UHNM Celebrates Sustainability Milestone On £5.4 Million Net Zero Carbon Emissions Project

Team members from UHNM's Estates, Transformation and Sustainability departments during the sustainability tour

University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM) is celebrating a major milestone in its journey towards achieving net-zero carbon emissions, following significant progress on its £5.4 million Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS)

Following more than two years of strategic planning and project delivery, the various teams across estates, transformation and sustainability have worked together using the grant to replace aged industrial gas boilers with localised Air Source Heat Pumps, transition from gas-fuelled steam production to electrically generated steam and install Solar Photovoltaic (PV) panels as well as LED lighting across Royal Stoke.

The sustainability measures implemented have already delivered outstanding results including the reduction of direct CO₂ emissions by 1,243 tonnes, cost effectiveness at £55 per tonne of CO₂, saved more than a 20-year equipment lifecycle, improved air quality for patients, staff, and the wider community; resolved critical backlog maintenance through a boiler replacement, eliminated a major site risk linked to legacy steam distribution infrastructure and progressed against NHS Net Zero carbon targets, all providing a strong return on investment and long-term value for money.

These outcomes represent a substantial step forward in UHNM’s commitment to the NHS Net Zero target, contributing to the broader Greener NHS agenda and futureproofing the Trust’s operations. UHNM has now received the final instalment of its £6 million capital grant, having completed these key infrastructural improvements.

Louise Stockdale, Head of Environmental Sustainability, said: “This major grant marks a key step in UHNM’s journey to net zero by 2040, significantly cutting carbon emissions. Though PSDS funding has ended, the sustainability team remains committed to finding new funding and partnerships to further reduce emissions and create a cleaner, safer healthcare environment.”

As part of the continued commitment to reducing carbon emissions and improving environmental sustainability, teams across UHNM recently took part in a guided sustainability tour led by Charlie Cox, Energy Manager and Louise Stockdale, Head of Environmental Sustainability, highlighting the progress made thanks to the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS) grant.