Hospital installs 2,250 solar panels on car park

The 2,250 solar panels on the roof of Eastbourne District General Hospital in East Sussex

A hospital has installed 2,250 solar panels on its car park to cut carbon emissions.

East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust (ESHT) said it was part of a series of measures to reduce emissions by 57% by 2025 at Eastbourne District General Hospital.

Other measures include new glazing, new roof insulation, and installing electric heat pumps.

ESHT and contractor Veolia said it was the first solar car park at any UK hospital.

The NHS as a whole is working towards net zero emissions by 2040.

ESHT said the improvements would save the hospital the equivalent of 4,129 tonnes of carbon each year.

Chris Hodgson, director of estates for ESHT, said: "If you were to drive a family car around the world 325 times, that is the amount of carbon we will be saving.

"It's [the solar carpark] 1.1 megawatts of solar power and it's providing enough electricity to power around 350 homes."

Eastbourne District General Hospital has undergone £27m of improvements to reduce its carbon emissions

The £27m of energy improvement works have been carried out by eco-contractor Veolia.

Cory Reynolds from Veolia said: "We're really proud to be part of this project, it's been a huge undertaking to refurbish and take a 'whole building' approach for Eastbourne District General Hospital.

"Recladding walls, new roof insulation, installing the solar car park and new electric pumps.

"It will all generate energy and heat for the hospital, carbon free, and reduce 4,000 tonnes of carbon for EDGH annually."