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

Think Before you Flush (Infographic Poster)

Sector: Water
Format: Guide

2024

Think Before you Flush (Infographic Poster)

Infographic showing how flushing items such as wet wipes down the toilet can cause pipe blockages and damage our marine environment

Think Before You Pour (Poster)

Sector: Water
Format: Guide

2024

Think Before You Pour (Poster)

Poster on how to prevent fats, oils and greases (FOGs) from damaging our wastewater network and environment.

The Dirty Dozen (POSTER)

Sector: Water
Format: Guide

2024

The Dirty Dozen (POSTER)

When these items are flushed down the toilet they can cause problems in our homes, wastewater treatment network and the environment

An Dosaen Salach (The Dirty Dozen) - POSTER as Gaeilge

Sector: Water
Format: Guide

2024

An Dosaen Salach (The Dirty Dozen) - POSTER as Gaeilge

Níor chóir na rudaí seo a shrughlú síos sa leithreas go brách

Water Efficiency Guide (2024)

Sector: Water
Format: Guide

2024

Water Efficiency Guide (2024)

This Guide provides an overview of the main aspects involved in efficient water use in Irish hospitals. Including case studies and best practice benchmarks the guide provides a stepwise approach to address water conservation in your hospital.

Water Submetering in The National Orthopaedic Hospital Cappagh

Sector: Water
Format: Guide

2024

Water Submetering in The National Orthopaedic Hospital Cappagh

Case study on the sub-metering of water and gas in Cappagh Hospital and how it helped identify leaks, save money and reduce carbon footprint

Croom Legionella Flushing Case Study

Sector: Water
Format: Guide

2024

Croom Legionella Flushing Case Study

Case study on how, through small changes, the staff in Croom Hospital reduced the water use associated with legionella flushing saving water, money and reducing carbon emissions

Legionella Flushing Guidelines (Poster)

Sector: Water
Format: Guide

2024

Legionella Flushing Guidelines (Poster)

This poster outlines the best practice guidelines for flushing in different locations throughout Irish hospitals and also identifies the best practice tap flow rates that can help reduce water use and the carbon emissions associated with hot water use