Mid Yorkshire secures £5m to accelerate net zero goals

Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust has been awarded a £5 million government grant to supercharge its carbon reduction efforts and drive forward its commitment to achieving net zero.

The funding, secured through phase 4 of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, will enable the Trust to implement cutting-edge energy-saving technologies across its estate. Key projects include major decarbonisation works at Pontefract Hospital’s main building and the pathology building at Pinderfields Hospital in Wakefield.

Delivered by Salix Finance on behalf of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, the scheme supports public sector organisations in transitioning to low-carbon heating, renewable energy and energy efficiency solutions, such as air source heat pumps, solar panels and insulation.

With over 40% of the NHS’s direct carbon footprint linked to building energy use, this investment marks a significant step in helping the Trust, and the wider health service, meet the ambitious target of net zero by 2040.

The funding, as well as other investments, will support a range of initiatives through to March 2028, including:

· Installation of air source heat pumps.

· Spend-to-save solar panel projects.

· LED lighting upgrades across the Trust’s estate.

· Broader energy efficiency interventions.

Peter Leighton-Jones, Head of Sustainability at Mid Yorkshire, said:
“As a key anchor institution in our region, we’re proud to be leading the way in climate action. This funding empowers us to invest in sustainable technologies that not only reduce our environmental impact but also create healthier, more resilient spaces for our patients, staff, and communities.

“It’s a clear signal of our determination to secure external funding and deliver long-term value while easing pressure on internal budgets.”

Ian Rodger, Director of Public Sector Decarbonisation at Salix, added:

“Every day at Salix our teams work with organisations across the UK to deliver climate action, reduce our carbon emissions and create buildings and homes that are better for all our communities.

“We have no time to stand still when addressing climate change and through the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme we deliver more comfortable and healthier spaces which are better for the planet.

“We are delighted to work with Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust to help the team move forward with its net zero objectives.”

Kevin Holland, Chief Executive of Salix, said:

“From school classrooms to hospital wards and libraries to swimming pools, this funding is making a real difference for our communities.

“People who use these buildings - and that’s all of us – can enjoy warmer, more comfortable spaces that are easier and more efficient to heat and to power. These buildings are being future-proofed for generations to come.”