Celebrating NHS Sustainability Day

Staff at York Hospital celebrated NHS Sustainability Day on Thursday 24 March by highlighting the innovative ‘green’ schemes which are significantly reducing carbon emissions.

A special exhibition was created for visitors and staff so they could find out more about York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust’s energy saving projects and how they have made such an impact on reducing carbon emissions.

Brian Golding, Director of Estates and Facilities, said: “As an organisation, we are very much aware of sustainability issues and are committed to reducing our environmental impact. Our sustainable development group ensures that we are consistently addressing energy consumption across all our hospitals, looking at everything from light bulbs through to the design of new buildings.

“Last year we completed a major energy saving and carbon reduction project at York Hospital, which saw the installation of a new combined heat and power unit. Since the completion of this project carbon  emissions are projected to be cut by 2,996 tonnes a year, a reduction of 22 percent.

“By reducing energy costs, we can reinvest savings into front line services and patient care.”

This scheme has since been replicated at Bridlington Hospital. The £1.24M project will achieve guaranteed savings of £104,375 in the first year - a 30 per cent reduction on current energy bills and operating costs. A similar project at Scarborough Hospital is scheduled for completion in the summer.

The exhibition also included information from City of York Council on sustainable travel, recycling and tips so people can play their own part in sustainability.

Across the Trust staff at Bridlington Hospital were invited to the official launch of the new combined heat and power unit and tour where they will be to find out more about the innovative energy saving measures installed.

Scarborough Hospital hosted a sustainable travel event including an electric vehicle showcase with demo cars and vans from Nissan, Mercedes and BMW. Information about the Trust’s cycle scheme and lease cars were available, and local bus companies provided information on public transport.

29 March 2016