NHS Lanarkshire is making significant strides in its commitment to environmental sustainability with the installation of solar panels at Kirklands headquarters (HQ).
This forward-thinking initiative is just one part of the organisation’s broader strategy to achieve net zero emissions by 2040, with a particular focus on reducing our carbon footprint.
This project was supported by the Scottish Government’s Green Public Sector Estates Decarbonisation Scheme, with NHS Lanarkshire receiving assistance to deliver the solar panel installation alongside other energy conservation measures at both Kirklands HQ and the West of Scotland Laundry.
Martin Hill, NHS Lanarkshire Chair and Sustainability Champion, said: “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 physical example of our dedication to environmental sustainability and our journey towards achieving net zero emissions.
As part of its broader sustainability agenda, NHS Lanarkshire has committed to achieving net zero by 2040 and net zero heat by 2038.
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 heat pump technologies, such as ground or air source heat pumps, being explored as a solution.
“Since these heat pumps run on electricity, the installation of solar power generation on-site is a crucial step toward future-proofing our estate.”
At NHS Lanarkshire’s Kirklands headquarters, these solar panels will contribute to meeting approximately 13.4% of the site’s annual energy needs. The newly installed solar panels are expected to generate around 71,000 kWh of energy annually, which is enough to power approximately 27 average homes for an entire year.
This sustainable energy production will directly contribute to reducing NHS Lanarkshire’s overall energy consumption and carbon emissions.
