Morecambe Bay hospital trust saves 300,000 pounds on energy bills with solar panels and efficiency upgrades
beyond.radioUniversity Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust cut its energy costs by about 300,000 pounds through a package of green measures. The trust installed 2,230 solar PV panels across three hospital sites, upgraded pipework lagging, replaced air handling units, and fitted energy efficient LED lighting. A modern steam trap network with sensors also reduced steam losses from heating and sterilisation systems. The trust estimates these changes will save roughly 459,000 pounds annually and cut carbon emissions by 400 to 500 tonnes of CO2e per year. The work was coordinated by a dedicated energy manager role, a position the trust says shifted its approach from reactive maintenance to a structured decarbonisation programme. Next steps include installing EV charging at Furness General, exploring charging for ambulances, and replacing steam boilers at Barrow and Royal Lancaster Infirmary with low carbon heating. The trust is working toward the NHS target of net zero by 2040 for directly controlled emissions.