NHS Lanarkshire has taken a significant step towards its environmental sustainability goals with the recent installation of solar panels at its Kirklands headquarters.
This initiative forms part of the health board’s wider strategy to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2040, demonstrating a firm commitment to reducing its environmental impact.
Supported by the Scottish Government’s Green Public Sector Estates Decarbonisation Scheme, the project included the installation of solar panels and additional energy efficiency measures at both Kirklands HQ and the West of Scotland Laundry.
NHS Lanarkshire has pledged to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2040
Martin Hill, Chair of NHS Lanarkshire and Sustainability Champion, highlighted the importance of cross-sector collaboration in tackling climate change:
“This partnership with the government underscores the importance of collaboration in achieving sustainability goals across the public sector.
“NHS Lanarkshire aims to set a strong example and show that sustainability is at the heart of the organisation’s operations. Installing solar panels is a tangible demonstration of our dedication to environmental sustainability and our journey towards achieving net-zero emissions.”
NHS Lanarkshire has pledged to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2040, with a specific target of achieving net-zero heat by 2038.
The newly installed solar panels at Kirklands are expected to meet approximately 13.4% of the site’s annual energy needs
Craig Brown, Head of Sustainability and Environmental Performance, said: “A major element of our net zero effort involves transitioning from natural gas to renewable energy sources, with technologies such as ground or air source heat pumps being explored as viable alternatives. Since these systems rely on electricity, the installation of solar power generation on-site is a crucial step towards future-proofing our estate.”
The newly installed solar panels at Kirklands are expected to meet approximately 13.4% of the site’s annual energy needs.
The system is anticipated to generate around 71,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity each year—enough to power roughly 27 average homes for twelve months.
This move is set to play a key role in reducing NHS Lanarkshire’s energy consumption and overall carbon emissions, reinforcing its long-term commitment to sustainable healthcare operations.
Top image: The team at NHS Lanarkshire