Northern Ireland’s health and social care sector signs new energy deal

A four year, £140 million deal has been awarded for the supply of electricity and natural gas to the health and social care sector. The award was made by combining the buying power of all six Health and Social Care Trusts, the Health and Social Care Board, the Fire and Rescue Service and the Business Services Organisation.

The Health Minister said: “This new contract will see electricity supplied from 100% renewable sources, flexibility for organisations in how they procure their energy and savings in excess of £4million on electricity during the first year of the contract.” “The health and social care sector can play a leading role in reducing carbon emissions and encouraging healthier lifestyles to combat climate change, save money, and achieve health benefits. By pooling our resources and using the buying power of the entire health sector, we have managed to drive down costs by 20% and contribute to the well-being of our planet by using renewable, sustainable and flexible energy sources.” “I am also delighted that over the course of the contract the suppliers will provide extensive support to HSC organisations in line with the aims of the public health framework Making Life Better. This will cover a wide range of initiatives, for example campaigns and community energy saving awareness schemes, sponsorship of access to events for charities and underprivileged young people, health and wellbeing and volunteering programmes.” “It is increasingly recognised that we need strengthened collaboration across all sectors of society if we are to create the social, economic and environmental conditions to support good health and wellbeing, and this is an excellent example of a partnership approach which has added potential to benefit employees, customers and the wider public.”