Trafford Hospital, birthplace of the NHS, is set to become the UK’s first retrofitted carbon net zero inpatient hospital.

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, operator of Trafford Hospital, has partnered with Dalkia UK to design an energy solution that will end the hospital’s reliance on natural gas by replacing the hospital’s ageing heating and energy infrastructure with cutting-edge, low-carbon technology.

Additionally, the project is supported by £18.9m grant funding from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS).

The trust says the project will significantly reduce the hospital’s carbon emissions, cutting energy-related emissions by an estimated 92% by 2040, and will also save up to £100,000 annually on energy costs.

The first phase of the project will be the transformation of the hospital’s 50-year-old, fossil fuel-reliant heating system.

Dalkia, an energy services provider which is part of the EDF Group, has been appointed to install state-of-the-art air and water source heat pumps to replace the outdated natural gas heating.

Mark Cubbon, chief executive of MFT, said: “This pioneering scheme is fantastic news as we work towards making the NHS Carbon Net Zero.

“For our patients, staff, and communities, it demonstrates our commitment to improving the environment and tackling the broader causes of health inequality.

“Trafford General has an incredible heritage and this project reinforces the hospital’s legacy as a symbol of progress; honouring its role as the birthplace of the NHS while paving the way for a greener, healthier future.”

Speaking about the company’s role in this landmark project, Dalkia managing director, Jon Kershaw, added: “We are proud to deliver the initial stages of this groundbreaking project.

“By replacing the hospital’s ageing heating system with cutting-edge low-carbon technology, we are helping to set a new benchmark for sustainability in healthcare.

“This project shows the power of collaboration and innovation in driving the transition to net zero energy systems.”

The project will also upgrade the hospital’s cavity wall insulation and ‘supercharge’ its renewable energy generation by expanding its solar panels.

The trust says the enhancements will ensure a more-comfortable environment for patients and staff, delivering warmer winters and cooler summers, while also taking a major step away from fossil fuels.

Construction on the heating system is set to begin this month, with the entire energy system expected to be operational by spring 2026.