Hywel Dda UHB and Vital Energi Deliver £6.8m Carbon Reduction Programme

Hywel Dda University Health Board is working with Vital Energi to deliver a £6.8m carbon reduction programme across six hospitals in West Wales, supporting its ambition to cut emissions by 34% by 2030.

Hywel Dda University Health Board is delivering a £6.8m carbon reduction programme in partnership with Vital Energi, targeting energy efficiency upgrades across key hospitals including Withybush, Glangwili, and Prince Philip. Delivered through the Re:fit framework, the initiative supports Hywel Dda’s 2030 decarbonisation targets.

Client requirements

Hywel Dda University Health Board (UHB) set a strategic goal to reduce its carbon footprint by a minimum of 34% by 2030. To support this commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency, the Health Board sought an experienced delivery partner capable of developing and implementing a comprehensive carbon reduction programme across several healthcare facilities. The solution needed to not only contribute meaningfully to decarbonisation targets, but also generate long-term financial savings across a diverse estate with varying infrastructure needs.

How we supported the client

Hywel Dda UHB appointed Vital Energi through the Re:fit framework to lead on the development and delivery of a capital investment programme targeting energy efficiency and decarbonisation improvements. Working in close collaboration with the Health Board, Vital Energi designed a £6.8 million package of works spanning six key sites:

• Prince Philip Hospital
• Elizabeth Williams Clinic
• Bronglais Hospital
• Hafan Derwen
• Withybush Hospital
• Glangwili Hospital

The programme comprises a wide range of technical measures, including:

• Upgrading lighting systems to energy-efficient LED technology
• Installing new insulation to roofs and pipework to reduce heat loss
• Replacing outdated fans within Air Handling Units
• Enhancing the Building Management System (BMS)
• Improving elements of the heating and cooling distribution infrastructure

The approach has been tailored to the specific requirements of each site to ensure maximum efficiency and return on investment.

The impact

The implementation of these measures is forecast to achieve approximately 9% in annual cost savings and 5% in annual carbon emissions reductions across the targeted estate. Beyond the quantifiable savings, the programme strengthens the Health Board’s ability to meet its net zero ambitions and provides a replicable model for future energy efficiency work.

Paul Williams, Head of Property Performance at Hywel Dda UHB, commented:

Using the Re:fit framework has allowed us to expand our energy efficiency and decarbonisation work significantly, and we are looking forward to moving into the delivery phase of the partnership.

This collaboration marks a major step in embedding long-term sustainability into the operational fabric of NHS Wales, improving both environmental and financial outcomes for public healthcare infrastructure.