How Green is My Hospital?

A report from the NHS Confederation may seem a bit of an odd subject for this blog, except for two reasons - it's about the NHS' contribution to climate change, and it's Wales-specific.

The report, Taking the Temperature, was co-authored by the NHS Confederation UK and the new economics foundation, points out that not only is the NHS at the frontline of addressing the impacts of climate change upon humans (warmer temperatures, spread of disease, etc.), but it is also one of the largest and most resource-hungry public-sector institutions there is.

The report highlights good practice from across the UK, from power supplies to more efficient transport solutions and local food procurement. It ends by listing ten key questions for NHS boards to consider to make a difference, in these areas: leadership on climate change, a strategic response, setting targets, partnerships with local organisations, energy consumption, building construction, procurement practices, green transport, waste management and staff management. None of these are, however, specific to the NHS, and can be just as easily applied into say, the higher education sector.

These questions need to be asked, and this report highlights how effective environmental management must take place across all sectors of society. All of Wales' hospitals are, for instance, running on green electricity. Its target is to cut carbon emissions by15% by 2010.

Will we soon see universities and HE funding councils undertaking a similar sector-wide study?