More than 100 solar-powered streetlights and bollards have been installed at Cirencester Hospital as part of Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust’s work to reduce carbon emissions across its estate.
The scheme, delivered by off-grid lighting specialist Prolectric, replaces ageing mains-powered lighting across the hospital’s car parks, walkways and external areas.
Prolectric’s AE3 and AE6 solar streetlights have been installed alongside ST-Series solar bollards, with the system designed to meet site lighting requirements and relevant British standards without the need for a grid connection.
The project forms part of the Trust’s wider sustainability programme and supports the NHS ambition to achieve net zero carbon emissions from its directly controlled estate by 2040.
The design also had to respond to the hospital’s rural setting. Around a third of the site is woodland, with trees bordering car parking areas and a circular wellbeing walk linking the hospital with surrounding green space. Nearby conservation areas added further environmental and planning considerations.
Chris Williams, group facilities manager at Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust, said: ‘Selecting the right lighting is critical for a rural community hospital, supporting round-the-clock care by providing safe, well-lit and accessible external areas.
‘The solution needed to balance dependable, year-round performance with the hospital’s sustainability goals and its sensitive natural surroundings.
‘By delivering reliable, low-maintenance off-grid solar lighting without the need for extensive cabling or a grid connection, Prolectric has helped the Trust improve safety and accessibility while supporting the wider transition to lower-carbon healthcare estates.’
Following the Cirencester installation, the Trust plans to extend the approach to North Cotswold Hospital and Charlton Lane Hospital, with further sites also under consideration.
Kathryn Adams, director of product at Prolectric, said the lighting could be installed without extensive trenching, cabling or connection to the electricity network.
She added: ‘The result at Cirencester is responsive lighting that supports safe movement around a busy hospital site while remaining sensitive to the site’s historical backdrop and woodland setting.’
Prolectric says its permanent solar lighting systems are designed for year-round use in UK conditions and can reduce the infrastructure and installation work associated with conventional mains-powered lighting.