CARBON REDUCTION AND NET ZERO
it even more imperative to focus on reducing energy consumption and moving towards Net Zero Carbon (NZC) strategies. One of the most compelling arguments for NZC in the NHS is the financial impact, though private healthcare suffers from the same energy costs. Through energy- efficient design and the integration of renewable energy sources, Trusts can dramatically lower their utility bills over time. By focusing on passive design strategies – such as improved insulation, natural ventilation, and solar shading, etc, architects can design buildings that are inherently more energy-efficient. Additionally, by incorporating active systems like heat pumps, solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, and energy storage solutions, architects can help Trusts reduce their carbon output while simultaneously lowering energy expenditure.
Benefits especially evident in retrofits In retrofitting existing facilities the financial benefits of adopting NZC strategies are particularly evident. Many healthcare buildings, particularly older ones, suffer from outdated, inefficient energy systems. Retrofitting these buildings can reduce energy use by 30-50%, which translates into substantial savings in both energy costs and maintenance over time. In a period of tight budgets, these savings are critical in enabling all healthcare providers to achieve both their sustainability goals and their financial objectives. For new healthcare buildings, the opportunity to
achieve NZC performance is greatest at the design stage. Architects play a critical role here, providing early strategic advice on how the building can be designed to meet Net Zero Carbon goals. By establishing NZC targets from the outset, and ensuring that these are integrated into every
aspect of the design, architects can help Trusts avoid the costs and challenges of future retrofitting. One key strategy is a fabric-first approach, which focuses on ensuring that the building’s envelope performs efficiently, reducing heating and cooling loads. Passive solar design is another critical consideration, with architects using building orientation and glazing to maximise natural light and heat gain, thus reducing the need for artificial lighting and heating. Furthermore, architects can design for thermal mass and insulation, leveraging the building’s structure and airtightness to improve energy performance. In addition, architects can plan for integrated renewable energy systems, such as solar panels, air or ground source heat pumps, and battery storage, which can significantly reduce the building’s reliance on fossil fuels and contribute to achieving Net Zero Carbon status. By designing healthcare buildings with these systems in mind, architects ensure that these facilities are not only energy-efficient, but also resilient, and capable of adapting to the demands of future healthcare needs.
n Design Toolkit: Future-Ready, Net Zero Carbon hospitals
Our design toolkit focuses on practical, scalable interventions that balance architectural quality with deep environmental performance: Passive Design Fundamentals include:
n Design decisions made early on dramatically reduce reliance on mechanical systems later.
n Orientation: Aligning clinical and patient areas to maximise natural daylight, reducing reliance on artificial lighting and heating.
n Thermal mass: Incorporating exposed structural
September 2025 Health Estate Journal 45
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