The Neutral Hospice Network is a collaborative community dedicated to helping hospices afford carbon neutrality. Through shared experience, resources, best practices, and innovative strategies, we support hospices to improve their energy efficiency, reduce their environmental impact and future proof their operations so that they can continue to serve their patients, staff, and the planet in the long term.
Why Join the
Neutral Hospice Network?
If you're involved in planning, delivering, or supporting energy-saving or sustainability initiatives in a hospice setting, the Neutral Hospice Network is here to support you.
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By joining this community, you'll gain:
Stay informed on the latest developments in energy efficiency, low carbon technologies, and net zero planning within hospice environments.
Our bi-monthly webinars feature guest speakers and real-life case studies to share what works (and what doesn't).
Expert Insight
Join a growing network of people who understand the unique challenges of working towards sustainability in hospice care.
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Share experiences, exchange ideas, and learn from others navigating similar paths.
Peer Support & Connection
Wherever you're starting from, we offer clear, accessible advice and resources to help you make progress step by step.
Practical Guidance
Every hospice faces different pressures, but we're united in the need to create sustainable, resilient services. The Neutral Hospice Network provides a space to ask questions, share learnings, and work towards real, achievable change - together.
A Shared Commitment
SPOTLIGHT ARTICLE
Why Heat Pumps Matter for Hospices, Now More Than Ever
2024 marked the first year global temperatures exceeded the 1.5°C Paris Agreement limit, bringing climate change impacts firmly to our doorstep. For hospices, that means dealing with hotter summers, ageing gas boilers, and rising energy costs.
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Heating is the biggest source of energy use and emissions in hospices. Yet many still rely on gas boilers that are increasingly outdated and inefficient. Heat pumps offer a proven, energy-efficient alternative, and they’re more relevant than ever.
Why Heat Pumps?
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3-6x more efficient than gas boilers
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Provide both heating and cooling
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Work in sub-zero conditions
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Essential to net zero targets
Heat pumps use electricity to extract heat from the air, ground or water, even in winter. With proper design, they can comfortably heat rooms to hospice standards and offer much-needed cooling during warmer months.
Will They Work in Hospice Buildings?
YES. Even in older, leaky or complex buildings, heat pumps have been successfully installed. Think churches, heritage
buildings and cold climates. The key? Smart system design, including:​
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Lower flow temperatures (e.g. 35°C instead of 75°C)
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Long, slow heat delivery for stable comfort
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Correct emitter types (e.g. fan coils, large radiators)
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Room-by-room heat loss calculations​
As one expert put it: “Heat pumps aren’t new or mysterious. The problem is poor design, not the technology."
More Than Just Heating
Many hospices now face overheating in summer. The good news: heat pumps can reverse cycle to cool too, no separate system needed.​​
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To enable cooling, systems must be fitted with:
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Suitable emitters (radiators alone won’t cool)
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Zoned control systems
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Flexible seasonal settings
Final Takeaways
As energy demands evolve, so must the systems that support care. For hospices, this is more than a technical upgrade; it’s a chance to lead with purpose, resilience, and sustainability.​​
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Design is critical: Success depends on the right setup.
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Plan ahead: Don’t wait for a boiler failure.
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Gas is unpredictable: Costs and regulation will likely shift.
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Modular systems offer resilience: Built-in backup ensures continuity.
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Change is already happening: Across hospitals, hotels and public buildings.
Hospices have unique challenges, but also a unique opportunity to lead in sustainable care. The move away from fossil fuels isn’t just possible, it’s essential.
JOIN THE CONVERSATION
Neutral Hospice Network on LinkedIn
Be part of a growing community working towards more sustainable hospice care.
Follow the Neutral Hospice Network on LinkedIn for insights, webinar invites, event updates, and shared experiences from others tackling energy and net zero challenges in real-world settings.
THE NEUTRAL HOME TEAM
