NMH

NMH | 2024 243 Appendices Carbon footprint reduction: We have implemented energy-efficient practices (PIR sensors, LED lights), explored renewable energy sources and optimised waste management. Collaboration: We foster partnerships with suppliers, fellow healthcare institutions, and community organisations. Together, we share knowledge and drive positive change. A partnership with students from Trinity College Business School was established around reporting structures based on CSRD. The project will be completed in the second quarter of 2025. Education and awareness: Our staff, patients, and visitors play pivotal roles. We educate, advocate, and inspire sustainable behaviours. Sustainability has been introduced in our mandatory training and will be part of induction as well. During the year we introduced a monthly newsletter sent out to all members of staff. Members of the Environmental Committee have completed a training course provided by the HSE. We also invite members of the Environmental Committee to attend seminars and conferences Water dispensers: We made a full inventory of the need for plumbed-in waster dispensers around the hospital. We got funding for it but didn't have the internal resources to implement it in 2024. Smarter travel: Based on a Staff Travel Survey, we submitted our application for Smarter Travel Mark and received Silver status by the National Transport Authority. Re-usable items: A long-term work has started in clinical areas to reduce use of single-use items and move to re-usable items. A symbolic start was the recycling of ligasures (electrosurgical device) in Theatre. Ligasures are now being sold back to a company that upscale them for reuse. Certification: The Laboratory is working towards their first 'My Green Lab' accreditation and participating in the global Freezer Challenge. The Freezer Challenge is a global competition to manage cold storage more efficiently. The Catering Department retained the ISO 22000:2018 Food Safety Management Systems certification. The Department was also finalist in the Irish Hotel and Catering Awards Gold medal awards for the healthcare section. Procurement: In all our procurements we are following new legal requirements of award criteria for environmental initiatives. This is part of the Green Procurement Guidelines by the HSE. We are also proactively seeking information on recyclability of products and packaging as part of our product specification as well as asking that suppliers recommend Initiatives to us that we may not have considered. Digitisation: We have started the process of moving from paper based to digital for certain processes, both internally and externally with third parties. That will continue going forward. Laptops have been issued to a large number of employees which facilitates for blended working as well as a more digital meeting structure in the hospital. The reduction of the vast number of printers have started with the aim of moving to network printers. Blended working: Several departments have introduced a formal blended working scheme which reduces commuting as well as promoting a better life work balance for staff. Telemedicine: Virtual clinics were originally introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic and have continued where possible, given the positive effects from a sustainability perspective. Challenges and Opportunities While progress has been made, challenges persist. We will continue to get staff involved all around the hospital. Balancing patient care, health and safety, infection control and efficiency with environmental impact requires creativity and resilience. This Sustainability Report sets the stage. We commit to annual updates and tracking our progress. Our sustainability efforts and achievements are still at an early stage. Carl Alfvag, NMH Green Committee Chair.

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