Despite claims that NHS organisations are failing to embrace the need for energy efficiency and carbon reduction, a London trust has been singled out for praise in this year’s Climate Week Awards.
University College London Hospitals (UCLH) has won the award for Best Initiative by a Public or Uniformed Service , beating other shortlisted entries from RAF Northolt, Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue and Sussex Community NHS Trust. It was the only NHS organisation to be successful.
The award recognises the work of the estates and facilities department at University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in driving forward the low-carbon agenda both within its the organisation and more broadly across the NHS.
The starting point was a Carbon Management Plan , which in 2011 delivered a 14% reduction in the trust’s carbon footprint and a 6% drop in energy costs. The trust has also appointed 73 carbon champions and hosted a Carbon Oscars ceremony to recognise the efforts of staff. On a national level, the trust has helped to develop a sustainability portal providing practical advice and case studies as well as space for suppliers to demonstrate sustainable technology. It has also created an eBay-style re-use system where NHS trusts can exchange equipment, and is helping to organise an NHS Day of Sustainability Action .
Trevor Payne, UCLH’s director of estates and facilities, said: “It’s great that UCLH is being recognised for its efforts and hard work with respect to initiatives and actions to deliver more sustainable healthcare. We have developed initiatives that are right for us and for the wider NHS. Clearly there is more that we can do and to date we have had great support from the whole of UCLH on this agenda.”
Click here for more on the award winners
