World Green Building Week – Building a More Sustainable NHS
Although the primary goal of our NHS is to protect people's health, it has been evident in the last five years that the NHS has a significant environmental effect. The healthcare system in the United Kingdom is projected to account for 4 to 5% of the country's carbon footprint. Many hospitals and health care facilities were established before World War II when sustainability was not a consideration in the planning and construction. Because of the historic infrastructure and structures, many of our current healthcare institutions are now facing challenges in fulfilling their sustainability objectives.
As part of World Green Building Week, we invited a panel of expert speakers to discuss how, through collaboration and innovation, we can both transform existing buildings and work together on shaping innovations in green construction for a greener future.
“Resilience is important because 38% of global energy related carbon emissions are created by buildings. And 50% of all materials extracted from the earth go into our built-up environments.”
We were first introduced to the event by Georgia Halston, Co-Founder of Sustainability Partnerships who explained why sustainability within buildings is so integral to our future.
Georgia provided insight into the current position NHS buildings are in, stating that by 2050, the worlds building stock will have doubled from where it is now. She rounded off her introduction to the webinar with a view of what the future of NHS buildings will look like, with ACAD making use of sustainable features to reduce carbon footprint.
Matthew Paskin, Marketing and Product Director, Whitecroft Lighting
Our first guest speaker of the event was Matt Paskin, Marketing and Product Director from Whitecroft Lighting. Matt began his presentation with some background to the company, their expertise in creating sustainable new builds but also how they are now able to improve sustainability in existing NHS buildings. Matt focused on the importance of creating circular products, as this gives you lesser carbon emissions for free.
““What I really want to talk about is creating a circular mindset. I’m not against decarbonisation, but it can be a buzzword and I feel that a circular solution is the way to go.” ”
Matt spoke about the challenges involved in redeveloping existing buildings, especially NHS buildings, do the specialist spaces involved and how people can be affected by change in these spaces. Emergency lighting, controls and infrastructures in place all need to be thought of within the projects.
Whitecroft Lightings latest development is their vitality relight, where they have blended learning on new builds with cradle to cradle compliant products, decarbonization and layered that with the regeneration of the space.
Matt covered their entire process of developing NHS spaces to be more sustainable whilst providing multiple warranties to give peace of mind that the products are of great quality and will be in buildings for lifetimes. He then went on to explain the future of what they are doing, focussing on the opportunities created by 3D printers and Environmental Product Declarations.
“If you focus on the asset, you will fail. Think about the space, think about the environments you’re trying to regenerate.”
Colin Bignell, Sales Director, Selectaglaze Ltd
Our next speaker was Colin Bignell, Sales Director at Selectaglaze who gave a presentation on secondary glazing improving sustainability as well as the internal environment. Colin began by explaining what it is Selectaglaze does and how they can be used across the whole of the construction industry.
“We actually put a frame behind the existing window to operate in the same way so you can still gain natural ventilation, but it improves it acoustically thermally and security wise.”
Colin went on to explain how their solution is perfect for hospitals as it doesn’t disturb any of the existing space with it being an add on rather than an entire replacement of the windows. Something which is also beneficial for listed buildings. Selectaglaze’s system makes buildings more thermally efficient, keeping energy use for warming low which in turn, lowers running costs.
Interesting insight was provided on how secondary glazing systems have a number of benefits even beyond the sustainability credentials of the building. Such as cleanliness, sound proofing and security. Colin talked the attendees through case studies of which hospitals they have worked with so far including Mary’s Hospital and St.Bart’s Hospital.
“The main way it helps is for the improvement of thermal performance, but it has a number of other benefits, such as keeping out dirt. It can also improve recovery spaces for patients by keep outside noise down, creating a more comfortable environment.”
This webinar discusses how new and innovative products and systems could aid the NHS in making their new and existing buildings more sustainable and reduce the carbon footprint. Examining alternatives and enacting change within our NHS will require a collaborative approach and the exchange of ideas. If you would like more information, please contact us.