Decarbonising Eastbourne Hospital: Low Carbon Heating & Heat Pump Integration for Public Sector

Andrew Whitworth, Head of Building Energy Services at Veolia UK, presents an insightful overview of the Eastbourne Hospital decarbonisation project, emphasising the practical challenges and strategies in transitioning public sector facilities towards net zero carbon emissions. The talk focuses on how integrating innovative low carbon heating technologies — particularly air source and water source heat pumps — was achieved while maintaining uninterrupted patient care, which is paramount in a hospital setting.

📍 Location/Context:
Speaking at a recent Net Zero Scotland Projects Conference in Edinburgh, focusing on public sector decarbonisation and sustainable infrastructure development.

👤 Speaker Details:
Andrew Whitworth, Head of Building Energy Services at Veolia UK, is responsible for leading the decarbonisation strategy for public sector clients, including hospitals.

💡 Key Points:
• The critical importance of a fabric first approach to minimise energy losses and enhance heating system efficiency.
• Integrating low carbon heating systems, such as air source and water source heat pumps, into complex facilities like Eastbourne Hospital without disrupting essential patient care services.
• Addressing the challenge of stable and affordable heating costs throughout the contract lifespan to avoid unforeseen price hikes and ensure financial predictability.
• The evolving role of finance in public sector decarbonisation, emphasising the need for balanced private sector investment models that deliver net zero without repeating past pitfalls like PFI (Private Finance Initiative) failures.
• How to structure private finance in a way that supports innovation but does not overburden public sector budgets, allowing scalable green infrastructure projects.

🔑 Core Message:
Achieving net zero in complex public sector buildings requires a holistic strategy that combines fabric-first design, innovative low carbon technologies, and financially sustainable investment models to ensure energy, patient care, and economic stability are maintained.

🎯 Watch Key Moment:
Watch at 00:01:00 for key insights on balancing heating cost stability with decarbonization investments.

⏱️ Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction by Andrew Witworth, role and project overview
00:20 – Overview of Eastbourne Hospital’s decarbonisation journey
00:40 – Explanation of the fabric first approach and its impact
01:00 – Discussion on heating cost stability and contract considerations
01:20 – Private vs. public sector finance dynamics and lessons learned
01:40 – Audience engagement and Q&A highlights

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