Scotland's first net-zero hospital leads the way

Key Facts

The hospital is small compared to most in Scotland, just 49 beds, but it is the country's first built to a net-zero standard, which means the running of the building does not contribute carbon emissions.
The roof is covered in solar panels to reduce reliance on the electricity grid The hospital's maintenance team leader, Paul Bradley says: "We can produce the hot water needs and offset some of the electrical needs by using Orkney's natural resources, even at low temperatures we can produce heat and hot water which will help to keep all the patients comfortable during their stay here."
Senior Charge Midwife Pamela Halliday says fewer mothers are being transferred to the mainland NHS Orkney now runs a fleet of electric vehicles, it is developing the green space around the hospital for the benefit of staff and patients, even the food in the hospital's restaurant is all locally sourced.
NHS Scotland has already achieved a reduction in emissions of 62% over the past 30 years but it still faces a significant challenge if it is to meet the target of getting to net zero by 2045 at the latest.