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A hospital has received a £21.6m grant to fund more environmentally friendly lighting, insulation and heating controls.

The Royal United Hospitals Bath (RUH) NHS Foundation Trust received the cash boost from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.

Most of the funds will be used to replace the hospital’s ageing heating systems with more energy-efficient options, such as heat pumps.

RUH chief executive Cara Charles-Barks said: "We are beginning to make great strides to reduce our emissions."

She added: "We knew we needed to make significant investments in our estate to fulfil our commitment of reaching net zero by 2030, in line with the council’s goals.

"This grant is therefore invaluable.

"It will enable us to make these essential changes in the coming years, and will have a positive impact on the environment and the experience of being in hospital."

By 2026 the improvements are planned to reduce carbon emissions by 24% annually.

The RUH worked closely with the Carbon Energy Fund to develop the plans, and they will continue to support the RUH as the changes are implemented.

Now, the team is working to secure contractors for the project, with work due to take place over the next two years.

Steven Heape, project manager of the Carbon Energy Fund, said: “We look forward to working with them with the project throughout its construction and the 15-year operational phrase, ensuring delivery of the guarantee carbon savings.”