Lewisham Hospital begins major heat pump project

June 4, 2026

South London News NHS and Wellbeing Desk Edited By Jimmy Nsubuga

Lewisham Hospital heat pump project begins, marking a significant sustainability upgrade.

University Hospital Lewisham embarks on major heat pump project

Work on a once-in-a-generation sustainability project at University Hospital Lewisham is moving into its initial test phase. The initiative will replace the hospital's 1970s gas-fired boilers with a ground source heat pump system.

This project is predicted to save 4,000 tonnes of carbon emissions annually. It represents an investment in a greener, healthier Lewisham.

Ground source heat pump system to modernise heating

The ground source heat pump will utilise low-carbon energy by drawing groundwater from the chalk aquifer beneath Ladywell Fields. The water will then be returned safely underground. An initial study confirmed the hospital and Ladywell Fields are favourably situated for this project.

The first phase, commencing 3 June 2026, involves drilling two sets of test boreholes. This includes one deep and one shallower monitoring borehole in each set. Work will be restricted to small, fenced enclosures with traffic management to minimise disruption.

These boreholes are located to minimise impact on tree root zones. Track matting will be used between work areas. Surveys covering groundwater, arboriculture, and ecology have been conducted.

If the initial testing phase, scheduled to finish 11 August 2026, proves technical viability, a second phase will follow. This phase would require drilling up to six further boreholes.

Upon completion, boreholes will be largely invisible, with only a small, camouflaged access hatch. Work will then focus on the hospital site, removing old boilers and pipework. A new network and the heat pump will be installed.

All works are expected to be completed by summer 2028. The new system is projected to improve local air quality.

Funding for this project totals £25 million. This includes £17,790,274 of 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, said: “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.”

The NHS aims to become the world's first net zero health service. By 2036, the NHS aims to reduce its direct carbon emissions by 40%. This project at Lewisham Hospital aligns with national efforts to decarbonise public sector buildings. In 2026, healthcare sustainability data confirms that the NHS accounts for roughly 4% of the UK's total carbon emissions.

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

Source Link: https://www.lewishamandgreenwich.nhs.uk/latest-news/once-in-a-generation-sustainability-project-to-begin-at-university-hospital-lewisham-3574

Author

South London News NHS and Wellbeing Desk Edited By Jimmy Nsubuga

From the corridors of St Thomas' to pioneering local clinics, the South London News NHS & Wellbeing Desk offers comprehensive coverage of our healthcare system. Our editorial staff provide clinical updates, patient success stories, and service analysis, ensuring our readers stay connected to the medical milestones happening in their community.

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