Health trust wins award for reducing carbon footprint

BRIDGEWATER Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has received official recognition for its commitment to reducing its carbon footprint
The Trust, which provides community NHS health services in Warrington and other parts of the North West, originally received the prestigious environmental management award ISO 14001:2004 in December 2013.  Following a rigorous audit by independent body Alcumus ISOQAR late last year, Bridgewater has had its award re-certified.
Donald McQueen, environmental management system officer, led the project.
He said: “Bridgewater takes a responsible and ethical approach to the use of energy, materials, fuels and minimising our waste.
“The Trust is committed to reviewing the energy we use and analysing how savings can be made through the reduced use of lighting, heating, air conditioning and transport. We also recycle a large proportion of our waste. By recycling our confidential waste in 2015/16, it generated 86 tonnes of recycled fibre and saved the equivalent of 215 cubic meters in landfill space.
“We also use online and face-to-face training to encourage our staff to be more environmentally aware.”
Chief executive Colin Scales added: “Bridgewater understands that the day to day workings of our organisation have an impact on the environment both locally and globally. We acknowledge our responsibilities to minimise this impact and we make every effort to operate in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner.
“The ISO 14001:2004 recertification truly reflects the hard work and effort of our staff and in particular our Estates and Facilities Team. They have helped develop an environmental management system that not only suits the needs of our organisation but also supports the national NHS sustainability strategy.”
Pictured (left to right): Bridgewater’s estates managers Tom Cheetham and Chris Starkey with Donald McQueen, environmental management system officer.