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

Green Theatre Checklist

Sector: Energy
Format: Guide

2024

Green Theatre Checklist

A list of recommendations to reduce the environmental impact of operating theatres. Compiled by the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, the Royal College of Surgeons of England, the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, and the Royal…

CUH Nitrous Oxide Reduction Project

Sector: Waste Prevention
Format: Guide

2024

CUH Nitrous Oxide Reduction Project

CUH's Nitrous Oxide Reduction Project will save 600 tonnes of carbon per year. The hospital has successfully decommissioned the nitrous oxide piped system for anaesthesia in CUH theatres, now providing canisters locally in theatre for N2O supply.

St Ita's Knockamann

Sector: Energy
Format:

2024

St Ita's Knockamann

St Ita's Knockamann - solar PV, LED lighting, and behavioural change initiatives.

Green spaces projects on 15 pilot sites

Sector: Green spaces
Format: Case Studies

2024

Green spaces projects on 15 pilot sites

Green spaces projects on 15 pilot sites to maximise health & wellbeing benefits for patients and staff, and improve biodiversity.

Portlaoise window bar design for greater natural ventilation

Sector: Energy
Format: Case Studies

2024

Portlaoise window bar design for greater natural ventilation

Midlands Regional Hospital Portlaoise's window bar design allowing for greater natural ventilation.

Energy Efficient Design at Newtowncunningham PCC

Sector: Energy
Format: Case Studies

2024

Energy Efficient Design at Newtowncunningham PCC

Energy Efficient Design at the Newtowncunningham PCC achieves an A2 energy rating.

Natural ventilation - Tipperary University Hospital

Sector: Energy
Format: Case Studies

2024

Natural ventilation - Tipperary University Hospital

A natural ventilation strategy at the Slievenamon unit at Tipperary University Hospital.

St Fintan's energy upgrades

Sector: Energy
Format: Case Studies

2024

St Fintan's energy upgrades

Energy upgrades at St Fintan's Healthcare campus in Portlaoise includes LED lighting, pump upgrades, window upgrades, and staff engagement.