Cardiff hospitals deliver greener care through ambitious energy project
How a £6.9 million energy programme is changing Cardiff hospitals for the better
Hospitals in Cardiff are quietly undergoing a transformation that is saving energy, cutting costs, and supporting better care for patients.
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board will have completed the third phase of its ambitious Refit energy programme in early 2026. This national initiative helps public sector organisations improve energy efficiency through building upgrades, modern equipment, and sustainable technology.
The project forms part of the Health Board’s journey towards meeting the Welsh Government’s ambition of a carbon neutral public sector by 2030. By installing new glazing, LED lighting, solar PV panels and solar carports across five hospital sites, the Health Board is set to save over £600,000 every year and reduce annual carbon emissions by 473 tonnes. The £6.9 million project is already delivering lasting benefits to patients, staff, and the wider community.
However, for Jon McGarrigle, head of energy and performance at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, the project is about much more than numbers. Jon said: “The real value of this work is that every pound we save on energy can be reinvested in patient care. The annual savings are equivalent to the cost of 15 heart bypass operations or the salaries of 15-20 nurses. That is a tangible benefit for our patients.”
As well as financial savings, the improvements are already having a positive impact on hospital environments. Jon explained: “LED lighting has not only reduced energy use but also improved light quality. Patients and staff have told us that new glazing has reduced draughts and improved comfort. These may seem like small changes, but they make a real difference for people receiving care in our hospitals.”
The project also strengthens the resilience of the Health Board’s estate, ensuring its hospitals are fit for the future. The improvements ensure that facilities are fit for the future and capable of supporting high-quality care. Jon added: “We wanted to reduce carbon emissions and costs and improve our infrastructure. Upgrading systems makes our sites more reliable, more comfortable and better suited to the needs of patients and staff.”
Working through the Refit framework has been key to the project’s success. Jon said: “The framework gave us access to the expertise and resources we needed. Salix has been incredibly supportive throughout, making sure the funding process was straightforward. For an organisation as complex as the NHS, that support has been vital.”
Reflecting on the project, Jon highlighted the collaborative effort involved and the pride in what has been achieved. He said: “Energy management is a team effort. I am grateful for the support of Welsh Government, Salix and colleagues across the Health Board. What matters most is that this project is helping us deliver healthcare in a more sustainable way while improving the experience of our patients. That is something we are proud to be part of.”
Drawing on years of experience across the NHS, Jon reflected on the impact of the project beyond infrastructure and numbers. He added: “The NHS is a complex organisation, but it is also a remarkable one. To be able to contribute in a small way to the care of patients, while also helping the Health Board play its part in tackling climate change, is both humbling and inspiring. Energy management in healthcare is about more than technology; it is about people and how we create the best possible environments for them.”
By combining carbon savings with cost reductions, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board is building a roadmap towards net zero while ensuring that more resources can be focused where they matter most on delivering outstanding care for patients.