News
Keep up to date with all our project news, hear topical insights and expertise from our people, see events you can attend and find out what’s happening within the practice.
Project News
The new Women and Children's Building becomes first in England approved under NHS Net Zero Building Standard
The new, AHR-designed Women and Children’s Building, which places healthcare staff and patient wellbeing at the fore, is the first NHS building to achieve net zero carbon in operation.
Date: 1 Oct 25
by AHR
min read
The AHR-designed building at the Countess of Chester Hospital showcases sustainable design, setting a new standard for energy-efficient, net zero carbon healthcare facilities in England.
Achieving net zero carbon accreditation
The building’s net zero carbon status was not an afterthought, but the natural outcome of considered design decisions. Resulting in:
- 25% lower upfront carbon than required under the Standard
- 220 MWh annual energy savings through high-efficiency building services
- Achieving BREEAM Excellent (top 10% UK buildings for energy efficiency)
This reflects our philosophy that sustainability must be embedded from day one, not added as a ‘bolt-on’. By aligning environmental performance with functionality and wellbeing, the building shows how hospitals can achieve the highest standards of sustainability without compromise.
You can read the NHS announcement here
A people-first approach
From the very beginning, the project was shaped through extensive engagement with staff, patients, families and local partners. This inclusive process ensured the building reflects the needs of its community.
Inside, the building offers bright, light-filled wards and family spaces, alongside quiet landscaped gardens that provide moments of reflection and calm. The design also supports healthcare professionals, with staff breakout areas and layouts that create a sense of dignity and calm.
The people who are going to be most impacted by climate change are the ones being born here. We have an obligation to start the journey now.”
Gareth Banks
Director and Healthcare Sector LeadA hospital for the future
Flexibility was a key principle in the design. The new building has been created to support the Trust’s services as they evolve, ensuring its facilities remain relevant and effective for years to come. Its family-centred environments, sustainable infrastructure and patient-focused spaces combine to create a hospital that balances innovation with care.
Delivering a net zero carbon hospital within one of the most complex sectors is a significant achievement and shows that low energy design can be delivered in harmony within people focused healthcare solutions.
This project sets a new benchmark for the NHS and wider healthcare sector, proving that sustainable hospitals can be delivered while enhancing wellbeing, attracting and retaining staff and providing outstanding environments for care.
Learn more about the Countess of Chester Hospital’s Women and Children’s Building
Frequently asked questions
The Countess of Chester Hospital's Women and Children’s Building is a newly built, 12,210 sqm healthcare facility in Chester, designed by AHR. It is the UK’s first NHS hospital building to achieve net zero carbon in operation, while placing patient wellbeing and staff support at its core.
The new hospital building is located at the Countess of Chester Hospital, Chester, Cheshire, North West England.
The design includes bright wards, family spaces, landscaped gardens and staff breakout areas. It connects people to nature and creates calm, dignified environments for both patients and healthcare staff.
It means the building’s day-to-day operations – heating, cooling, lighting and power – result in zero net carbon emissions, achieved through energy efficiency and sustainable design solutions.
The Countess of Chester Hospital project proves that net zero hospitals are achievable in the NHS. It sets a benchmark for future healthcare projects across the UK, showing how sustainability, patient wellbeing and staff support can be delivered together.
Thought Leadership
Designing climate resilient university estates to future-proof campuses
Learn why climate resilient university estates are a strategic priority, helping leaders safeguard operations, reputation and institutional value.
Date: 12 Nov 25
by AHR
Project News
Planning approved for Bristol Temple Meads Southern Gateway
Plans have been approved for this transformative transport hub and civic space, a key milestone in Bristol’s largest regeneration project, promoting greener travel and economic growth.
Date: 7 Nov 25
by AHR
Practice News
Project management: Strengthening our offering with exciting new appointments
We have expanded our project management team, enhancing our building consultancy expertise and supporting successful project delivery nationwide.
Date: 30 Oct 25
by AHR
Latest Updates
- Regional Finalist at the 2026 Civic Trust Awards, our outstanding mixed use scheme at Chester Northgate is shortlisted
2 Dec 25
- Government confirms 250 Neighbourhood Health Centres as part of prevention-focused 10-Year Health Plan
28 Nov 25
- Re-engaging staff, reimagining space: Why the NHS Workforce Plan begins with better places to work
28 Nov 25
- Designing healthy places: The role of placemaking in wellbeing and inclusion
27 Nov 25
- Designing for safety, dignity and belonging: Reflections from Learning Places Scotland 2025
26 Nov 25
Keep in Touch with AHR
A focus on sustainablity
When creating or caring for buildings and spaces, every project counts. Through a range of methods and initiatives we seek to leave the world better than we found it, with responsible and healthy places.
Awards
Celebrating our Net Zero Architect of the Year win
We’re proud to have been named Net Zero Architect of the Year at this year’s Building Design Architect of the Year Awards, a reflection of our commitment to sustainability and design excellence.
Date: 26 Oct 25
by AHR
Practice News
Decarbonisation in Leeds: Tackling greenwashing and cost barriers
At our decarbonisation roundtable discussion in Leeds, experts joined us to explore how we can overcome greenwashing, cost and National Grid challenges to lead the UK’s net zero journey.
Date: 8 Oct 25
by AHR
Project News
Exciting milestone as planning permission is secured on our residential retrofit project with Calderdale Council
In response to the climate emergency, we’re leading a project to create warmer, more comfortable and sustainable homes through a range of retrofit and whole-house energy efficiency works.
Date: 2 Oct 25
by AHR
Contributors
Gareth Banks
Director, Architecture
Stephen Bottom
Director, Building Consultancy
Stuart Bryson
Regional Director, Architecture
Karle Burford
Director, Architecture
David de Sousa
Director, Architecture
Jamie Gregory
Associate Director, Architecture
Stefan Harris
Associate, Architecture
Robert Hopkins
Director, Architecture
Allan Hunt
Managing Director, Building Consultancy
Imran Kassim
Director, Architecture
Simon Lamprell
Director, Architecture
Dominic Manfredi
Director, Architecture
Lee McDougall
Director, Building Consultancy
Gary Overton
Director, Architecture
Gurminder Sanghera
Director, Architecture
Victoria Shepherdson
Associate Director, Architecture
Samantha Smith
Director, Building Consultancy
Mark Stead
Director, Building Consultancy
Matt Stephenson
Associate, Architecture
Amanda Taylor
Sales Director
Hira Teirney
Associate Director, Architecture
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