Trust achieves 15% reduction in carbon footprint
The Trust has achieved a 15% reduction in carbon emissions for the year 2012-13, meaning it is well on its way to meeting its 2017 target of 18%.
South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust provides a range of community, mental health and learning disability services to the people of Barnsley, Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield.
The Trust is committed to being a socially responsible organisation and this includes introducing measures that reduce or offset its environmental impact; including carbon reduction.
The Trust’s 18% target by 2017 means a total reduction of 2407.14 tonnes of carbon with potential financial savings of around £1.9 million.
The Trust has managed to already reach the 15% reduction through a number of projects including upgrades to building management systems, replacing old windows, increased insulation, energy efficient lighting and new boilers.
Other initiatives embraced by the Trust include car sharing schemes, recycling, use of community venues rather than commercial private venues, a bike scheme and sustainable procurement.
Dawn Stephenson, director of corporate development and sustainability lead for the Trust said, ”The Government has identified the NHS as key to delivering carbon reduction across the UK in line with the Climate Change Act targets.
In these economically challenging times it is important that we focus the resources we have on providing the very best quality of services. It is therefore important for us to take action to reduce our use of resources and carbon emissions, at the same time as supporting our service users and communities to live in a sustainable way.
By saving money on energy and resources we can put it to good use in patient care, whilst making a positive contribution to the environment by lowering carbon emissions. These latest figures show our overall target reduction of 18% should be accomplished and even exceeded in the next 3 years. This is a great achievement for us and down to the contribution of all our staff.”
