GREEN HEALTHCARE

The Green Healthcare programme is funded by HSE Capital & Estates through the Climate Action & Sustainability Office.

The Climate Action & Sustainability Office works with Irish hospitals to Conserve Water, Reduce Healthcare Risk Waste, Reduce Food Waste, and Increase Recycling

Irish hospitals spend almost €10 million on water each year

Clean water is an important resource for hospitals, and, until there is a problem, most people don’t think about it too much. However, every litre of water that is paid for may not reach its intended tap, toilet or shower. As water is a costly resource, ensuring that it is carefully monitored and tracked is an important job for every hospital.

START A WATER EFFICIENCY PROGRAMME

50% of food prepared is thrown away!

Food waste can be a significant issue in hospitals and is often difficult to address. Green Healthcare food waste surveys have shown that up to half of all food prepared in Irish hospitals ends up being thrown out. Here we provide guidance on how to learn more about your food waste and what you can do to reduce it.

START REDUCING YOUR FOOD WASTE

At least 1/3 of risk waste is non-contaminated clean material

Dealing with healthcare risk waste correctly is an important task for every hospital. However, healthcare risk waste is the most expensive waste to dispose of so ensuring that only risk waste ends up in these bins is an ongoing issue that needs to be addressed.

START REDUCING YOUR RISK WASTE COSTS

1/3 of all landfilled waste could be recycled.

General waste accounts for almost 60% of all waste generated in Irish hospitals. Through surveys carried out by Green Healthcare it has been established that one third of this waste could be recycled. It is therefore an important area to consider when trying to reduce waste volumes and waste management costs.

LEARN MORE ABOUT WASTE & RECYCLING

Green Healthcare Resources

Green Healthcare has developed a suite of resources for the Irish healthcare sector in relation to resource efficiency and cost savings. These resources include:

Resources

Healthcare waste - a non technical introduction

Sector: Training
Format: Video

2023

Healthcare waste - a non technical introduction

Healthcare waste - a non technical introduction

Reducing food waste in Irish hospitals

Sector: Training
Format: Video

2023

Reducing food waste in Irish hospitals

Guidance for catering managers on reducing food waste in Irish hospitals

Part 3: Best Practice and Developing a Water Conservation Action Plan

Sector: Training
Format: Video

2023

Part 3: Best Practice and Developing a Water Conservation Action Plan

Target audience: Local Estates Energy Officer, Hospital Maintenance, Technical Services, Facilities Engineer, Plumbers. This video will provide technical in-depth knowledge on the aspects of water efficiency outlined in the HSE’s Water Efficiency Guide for Irish Healthcare facilities (water used and…

Part 2: Investigating the water used on-site

Sector: Training
Format: Video

2023

Part 2: Investigating the water used on-site

Target audience: Local Estates Energy Officer, Hospital Maintenance, Technical Services, Facilities Engineer, Plumbers. This video will provide technical in-depth knowledge on the aspects of water efficiency outlined in the HSE’s Water Efficiency Guide for Irish Healthcare facilities (water used and…

Part 1: Measuring and Monitoring Water Use

Sector: Training
Format: Video

2023

Part 1: Measuring and Monitoring Water Use

Target audience: Local Estates Energy Officer, Hospital Maintenance, Technical Services, Facilities Engineer, Plumbers. This video will provide technical in-depth knowledge on the aspects of water efficiency outlined in the HSE’s Water Efficiency Guide for Irish Healthcare facilities (water used and…

Introductory Workshop to water conservation (1 hour)

Sector: Training
Format: Video

2023

Introductory Workshop to water conservation (1 hour)

Target audience: Green Teams, Managers, Hospital Maintenance, Estates Energy Officer. Overall aim: A non-technical introduction to the aims and actions involved in a hospital water efficiency programme based on the HSE’s Water Efficiency Guide for Irish Healthcare facilities (water paid for, water used…

Compostable Aprons - a product pilot

Sector:
Format: Guide

2023

Compostable Aprons - a product pilot

A case study on a compostable apron product pilot from Health Innovation Hub Ireland (HIHI). Developed by HaPPE Earth, the HaPPE Apron is made from compostable material instead of the usual plastic (low-density polyethylene, LDPE) for healthcare aprons. Initial calculations…

Community Hospitals Booklet 2023

Sector: Waste Prevention
Format: Guide

2023

Community Hospitals Booklet 2023

The HSE Capital & Estates Climate Action & Sustainability Office focuses on cutting emissions from Health Service buildings and supporting climate action goals. This program, funded by HSE Capital & Estates, partners with Irish hospitals to enhance sustainability by addressing…