A new heat pump system, LED lighting upgrades and insulation measures will be introduced at Walsall Manor Hospital as part of a £12.5 million “green” investment.

Vital Energi has partnered with Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust to deliver an innovative decarbonisation project that will reduce the Trust’s carbon footprint by 1,200 tonnes each year.

Thanks to funding from Phase 3B of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS), Vital Energi will implement a range of energy solutions across the hospital site, from heat pumps to LED lighting upgrades.

As well as reflecting the Trust’s dedication to environmental sustainability and enhancing the hospital’s energy efficiency, this project will support the NHS in achieving its goal of net zero by 2040.

Serving a population of around 270,000 across Walsall and surrounding areas, Walsall Manor will benefit from low-carbon heating, which will be supplied via a 1MW heat pump system.

Heat pumps take low-grade heat from the ground, water or air and boost it to higher temperatures to make it useable for heating.

Almost 4,000 light fittings will also be upgraded to LED, which will significantly reduce energy consumption. Pipework insulation will be upgraded to improve energy efficiency across the site, and replacement windows will ensure heat loss from the buildings is reduced.

The team from Vital Energi will also build a new plant room in a courtyard to house Air Handling Units (AHUs) for newly refurbished respiratory theatres.

Stuart Cornaby, Head of Estates for Walsall Healthcare, said: “The work being undertaken by Vital in partnership with the Trust is a positive step towards achieving the NHS Target of net Zero by 2040.

“This is an existing project using the most up-to-date technology, moving away from gas-powered boilers.

“Over the coming years, the Trust and its partners will embrace the NHS greener plan to improve the facility and the environment.”

Steve Black, Account Director at Vital Energi, said: “This project represents a major step towards making Walsall Manor Hospital a more sustainable and energy-efficient facility, and we are proud to support the Trust in its mission to create a greener healthcare environment.

“Once complete, the project will support the Trust in its sustainability efforts, and contribute to the NHS’ overall net zero goal.”

Completion is scheduled for October 2025.