Saving energy and money to boost healthcare resources in Devon

"This initiative with Centrica is a major part of our approach to reduce the amount of money we spend on energy and utilities, releasing more funds to invest in frontline patient care and other vital functions. At the same time, reducing our energy consumption helps reduce our environmental impact."

Robert Steele, Deputy Director of Strategic Capital Planning, Royal Devon & Exeter NHS Foundation Trust

Centrica Business Solutions is undertaking its most ambitious NHS project yet in the south west of England.

The Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust provides healthcare services for nearly half a million people across many sites and communities. Understandably, the trust would rather spend scarce resources on caring for people than paying for energy. So we’re helping the Trust to do that.

We’re currently installing state-of-the-art energy technology at five healthcare sites across Exeter, including a new 1.5 megawatt combined heat and power (CHP) unit at Wonford Hospital to generate electricity onsite, roof mounted solar panels, LED light fittings, air conditioning upgrades and new energy efficient boilers.

The £7 million project is due for completion by mid-2020 and is expected to reduce the annual emissions of the trust by 2,200 tonnes of carbon dioxide, equivalent to taking more than 1,450 cars off the road. It will save money too, an impressive £800,000 a year, which can be reinvested in critical frontline services.

By providing these solutions we are helping Royal Devon and Exeter to achieve its broader sustainability goals. Centrica currently supplies more than 1,300 NHS providers with products and services.

2,200 tonnes of CO2 saved a year. Which is the equivalent to taking 

1,450cars off the road. Resulting in a £800,000a year cost saving.