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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Green Healthcare has developed a suite of resources for the Irish healthcare sector in relation to resource efficiency and cost savings. These resources include:
| Sector: | Energy |
| Format: | Guide |
2024
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…
| Sector: | Waste Prevention |
| Format: | Guide |
2024
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.
