In a significant move towards sustainability, the Devon Partnership NHS Trust (DPT) has been awarded over £5 million to decarbonise its facilities. This funding is set to support two major energy projects that aim to enhance environmental performance and reduce operational costs across various NHS sites in Devon.
The government grants include £3 million from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero designated for the installation of 2,200 solar panels. These solar energy solutions are expected to generate savings of nearly £250,000 annually while significantly contributing to the trust’s carbon reduction goals.
Additionally, the funding will facilitate the replacement of outdated fossil fuel boilers, which will cut down carbon dioxide emissions by more than 100 tonnes (or 98.4 tons) per year. The solar panel installations will take place at several key sites, including Langdon Hospital in Dawlish, units at Torbay Hospital, as well as other locations in Exeter, Paignton, and Exmouth.
Moreover, an additional £2.1 million grant from Salix, an organization managing government funding for environmental initiatives, will support the decommissioning of existing fossil fuel boilers at DPT’s Wonford House headquarters in Exeter. This will allow the trust to transition to greener energy sources, marking a pivotal step in their sustainability journey.
Mark Barriball, the deputy director of estates and facilities at DPT, expressed enthusiasm over the successful funding acquisition. He emphasized the positive impact these projects will have on their sustainability efforts and the potential for cost savings that could be redirected toward improving patient care.
This initiative is part of a broader effort within the NHS to address climate change and promote greener practices throughout the healthcare sector, showcasing DPT’s commitment to a cleaner, more sustainable future for healthcare in the region.
