Lewisham Hospital begins major heat pump project
Lewisham Hospital heat pump project commences, replacing 1970s boilers with sustainable technology.
University Hospital Lewisham embarks on sustainability upgrade
Work has begun on a significant sustainability project at University Hospital Lewisham. The initiative involves installing a ground source heat pump system. This will replace the hospital's existing 1970s gas-fired boilers.
The project aims to modernise the hospital's heating infrastructure for the 21st century. It will utilise low-carbon energy by drawing groundwater from beneath Ladywell Fields. The water will then be returned safely underground.
Initial phase of Lewisham Hospital heat pump project
The first phase, commencing 3 June 2026, involves drilling test boreholes. Four boreholes, two deep and two shallow, will be drilled in specific areas of Ladywell Fields. These locations have been selected to minimise impact on tree root zones.
Traffic management systems will be in place to ensure efficient equipment movement. Track matting will be used between work areas. Surveys covering groundwater, trees, and local ecology have been conducted.
The initial testing phase is scheduled to conclude on 11 August 2026. If technically viable, a second phase involving further drilling will proceed. The completed boreholes will be discreetly covered.
The entire project is expected to be finished by summer 2028. Once operational, the new system is projected to save 4,000 tonnes of carbon emissions annually. This is anticipated to improve local air quality.
Funding for this initiative totals £25 million. This includes £17,790,274 in Government grant funding from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme.
Director of Public Sector Decarbonisation at Salix, Ian Rodger, stated: “At Salix, we are proud to deliver the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme and to stand alongside Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust on this ambitious and complex journey. The NHS has set bold and vital net zero targets, and by cutting carbon emissions, the Trust is not only creating a safer, cleaner environment for patients, visitors and staff today, but also shaping a healthier, more hopeful future for our planet and for generations yet to come.”
Dr Neil Goulbourne, Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer & Deputy CEO at LGT, commented: “Climate change is a real and pressing public health challenge. It exacerbates health inequalities, places additional pressure on our services and disproportionately affects the most vulnerable in our communities. The actions we take moving forward as a Trust, to reduce our emissions and costs, will make a very meaningful difference to our service users, local community and our colleagues both now and for future generations. We look forward to updating you as the project develops in the coming months.”
Big Picture Context:
The NHS aims to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2045. In 2022/23, the NHS in England was responsible for 4.5% of the UK's total carbon emissions. Projects like the one at University Hospital Lewisham are crucial in meeting these national targets.
OFFICIAL SOURCE VERIFICATION:
This report is based on official clinical data from NHS SE London.
Document: Once in a generation sustainability project to begin at Lewisham Hospital | News
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