A new boiler system has cut Christchurch Hospital’s carbon emissions by more than 50 percent, Te Whatu Ora Waitaha says.
In 2021, the health sector was identified as the largest emitter of carbon emissions in the public sector.
Globally, health made up five percent of total emissions.
The new Christchurch Hospital boilers run off woody biomass, such as wood chips and forestry slash.
It is burned at 900 degrees to create steam that is converted into heating.
The new system cost $45 million, and replaced the diesel boiler system damaged in the Canterbury earthquake.
The system began operating last month and supplies hot water heating and steam sterilisation to the hospital via underground pipes.
The new boiler system emitted 60 times fewer emissions than the old coal burners.
The new boilers had an estimated lifespan of 30 to 50 years.
The region’s public health system should be nearly carbon neutral by the end of next year.
Credit: radionz.co.nz
