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DMA Group’s work at the Rye, Winchelsea, & District Memorial Hospital has earned them the Energy Saving Award 2023 for Hospital and Health Service Project of the Year. It all began when Rye and Winchelsea Hospital approached DMA to reduce their carbon footprint and become a role model for sustainability in the healthcare industry. The challenge was to conduct a comprehensive energy audit and implement a range of Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs) to significantly reduce their carbon emissions.

The Solution

In 2021, DMA conducted a thorough energy audit of the hospital’s facilities. Based on their findings, it was predicted that a remarkable 98% reduction in the carbon footprint could be achieved through various activities outlined in their advisory recommendations.

Scope of activities

Following the energy audit, DMA was entrusted with implementing the recommended ECMs to transform the hospital’s energy profile. The scope of activities undertaken included:

• LED Lighting: Replacing traditional lighting fixtures with energy-efficient LED lights throughout the hospital resulted in substantial energy savings and enhanced illumination.
• Fan Motor Upgrades: Upgrading fan motors to high-efficiency models helped optimise the ventilation systems and reduce energy consumption.
• Whole New BMS System: Installation of an advanced Building Management System (BMS) allowed for precise monitoring and control of energy usage, optimising HVAC and other building systems.
• Electric Flow Boilers: Replacing outdated gas boilers with electric flow boilers contributed to cleaner energy utilisation and reduced carbon emissions.
• Solar PV Installation: DMA installed a 67.68kWp Solar Photovoltaic (PV) system, which was predicted to produce 68,560kW/h of electricity per annum. However, it exceeded expectations, generating an impressive 74,300kW/h in 2022. The excess energy was fed back into the grid, further supporting the hospital’s sustainability goals.
• Tesla Storage Batteries: To store excess solar energy and enhance grid resilience, DMA integrated 125kW/h capacity Tesla Storage batteries, ensuring a consistent and reliable power supply.
• Gas-to-Electric Equipment Replacement: DMA facilitated the removal of gas-fired kitchen equipment, replacing it with energy-efficient electric alternatives. This transition eliminated the hospital’s reliance on fossil fuels for cooking, positively impacting the carbon footprint.
• Pump Upgrades: Upgrading the hospital’s pumps with energy-efficient models resulted in optimised water circulation systems and reduced energy consumption.
• Electrical Metering: DMA implemented advanced electrical metering systems to accurately monitor energy usage, enabling data-driven decision-making and further energy-saving opportunities.

 The Outcome

• Energy savings: The ECMs collectively achieved significant energy savings throughout the hospital’s facilities, contributing to long-term cost reduction and operational efficiency.
• Renewable energy generation: The installed solar PV system exceeded expectations, generating an impressive 74,300kW/h of electricity in 2022. This renewable energy source has played a crucial role in reducing the hospital’s reliance on non-renewable energy and furthering its sustainability goals.
• Enhanced resilience: The integration of solar PV and Tesla Storage batteries enhanced the hospital’s resilience by providing a reliable backup power source and reducing dependence on the grid during outages.
• Environmental impact: The project resulted in a substantial reduction in carbon emissions, supporting the hospital’s mission to prioritise environmental sustainability and promote community health.
• Enhanced resilience: The integration of Tesla Storage batteries and other energy storage solutions has enhanced the hospital’s resilience by providing a reliable backup power source, ensuring continuous operations during grid outages, and supporting critical medical services.
• 100% Renewable energy: Rye & Winchelsea Memorial Hospital currently source their electricity from 100% renewable energy. This combined with DMA's activities and outcomes, means that they have reduced their carbon footprint by 100%, the first community hospital in the UK to do so.

DMA Group is an appointed company on the LHC Asset Safety and Compliance (ASC1) framework.