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New decarbonisation framework agreement in place


NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS) has unveiled a £500 m framework agreement designed to help public sector organisations – including the NHS – decarbonise their estates. Work covered includes internal and external wall insulation, ground source and air source heat pumps, electric heating solutions, photovoltaic systems, ventilation systems, and lighting works, and traditional works such as replacement of windows and doors. The framework agreement has been designed via extensive consultation with the public sector, and Greener NHS leads. NHS SBS said: “Importantly, it enables Estates managers to create greater value by combining decarbonisation works with their backlog investment works to create cleaner, greener, and more attractive estates.”


the next wave of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme. This new framework agreement will support the delivery of the NHS’s ambition in ‘Delivering a Net Zero Health Service’, and is geared towards helping the NHS modernise and decarbonise aged assets and buildings throughout the public sector’s estates.” The framework agreement allows for both further competition and direct award across seven geographical regions. Both public projects and domestic dwellings are in scope, and the framework agreement can be used by all NHS and wider public sector authorities. Suppliers include both well- known multinationals and small


Anjub Ali, Senior Category manager at NHS SBS (pictured), commented: “With the announcement of over £1 bn for public sector decarbonisation in 2024’s Budget, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero confirmed funding for


and medium-sized enterprises, all assessed on their ability to reduce the environmental impact of service delivery ‘through the use of ground- breaking equipment, decreased energy and fuel consumption, and the monitoring of data of retrofit projects’.


Former commercial unit in Gateshead now private dermatology clinic


Work has completed on a £1 m skin surgery and dermatology clinic in Gateshead, designed by Medical Architecture for private provider, Skin Surgery Clinic, offering ‘hospital- grade’ facilities in a ‘bespoke, patient-focused environment’. The new clinic is the result of the


reconfiguration and fit-out of an existing commercial unit, working within the building’s constraints to create a high-quality clinical setting. The design was established within six weeks, with the fit-out completed in 10 weeks by Ben Johnson Interiors. Medical Architecture said: “The


250 m² facility makes efficient use of the available space – providing four consultation rooms. Three of the suites feature dedicated recovery rooms. The interior has been designed to create a welcoming environment which reflects the high standard of clinical care. The professional aesthetic reflects the distinct brand identity of Skin Surgery Clinic, with materials


Carrier launches air source reversible heat pump


Carrier has unveiled the AquaSnap 61AQ, its first high-temperature air source reversible heat pump for commercial applications that uses R-290, a natural refrigerant ‘with nearly- zero’ Global Warming Potential (GWP). The AquaSnap 61AQ has been specifically designed and optimised for R-290, and combines the company’s ‘innovative engineering’ with ‘features that deliver high temperatures, increased energy efficiency, noise reduction, and enhanced operational performance’. It can deliver high- temperature heating up to 75 °C at outdoor temperatures as low as -7 °C, and operates efficiently in extreme conditions down to -25°C. Carrier says the unit’s design


‘makes it perfect for diverse applications such as healthcare and collective dwellings’, and it can ‘integrate seamlessly’ with building systems to meet a wide range of heating needs while minimising environmental impact. Carrier said: “Tailored to


and joinery coordinated to create positive moments in the patient’s journey. Integrated recessed seating with oak detailing offers a comfortable place for short waits away from the main waiting area.” The clinic has been carefully designed to meet CQC and HBN and HTM standards, with a compliant positive pressure air-handling system that serves all treatment rooms. The upgraded mechanical and electrical systems have been discreetly incorporated into the design. Alex Ferguson, architect at Medical Architecture, said: “We


20 Health Estate Journal March 2025


have enjoyed transforming this existing commercial space into a high-quality clinical environment that provides a positive experience that patients will value. The project has really demonstrated what can be achieved in a short space of time, with diligent and collaborative working.” Other project team members


included fit-out contractor, Ben Johnson Interiors, MEP engineer, A.E. Robb & Associates, Principal Designer, Summers-Inman, and Building Control, Bluekeep Building Control.


meet the challenges of stricter regulations – including F-Gas, the AquaSnap 61AQ sets a new standard in performance and sustainability in the race to decarbonise heating. The monobloc version spans capacities from 40 to 140 kW, while the modular version allows connection of up to four units – extending the capacity range to 560 kW.” R-290 complies with evolving


environmental standards, ‘while maintaining reliable performance’, and has a GWP of 0.02. Carrier says the AquaSnap


61AQ exceeds Ecodesign efficiency standards ‘by up to 30%’, and has a compact footprint. It added: “The components, such as noise reduction and advanced inverter compressor technology, offer efficient performance based on demand.”


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