Connecting for Change: Key Partnerships for Penny Brohn’s Energy Transformation
Crafting a future of efficiency and sustainability with installation and funding partners.
Penny Brohn Cancer Care's journey towards sustainable operations found a powerful impetus with its Greener Energy Futures’ audit. This partnership underscored the critical role of securing the right connections for installation and funding in achieving substantial energy savings and operational transformation.
“Our comprehensive audit at Penny Brohn identified annual savings of £22,947, but the real impact came from connecting them with specialised installation and funding partners. It's about understanding that effective energy management is a holistic process, combining financial acumen with technical expertise and partners who can help you to deliver your plan."
Simon Pyne | Founder and Director, Greener Energy Futures
With the audit complete and a delivery network established, Penny Brohn is planning to begin delivery of its energy transformation in Spring 2024.
A Commitment to Holistic Well-being
The charity Penny Brohn Cancer Care, known for its holistic approach to cancer support, faced a challenge common to many: soaring energy costs. In their pursuit of operational efficiency that would work alongside their core values, they turned to Greener Energy Futures to help embark on a significant transformation in their energy management. Their goals were to yield cost savings and to develop a model for sustainable practices.
Identifying Savings: The Foundation of Change
Penny Brohn's facilities, particularly the mix of listed and modern buildings, presented unique challenges. Greener Energy's audit noted issues like single-glazed windows and inefficient heating systems, which were contributing to excessive energy use. Addressing these issues was not just about reducing energy bills but also about enhancing the comfort and well-being of patients and staff.
The audit unveiled a potential reduction in energy costs by 36%, with prioritised projects such as LED and solar PV upgrades, destratification fans installation, and improved heating systems. This comprehensive plan not only promises significant cost savings but will also improve energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
The Crucial Role of Installation and Funding Partners
One of the most significant challenges in implementing any energy projects is financing and securing the right partners.
The success of this project hinged on the strength of the partnerships that could formed to help deliver the project. Greener Energy Future's network included installation experts who would make sure the project benefitted from a wide range of expertise, from installation to ongoing maintenance. The partners put forward to collaborate with Penny Brohan included:
1) Unitary Engineering Services who provide expertise in heating and electrical solutions.
2) Alt- Energy who install and manage renewable energy for primarily community organisations.
3) Building Energy Experts who advise on how to improve the thermal performance of buildings
For the financial aspect of delivery, Greener Energy Futures helped Penny Brohn explore various funding avenues, including grants and partnerships with financial institutions. This collaborative strategy would ensure that the project remained viable while maintaining the focus on sustainability. Signposting included:
1) Quartet Community Foundation, who support charities, voluntary or community organisations with a host of funding options. This included the Megawatt grant, available in early 2024, which has yielded 3 successes for previous Greener Energy Future’s clients.
2) North Somerset Council who provide a wide range of climate-related funding, many aimed at community projects.
3) Bristol City Leap Community Energy Fund, which is designed to support community and 3rd sector organisations in mitigating and adapting the city to climate change risks
4) Future Leap Finance, who support organisations wishing to reduce their emissions by sourcing the best commercially available finance from specific ethical lenders
Greener Energy Futures’ expertise in navigating the financial landscape has led to potential funding partnerships that respect Penny Brohn’s financial constraints. Similarly, connecting with skilled installation partners will help to make sure that the energy-saving measures are implemented efficiently and sensitively, considering the unique needs of a charity healthcare environment.
"The support and expertise from Greener Energy Futures in finding the right partners is invaluable. Their understanding of our needs will lead to a smooth implementation of the energy-saving measures, which is crucial for us, given the sensitive nature of our work."
Andrew Hufford | Chief Executive, Penny Brohn
Setting a Benchmark: Lesson and prospects in healthcare sustainability
Penny Brohn's experience with GEF stands as an inspiring model, highlighting the significance of strategic energy audits, nurturing effective partnerships, and embracing a comprehensive approach to improvement. It sets a precedent in the healthcare sector for sustainable, efficient energy management.
“Working with Penny Brohn has shown the real impact of careful energy audits and strong partnerships. This project is a clear example for the healthcare sector, proving that sustainable energy management is both achievable and beneficial. It’s about taking smart, well-thought-out steps to make a big difference in efficiency and sustainability.”
Simon Pyne | Director at Greener Energy Futures
“Our experience with Greener Energy Futures marks a significant step in practical, sustainable healthcare for the people we support. By focusing on detailed energy audits and building solid partnerships, we’re not just cutting costs - we’re setting a practical example for others in a similar setting to improve energy use and care for our environment in a realistic and impactful way.”
Andrew Hufford | Chief Executive, Penny Brohn
Penny Brohn Cancer Care's partnership with Greener Energy Futures is much more than a tale of cutting costs. It's about combining compassionate care with smart, eco-friendly operations, setting a new trend in how healthcare organisations can operate sustainably. By thoughtfully planning, teaming up with the right people, and committing to eco-conscious practices, they've shown that real, meaningful change is possible. This collaboration is a great example of how working together can lead to big improvements in how we use energy and take care of our planet.
Finding connections for a sustainable energy future
If like Penny Brohn Cancer Care, you’re looking to make sustainability investments manageable, and find the connections that can turn your plans into reality, a Greener Energy Futures audit can help you on your way. Not only will it identify saving opportunities but it will put you in touch with potential funding and installation partners who will understand your goals.
Call Simon on 07356 110886 for further details or to discuss how your business can contribute to a more sustainable energy future.
BIO: Penny Brohn Cancer Care
Penny Brohn UK is a cancer health and wellbeing charity. They help people to feel better in mind, body and spirit by offering everybody with cancer a choice of personalised cancer care. All free, safe and backed by research.
Find Out More HERE