WEDNESDAY, 10 NOVEMBER, 2021

For immediate release: infographic attached showing how NHS Tayside is reducing its carbon footprint

A greener Tayside - how NHS Tayside is reducing its carbon footprint

With the eyes of the world on Scotland for COP 26, NHS Tayside is already working hard to reduce its carbon footprint by reducing energy consumption, recycling and using electric vehicles.

NHS Tayside requires energy to deliver healthcare however, with a commitment to minimising the impact of its activity on the environment, since 2011-12, energy consumption has been reduced by 10.5% and CO2 emissions by 35.1%.

Saving Energy

In 1990, NHS Tayside recorded 120,001 tonnes of CO2 from energy use in its buildings. Today, thanks to a number of environmental changes this has been reduced to 50,520 tonnes – a reduction of 65.5% against a Government target of a 57.9% reduction.

This was achieved by a combination of moving away from using fuels like coal and oil, using the Ninewells Energy Centre Combined Heat and Power to generate electricity from gas, as well as changes to using LED lighting and improving building insulation.

NHS Tayside also has an Energy Officer whose role includes reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions across NHS Tayside, promoting energy efficiency and implementing energy efficiency projects. Staff are encouraged to engage with the energy officer, sharing ideas to reduce energy and highlighting areas where they believe improvements could be made.

Simple energy-saving tips are also shared with staff such as stickers reminding people to turn off lights when they leave a room, switching off computers and monitors at the end of the day, closing blinds to keep heat in office spaces overnight, only printing when necessary and unplugging chargers when they are not in use.

Recycling

NHS Tayside is currently required to recycle no less than 60% of its domestic waste, according to targets set out by the Scottish Government, which are set to rise to 70% by 2025.

To help meet this target, new recycling bins are being delivered across NHS Tayside sites with dedicated bins for clinical and non-clinical areas. Staff are also reminded of what rubbish goes in which bin to allow as much waste as possible to be recycled.

Electric Vehicles and green travel

Transport has a significant role in reducing overall greenhouse gas emissions, as well as improving air quality levels, and is responsible for 25% of the UK’s total greenhouse gas emissions.

The Scottish Government announced its ambition to phase out the need for new petrol and diesel cars and vans from the public sector fleet by 2025.

NHS Tayside has been replacing its vehicle fleet over time and now has 66 electric vehicles, including 28 pool cars which can be used by staff to travel to see patients and between sites.

Staff are also encouraged to reduce traffic and congestion in the local area by taking part in active modes of travel. NHS Tayside’s Active Travel team helps staff sign up to lift share schemes and offers advice on using public transport along with tips on how to cycle or walk to work safely.

Clinicians at COP

NHS Tayside Consultant Anaesthetist Dr Pavan Raju has exhibited a video at COP 26 on behalf of the Scottish Environmental Anaesthesia Group about how healthcare settings can reduce their carbon footprint.

Dr Raju, who works at Ninewells Hospital, created the video as part of his work with the Scottish Environmental Anaesthesia Group. The video features anaesthetists from across Scotland discussing the work they are doing to reduce the carbon footprint in each of their locations.

Watch the video here.

Contact:

Cara Longmuir

NHS Tayside Communications

(01382) 740716