Did you know the NHS contributes to around 5.4 per cent of our total carbon emissions in the UK, equal to the greenhouse emissions of 11 coal-powered stations?
NHS England alone is responsible for an incredible 40 per cent of the public sector’s emissions.
But the figures are hardly surprising when you consider hospitals and healthcare settings provide 24-hour care using vital albeit energy-consuming life-saving equipment.
And then there’s the waste; 156,000 tonnes a year to be exact, the equivalent of more than 400 jumbo jets full of waste.
Yes. NHS England set out the ambition in 2020 to become the first net zero health service in the world by 2045 alongside NHS Scotland.
NHS Wales has committed to a 34% reduction by 2030 with NHS Northern Ireland committing to the overall public sector’s 2050 net zero target.
There are many initiatives already taking place across the NHS such as reducing single use plastic, recycling theatre waste, installing sustainable lighting and improving the green space around hospitals including green roofs.
Healthcare sites are also examining their supply chains to make sure suppliers provide details on carbon emissions. Using less diesel and petrol vehicles for patient journeys is also being highlighted.
However, these measures can only go so far in helping them reach their net zero journey because the largest contribution to greenhouse gas emissions is the energy used by hospitals and healthcare providers.
Hospitals often have large carparks which are perfect for installing solar canopies to generate your own renewable energy onsite.
Solspan’s research has shown solar carports could cut the healthcare sector's annual CO2 emissions by over 23 million kilograms, equivalent to 767 round-trip flights between London and New York, and reduce emissions by 230 million kilograms over ten years.
Not only will solar canopies contribute to your net zero journey but also save money on energy bills especially in such an unpredictable energy market.
Our research revealed that healthcare businesses could save over £200k a year on average from solar energy applications on previously unused carpark space.
By providing your own energy, organisations can budget better and funnel the savings into equipment and services.
We developed an easy to use Solar Savings Calculator to help healthcare settings and hospitals realise these potential savings.
By simply inputting the number of car parking spaces, you can instantly calculate your potential annual financial and carbon savings.
Many healthcare providers are encouraging their staff to rethink their journeys to work by walking, cycling and using car sharing schemes and public transport instead of driving to work.
And as electric vehicles (EV) become more and more popular, one of the great benefits of solar carports is how easy it is to combine them with EV charging points during installation.
Our research showed that EV charging capabilities of solar carports could power over 427,000 electric vehicles annually, translating to 4.2 million EVs over the same period.
They can either be used to provide free energy to staff as a perk of the job or by visitors, or you can charge for the energy used.
Our team of experts pride themselves on looking after the whole process for you, from the initial design and consultation stage to groundworks, installation and electrical connections and have received fantastic feedback from clients.