HEALTH bosses have approved a plan that aims to reduce the carbon footprint of the NHS in Gwent by one fifth in five years, potentially saving millions of pounds.

A range of projects, from the widespread adoption of good housekeeping measures such as switching off lights and equipment when not required, to installation of energy saving technology, are being developed through Aneurin Bevan Health Board's new carbon management strategy.

New rules governing carbon emissions monitoring and control are focusing minds across the NHS in Wales on ways of making meaningful savings on energy consumption.

But the stark reality of steeply rising energy costs and the need to curb them at a time of budget cuts, is the main inspiration.

During 2009/10, the health board's carbon footprint from energy use was around 40,000 tonnes, enough to supply a small town of 6,500 three-bed houses.

The health board currently spends more than £7m a year on utilities and transport fuel.

Its energy bill has more than doubled since 2002 due to rising energy prices and consumption.

Electricity costs account for 39 per cent of the overall bill, and is an area targeted for action.

Renewable energy sources such as rooftop photovoltaic cells are an option for installation at some hospitals and other buildings, while improved insulation, heat recovery systems, and more efficient lighting and control systems will be considered.

The tough budgetary position means many energy saving projects are likely to be funded on an invest-to-save basis, costs funded upfront through the Assembly and paid back from savings.

But many schemes could produce sufficient savings on energy bills to pay for themselves in 18 months to four years.

The health board has adopted a formal target of 15 per cent carbon reduction by 2015, but will aim for 20 per cent.