The £21.6 million project, funded through the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme and administered by Salix on behalf of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, is expected to save around 45,000 tonnes of carbon over the life of the contract. The Carbon and Energy Fund led the Trust’s funding application and procurement.

Approved by Bath and North East Somerset Council in February 2025, the works include removing the hospital’s existing boiler plant, replacing ageing infrastructure, and installing 2.2MW of air and water source cascade heat pumps. The upgrades also cover the desteaming of the heating distribution network, while maintaining steam supply for sterilisation.

The project will also deliver:

• a 300kWp solar array with potential future battery storage

• a new building management system for energy control

• building fabric improvements

• LED lighting and insulation upgrades

• high-voltage electrical infrastructure improvements

The measures are designed to exceed government targets for NHS decarbonisation and will reduce reliance on fossil fuels through a combination of renewable generation, heat pumps, and existing combined heat and power systems.

John Abraham, chief operating officer at Veolia UK & Ireland, said the project would deliver ‘major carbon reductions that exceed the government’s targets, making it future proof for years to come’.

Toni Lynch, chief nursing officer at RUH, said: ‘The RUH is committed to supporting the NHS’s ambition to become the world’s first Net Zero health service. This carbon-saving project marks a crucial milestone on that journey.’

Salix director Ian Rodger added: ‘This project will go a long way towards helping the Trust meet its net zero targets and deliver significant energy cost savings.’

The RUH provides acute care for around 500,000 people across Bath and the surrounding area. Veolia has worked with the Trust since 2011 and currently manages energy and facilities services for more than 100 hospitals across the UK.