Construction has now begun on a car park at Scunthorpe Hospital, the canopy of which will consist of solar panels. The project forms part of a broader initiative, valued at £27 million, targeted towards substantially diminishing the hospital’s annual carbon emissions by over 4,000 tonnes. The cutting-edge development is set to replace the current staff car park and create 450 spaces.
Alongside the solar carports, there are plans to upgrade the heating system of the hospital. Present gas-powered boilers will be replaced with electric variants, and insulation throughout the facility will be improved. Significantly, over £20 million of the project’s funding stems from the government’s Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme.
Representing the NHS Humber Health Partnership, Alex Best, openly recognised the substantial contribution of the NHS to the UK’s carbon footprint. Best stated, ‘We’re well aware of the significant role we play in contributing to the issue. But that also provides us with an opportunity to be an integral part of the solution.’ This initiative signifies a progressive stride towards sustainability within the healthcare infrastructure of Lincolnshire.
The Lincoln Post adapted this story from the original report found on www.bbc.com.
