How heat pumps can help the NHS decarbonise

The NHS set a goal in 2020 to become the first health system in the world to pledge to achieving net zero emissions. Here, Clade Engineering’s Tim Rook discusses the role heat pumps can play in  meeting these targets.

Heat pump technology can have a significant impact on overall emissions reduction targets, with heat pump usage helping the NHS hit the target of reduced emissions of 80% between 2028 and 2032 in order to reach net zero emissions by 2040.

Heat pumps come in two varieties: ground source and air source. Air-source systems use fans to circulate air throughout the building; ground-source systems use underground pipes to move water through all parts of a NHS facility like a hospital. This includes underfloor heating systems and radiators.

The most important benefit of using commercial heat pumps in NHS hospitals is energy efficiency. They are much more energy efficient than traditional heating systems, and this can help to reduce energy costs for NHS hospitals. Additionally, heat pumps are more environmentally friendly than traditional systems, as they don’t produce emissions or pollutants.

Why should commercial heat pumps be used in NHS buildings?

The NHS is facing a crisis. The organisation has been struggling with budget cuts and an ageing infrastructure for years. It has had some success in reducing its carbon footprint as part of its efforts to tackle climate change. According to the NHS Green Plan, it managed to reduce “carbon emissions by 30% between 2017/18 and 2020/21 and delivered associated cost savings of over £23m back to the NHS”.

How can heat pumps help the NHS continue to get greener and achieve a zero carbon target by 2040?

They are more efficient than traditional methods and use less power than conventional systems. This benefit produces similar levels of heat or cooling at a lower cost per unit output over time.

NHS facilities gain an environmentally friendly heating system that also cuts down on waste – the recycling waste heat produced during operation goes back into usable form again via another process called “recovery”.

The NHS uses enormous quantities of heat and hot water to provide safe and effective healthcare for patients, contributing to around 22% of our UK carbon footprint. Currently this is generated by the combustion of fossil fuels, a high cost and high carbon activity.

Heat pumps are the only scalable, available and viable low carbon heat generation technology. CO2 heat pumps can generate very high temperatures suitable for hospitals where cleanliness and hygiene are of vital importance, and are low carbon and sustainable. We would use our Oak heat pumps which are high spec for hospitals. They have high quality components designed for long life and efficient performance as well as full data access to our digital services.

To determine the appropriate heat pump for a hospital, an experienced engineer would conduct a feasibility study that evaluates various factors such as space, noise levels, power supply, and suitability. Once the study is completed, the engineer moves on to the design and installation stages, with correct commissioning and servicing playing a critical role in ensuring the system’s long-term success. Throughout the first year of operation, engineering support is vital to optimise the heat pump’s performance under all conditions.

Typically, heat pumps are installed in the hospital building’s car parks or open spaces, or on the roof, where they require adequate air flow for optimal functioning. The hot water generated is then piped into the existing boiler location and distributed from there. Modifications to the heat pump system are necessary to enhance efficiency, and a power supply from the nearest supply or sub-supply is also required.

Why heat pumps are the future of the NHS’s road to net zero

The healthcare industry in the UK spends £400 million annually on energy, a large percentage of which is wasted. There is unnecessary waste because of the outdated and inefficient energy facilities operated by many NHS trusts.

Reasons for the NHS to install heat pumps in more facilities:

1. Quiet, efficient and reliable. They’re easy to maintain, so fewer concerns about breaking down when you least expect it.
2. Unlike gas boilers and oil boilers, they don’t require any servicing work once installed. This is ideal for hospitals where 24/7 activity occurs.
3. A significant investment for the NHS. They provide better health and comfort to patients and reduce energy consumption, which will save the NHS money in the long term.
4. More efficient than traditional methods. They don’t produce carbon dioxide, which is good for the environment.
5. More efficient on colder days, unlike boilers and oil boilers, which use more fuel when the temperature drops below 10C; they can operate at very low temperatures. This means that NHS buildings save energy even during the colder months.
6. Suitable in areas impossible for traditional systems like boilers or air conditioning units because they don’t require additional infrastructure, such as pipes or ductwork, in order for them to operate properly.

Any barriers to entry for the distribution of heat pumps in hospitals?

• Heat pump systems can require more specialised technical expertise for installation and maintenance. Hospitals may not have the technical expertise in-house though external contractors are available to install and maintain the system.
• The upfront costs of installing a heat pump are higher than those for traditional systems, but over time, the NHS saves money because their fuel consumption is lower.
• Some hospitals may lack awareness of the benefits of heat pump technology and how it’s integrated into their existing infrastructure. This lack of awareness can make it difficult to generate support for the adoption of heat pump technology within the hospital. The NHS Green Plan can rectify this barrier by training trusts on heat pump benefits.
• Installation of a large enough heat pump with an output of several megawatts must be considered. The bespoke pump needs to be able to run a full hospital at a high capacity. While this sounds like a barrier to wider deployment, the good news is that Clade can produce this.
• The regulatory framework surrounding the installation and operation of heat pump systems can be complex. This may be a barrier for hospitals looking to adopt this technology. For example, there may be planning permission requirements or building regulations that need to be met before a heat pump system can be installed.