Staff are being challenged to commit to being green champions – helping the NHS in its mission to being sustainable over the next two decades and beyond.
North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust is aims to have net zero carbon emissions by 2040.
To achieve this, we are asking staff to:
- Reuse and recycle more
- Use alternative transport
- Have a focus on sustainability in the workplace
The trust will hold a special ‘Green Day’ next month when it will recruit its staff as green champions and outline its commitment through its ‘green plan’.
Making green champions a critical part of our future
Julie Gillon, chief executive, said: “Sustainability is a critical part of the future of the NHS.
“How we adapt to our responsibilities as a provider organisation and the way in which we work, will have a huge impact on the carbon footprint of every individual we come into contact with not only as a Foundation Trust, but also as a major employer in our area.
“That’s why we’re reviewing how we can deliver our services now, and in the future, in a more sustainable way.
“From the heating, lighting and power supplies within our hospitals, to the use of recyclable and reusable consumables and resources within our daily working environment, we are encouraging and empowering all of our staff to adapt to and adopt a sustainable health and care environment for future generations.
“We have already made huge changes to our hospital infrastructure, and we won’t stop there.
“We will work with our partners and stakeholders to ensure that we give the population we serve and the surrounding area of Tees Valley the best possible opportunities to improve our environment and to live and work in a more sustainable way.
“Our staff are demonstrating a real interest in climate change and living and working in a more sustainable way. Our green champions can help support, encourage and influence changes in behaviours both in our organisation and our own communities.”
The organisation has recently made changes, including:
- Building a new efficient energy centre at the University Hospital of North Tees
- Installing solar panels and electric car charging points at both North Tees and the University Hospital of Hartlepool
To find out more about our Green Plan, visit our environment and sustainability webpage.
