Sajard, said: “This project is in line with our Green Plan and Heat Decarbonisation Plan, which serve as a cornerstone of our commitment to environmental responsibility.

“By upgrading our heating systems and investing in renewable energy, we are taking practical steps to reduce our carbon footprint while improving our estate for staff, patients and visitors.

“This project forms part of our clear roadmap for the future and demonstrates how we are embedding sustainability across our organisation.”

The Trust’s refreshed Green Plan for 2025–2028 builds on three years of progress in reducing environmental impact across the hospital. Achievements so far include cutting carbon emissions, achieving zero waste to landfill, reducing single-use plastics, removing harmful anaesthetic gases and lowering travel-related emissions.

Significant grant funding secured through national programmes such as the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme and the NHS Energy Efficiency Scheme has enabled the hospital to begin switching heating systems from fossil fuels to cleaner electric alternatives.

The Green Plan outlines the Trust’s three-year sustainability strategy and provides a clear roadmap to embed sustainable practices across every area of the organisation. The strategy reflects both national targets and the need for healthcare organisations to respond to the risks associated with climate change.

During our visit we were able to understand and see first hand how the strategy is making a difference. The investment in low-carbon technologies is helping to create healthier, more sustainable environments for patients, staff and communities.

Thank you to the Barnsley Hospital team for hosting our visit and sharing your knowledge and learning.