The website of the Health Estate Journal

Cutting emissions, generating revenue

With almost 10,000 NHS car parks, could solar carports provide additional income and help Trusts be more sustainable by reducing their reliance on the grid and cutting their carbon emissions?

With the NHS having almost 10,000 car parks, could solar car parks provide additional income, while simultaneously helping NHS Trusts meet the requirements set out in HTM 07-03 – NHS car-parking management: environment and sustainability? With the recent publication of an authoritative new guide on the subject, Jonny Williams MEng PhD, director of the BRE National Solar Centre, talks a look at the growing take-up of solar panels in car parks, and the resulting opportunities – including at hospitals and other healthcare facilities – to cut carbon emissions and generate valuable revenue.

Beyond providing space for people to park their cars, many car parks do not serve any other significant purpose. However, what if the space used for car parking could be put to other good uses? Solar car parks, with canopies of solar panels above the parking spaces, are commonly found in Europe and the US, and are now coming to the UK. Although not yet widespread on our shores – we currently have less than 10 examples at scale – they are likely to become established in the UK during the course of 2016. The technology can have multiple benefits, including:

When combined with battery storage, the benefits may extend to: 

Log in or register FREE to read the rest

This story is Premium Content and is only available to registered users. Please log in at the top of the page to view the full text. If you don't already have an account, please register with us completely free of charge.
Register

Upcoming Events

The Fire Safety Event 2024

National Exhibition Centre (NEC), Birmingham
30th April - 2 May 2024

Wales regional conference, exhibition and awards dinner 2024

International Conference Centre (ICC) Newport
28th - 29th May 2024

NAHFO National Conference 2024

Crowne Plaza Newcastle Upon Tyne
3rd - 5th June 2024

Design in Mental Health 2024

Manchester Central
4th - 5th June 2024

InstallerSHOW 2024

National Exhibition Centre (NEC), Birmingham
25th - 27th June

Healthcare Estates 2024

Manchester Central
8th-9th October 2024

Access the latest issue of Health Estate Journal on your mobile device together with an archive of back issues.

Download the FREE Health Estate Journal app from your device's App store

Upcoming Events

The Fire Safety Event 2024

National Exhibition Centre (NEC), Birmingham
30th April - 2 May 2024

Wales regional conference, exhibition and awards dinner 2024

International Conference Centre (ICC) Newport
28th - 29th May 2024

NAHFO National Conference 2024

Crowne Plaza Newcastle Upon Tyne
3rd - 5th June 2024

Design in Mental Health 2024

Manchester Central
4th - 5th June 2024

InstallerSHOW 2024

National Exhibition Centre (NEC), Birmingham
25th - 27th June

Healthcare Estates 2024

Manchester Central
8th-9th October 2024

Access the latest issue of Health Estate Journal on your mobile device together with an archive of back issues.

Download the FREE Health Estate Journal app from your device's App store

Step Communications Ltd, Step House, North Farm Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 3DR
Tel: 01892 779999
www.step-communications.com
© 2024 Step Communications Ltd. Registered in England. Registration Number 3893025