Revitalised through Retrofit
Our work with Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust
In 2022, Morgan Sindall Construction collaborated to deliver a new mental health facility for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust (CPFT) using a solution that saved over 144 tonnes of CO2.
The Resource Centre would be used to co-locate teams from existing departments, such as physiotherapy, art and music therapy and the pharmacy, to assist patients who require intensive mental health support.
How did the team approach this project?
Adopting a ‘one team approach’ system was crucial in turning this vision into a reality. Our supply chain and specialist modular consultants supported from an early stage to ensure the project’s success, with more than 50 stakeholders (including the hospital team) engaging in the process too.
The team employed our Intelligent Solutions approach to devise a unique strategy that would align the project with the Trust’s sustainability targets - outlined in their ‘Action 50 Green Plan’. This plan requires the Trust to halve their carbon emissions by 2032 and achieve net zero by 2045.
Also, having completed the nearby George Mackenzie facility for a similar purpose, our project team were able to incorporate some of the lessons learned, such as the need for anti-ligature windows.
How did the team use retrofitting to reduce carbon emissions?
The project team identified a solution that made use of 25 existing modules that the Trust had stored in Alconbury, which had been previously used at Papworth Hospital - a facility which had been decommissioned a few years prior. These modules had to be stripped and repaired by the team to ensure that they were suitable for the new facility.
By doing this, the project team managed to save over 144 tonnes of carbon through the retrofit of existing modular units. By opting to recycle these modules, it negated the need for new material to be manufactured or transported to site. This significantly reduced potential waste to landfill and overall carbon emissions on the scheme.
Other carbon reduction activities on this project included the use of HVO fuel. The team used approximately 2,000 litres of this fossil-free fuel during the project, which emits 97% less carbon than traditional diesel. In addition, 22 photovoltaic (solar) panels were installed on the roof of the North Module block, along with electric car charging points on site during construction.
Lightweight screed was also used, which is not only better suited to a modular build (as it’s less weight-intensive on the building structure), but it dries faster and uses less cement too.
The new Resource Centre is a fantastic addition to our Fulbourn site. The buildings have been re-purposed and transformed into a place which I believe staff, service-users and visitors will really enjoy.
The project team committed to a lasting legacy in the local community. This included overseeing the creation of a memorial garden (in remembrance of a senior Trust member), supporting the local 5k park run, and raising £560 for the YMCA and Romsey Mill as part of a sleepout to support homelessness.
Delivered on time and budget
144 tonnes of CO2 saved through reuse (retrofit) of existing NHS modules
99% waste diverted from landfill
40% local spend
Client satisfaction 10/10
CCS 45/45
