As NHS Grampian grapples with the challenges of reducing budgets as well as reducing its impact on the environment, health leaders are inviting expressions of interest from third parties who may be able to help them do both.
NHS Grampian energy manager Michael Black explains: “The
greenhouse gas emissions generated from running our buildings are huge, as are
our energy bills, but addressing this also presents us with a huge
opportunity.
“We know that many of the measures we’d like to put in
place will have a positive return on investment over their lifetime so we’ve
published a notice with Public Contracts Scotland (PCS) to test the market and
see if companies would be interested in collaborating with us.
“For example, we know from modelling that investment in
solar panels pays off in around 10 years through reduced energy bills. Through
power purchasing agreements (PPA), we can enable third parties to make the
investment needed to make improvements such as these, and over time give them a
return on their investment at the same time as reducing our running costs.”
The health board is seeking expressions of interest from
organisations that could help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across NHS
Grampian by at least 75% by 2030 compared to a 1990 baseline, on the way to
achieving a net zero estate by 2040.
NHS Grampian’s energy manager, Michael Black
NHS Grampian is working alongside National Procurement colleagues in NHS National Services Scotland (NSS) on proposed contractual arrangements. Power purchasing agreement experts within NSS are supporting health boards across Scotland to secure sustainable energy solutions, as part of the aims set out in the NHS Scotland Climate Emergency and Sustainability Strategy 2022-2026 to reduce emissions and support Scotland’s transition to net zero.
Michael added: “Transitioning away from fossil fuels is essential and the sooner we do it the more benefits we can realise, both in terms of health – by supporting better air quality locally – and in terms of finances. Through this process there are opportunities to develop income generation schemes for health boards through fully funded, green energy solutions.”
The Prior Information Notice can be viewed on Public Contracts Scotland website and is being shared to gain understanding of market capabilities which may inform the development of a procurement strategy. Anyone who would like to find out more can also email Michael Black from NHS Grampian at michael.black2@nhs.scot or Josh Foggo, Commodity Manager, National Procurement, NSS at Josh.Foggo@nhs.scot
NHS Grampian is aiming to prioritise green energy, green suppliers and green practices, and protect public health in the process. Find out more at www.nhsgrampian.org/sustainability