Marfleet Health Centre in Hull is set to enhance its environmental credentials as part of the NHS’s commitment to achieving net zero, with the installation of photovoltaic (PV) panels on its roof.
The initiative forms part of a collaborative project between Hull Citycare, which owns and manages the building, and Community Health Partnerships (CHP), the health centre’s head tenant.
Originally constructed in 2005 under the NHS Local Improvement Finance Trust (LIFT) programme — designed to transform healthcare services across the country — Marfleet Health Centre will become the first LIFT building in Hull to have PV panels funded by CHP.
A digital model of the facility has been created by Citycare, enabling the organisation to trial various energy-saving initiatives and devise a decarbonisation plan.
In addition to delivering annual savings of approximately £9,500 on energy costs, the panels will reduce the building’s carbon footprint
The current works will see 166 photovoltaic panels installed, capable of generating approximately 56,000 kWh of electricity per annum. This will meet around 62 per cent of the centre’s energy requirements.
In addition to delivering annual savings of approximately £9,500 on energy costs, the panels will reduce the building’s carbon footprint by an estimated 14 tonnes of CO₂ each year — equivalent, over their lifespan, to the emissions produced by more than 300 long-haul flights.
The solar panel installation is one of several measures being introduced to improve the health centre’s environmental performance.
Over the past 18 months, all 386 of the building’s traditional light fixtures have been gradually replaced with LED alternatives.
With the NHS aiming to achieve net zero by 2040, it is vital that everyone involved in healthcare has a robust strategy to ensure their estates are as sustainable and energy-efficient as possible
These use 25 per cent less energy and have a lifespan of up to 10 years, 10 times that of conventional fluorescent lighting, resulting in a significant reduction in energy consumption. Marfleet Health Centre is now one of the few LIFT health centres nationally to be entirely illuminated by LED lighting.
Further improvements are planned for the coming year, including a plant room upgrade and the replacement of the building’s air conditioning system. CHP is also investing in the installation of voltage optimisation technology across all 13 Hull LIFT health centres.
Tim Wigglesworth, Chief Executive of Hull Citycare, commented: "With the NHS aiming to achieve net zero by 2040, it is vital that everyone involved in healthcare has a robust strategy to ensure their estates are as sustainable and energy-efficient as possible. We hope this scheme will inspire other health centres across the country to consider what modifications they can make to reduce their carbon footprints."
Alan Land, Head of Technical Services at CHP, added: "The installation of photovoltaic panels at Marfleet Health Centre in Hull is a tangible demonstration of Community Health Partnerships’ commitment to advancing sustainability across our estate.
The solar panel installation is one of several measures being introduced to improve the health centre’s environmental performance
"This project not only reduces the building’s carbon footprint and operational costs but also directly supports the Greener NHS target of achieving net zero before 2040. Our team is delivering a range of initiatives across our portfolio, from energy-efficient upgrades to innovative renewable energy solutions, ensuring that our healthcare facilities contribute to a healthier environment for all."
The six-week project to install the solar panels — managed by Sewell Facilities Management and delivered by local renewable energy specialists N&P — is scheduled for completion by mid-April. Crucially, the works are being undertaken without disruption to the health centre’s day-to-day operations.
Following the successful completion of the Marfleet project, the team will proceed with the installation of photovoltaic panels at two additional sites: Newington Health Centre in West Hull and Alexandra Health Centre in the Avenues area.