15 October 2025

The Countess of Chester Hospital’s recently completed Women & Children’s development has officially achieved compliance with the NHS Net Zero Carbon Building Standard (NZCBS); a landmark accomplishment that sets a precedent across NHS England.

This is the first building within NHS England to meet the rigorous sustainability stipulations outlined in their NZCBS, underscoring the Trust’s commitment to environmental responsibility and future-focused healthcare infrastructure. Delivered by Integrated Health Projects (IHP), a joint venture between VINCI Building and Sir Robert McAlpine, and designed by AHR Architects, the Women & Children’s Hospital scheme achieved a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating, reflecting a commitment to energy efficiency and sustainability. Commenting on achieving NZCBS status in a recent statement, Adam Hope, Director of Estates & Facilities at the Countess of Chester Hospital, said: “This is a proud moment for our hospital, our community, and the wider NHS. We’ve created a space that’s clinically outstanding, welcoming, and environmentally responsible. It shows what’s possible when sustainability is embedded from the very beginning.”

Working in close collaboration with the project team, Waterman’s building services specialists provided the mechanical and electrical design for the new building through the P23 procurement route and were instrumental in supporting the drive to achieve NZCBS status. Tim Davies, Waterman’s Director for Building Services, said: “This incredible achievement reflects the dedication and innovation of everyone involved in the project. We’re proud to be part of the team leading the way in delivering sustainable healthcare environments that support both patient wellbeing and the planet.”

A transformational development

The Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust’s Women and Children’s Building is a £110 million investment that transforms healthcare for families across Cheshire and North Wales. The state-of-the-art facility opened its doors in autumn 2025, bringing together maternity, neonatal, paediatric, and gynaecology services under one roof. The three-storey building replaces the original 1970s structure and forms part of the NHS’s national programme to eliminate the use of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) in healthcare buildings. AHR Architects’ design focuses on creating a welcoming and light environment to cater to a wide range of patient needs, whilst also prioritising staff wellbeing with a variety of rest rooms and training spaces.

Offering a wide range of specialist facilities, the building includes a modern delivery suite with 11 birthing rooms and two obstetric theatres, a 24-bed maternity ward with en-suite single rooms, a neonatal unit with capacity for up to 16 cots, a children’s ward with overnight accommodation for families, and enhanced staff and visitor amenities designed with accessibility and sustainability in mind.

Designing for a new sustainability standard

The design behind the Women & Children’s Hospital demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to energy efficiency, climate resilience, and patient comfort, underpinned by Waterman’s innovative MEP strategy. A robust electrical infrastructure, featuring a new high-voltage power supply, N+1 transformers, and a standby generator, ensures uninterrupted power for critical hospital operations. Energy-efficient heating and cooling are delivered via simultaneous and reversible roof-mounted heat pumps, with domestic hot water supplied by a water-to-water heat pump to enhance overall performance.

To further minimise environmental impact, a 400 sqm photovoltaic array contributes to a reduced carbon footprint and supports the hospital’s long-term sustainability goals. The building is fully mechanically ventilated to maintain optimal air quality and comfort, while a comprehensive Building Management System (BMS) enables intelligent monitoring and control of all environmental systems. Together, these elements reflect a strong commitment to sustainability, operational reliability, and modern healthcare standards.

The NZC Building Standard forms a key part of the NHS’s broader ambition to become the world’s first Net Zero national health service. By meeting this standard, the Countess of Chester’s new facility demonstrates how modern healthcare buildings can be both high-performing and environmentally conscious.

Reflecting on the scheme’s impact, Tim Davies said:

“This marks a significant achievement both for the project team and NHS England as it is the first building to meet the NZCBS across the organisation. This milestone reflects a project-wide commitment to sustainability, innovation, and excellence in healthcare infrastructure. Congratulations to everyone who contributed to this landmark success!”

To learn more about how we’re unlocking the potential of healthcare schemes across the UK, head to our Healthcare sector webpage by clicking here.