Building a greener and more sustainable hospital
In line with the Greener NHS programme, we're planning to build one of the first net zero carbon hospitals.
The new hospital will be more sustainably heated and it will be powered using the best and latest green technology.
What is 'net zero'?
Net zero refers to the balance between the amount of greenhouse gas produced and the amount removed from the atmosphere. We reach net zero when the amount we add is no more than the amount taken away.
We are aiming to be a net zero hospital by reducing our carbon emissions and offsetting the emissions that are produced.
What will we do to be greener, more sustainable and reach our net zero target?:
Be green - we'll use more renewable energy
We'll use heat pump technology. This transfers heat between cooler and warmer spaces.
We're also looking at solar panels and battery storage systems. They would capture natural renewable energy that can be transformed into electricity.
Be lean - we're designing the hospital to use less energy with minimal heat loss by
• using high efficiency LED lighting
• using improved fabrics and reusing heat that would be wasted
• maximising the amount of daylight coming into the building to aid patient health, improve staff wellbeing, and reduce energy use and harmful carbon emissions
Be clean - we are going to prioritise cleaner sources of energy
Dr Nadia Audhali, Green at Barts volunteer and Paediatric Registrar
"Working in healthcare we have a really vital role to play to show that we are taking climate change seriously and doing what we can to reduce our impact on the climate. I’m really proud and excited that Barts Health is aspiring to build a net zero carbon hospital.”
Here's many of the ways we'll make the site more environmentally friendly:
The wider redevelopment of the Whipps Cross site will also include:
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Better flood mitigation and water management: The drainage will promote increased water use efficiency and improved water quality.
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Greener and better connected transport links: We will work with local councils and transport authorities to improve transport links. There will be better pedestrian and cycling routes around the site.
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Lots more green space and plant more trees and plants: This will improve air quality and mean a 10% increase in biodiversity.
Find out more: