In today’s rapidly changing healthcare environment, the drive to enhance patient care, cut operational expenses, and address pressing environmental issues is more crucial than ever. At the forefront of this transformation is the Institute of Healthcare Engineering and Estate Management (IHEEM), the largest professional body in the UK dedicated to the advancement of healthcare engineers and facilities managers through research, education, and professional development. In a recent accolade, IHEEM bestowed the ‘Healthcare Supplier of the Year’ award upon Veolia, a global frontrunner in energy and environmental services. This recognition serves as a testament to Veolia’s unwavering commitment to propelling sustainability in healthcare through cutting-edge energy solutions.
Discover how Focus360 Energy can help with BREEAM certification.
Veolia’s commendation by IHEEM is deeply rooted in its strategic initiative, the Green Up programme, which is designed to assist hospitals in meeting their carbon reduction targets. This initiative transcends the mere implementation of energy-efficient technologies, advocating for a comprehensive ‘whole building’ approach. Such a strategy scrutinises how facilities and energy delivery systems interact, ensuring that any enhancements not only curtail carbon emissions but also augment the quality of patient care.
For over half a century, Veolia has been an indispensable ally to the NHS, delivering a broad spectrum of on-site energy management and facilities management (FM) services. A landmark achievement in this partnership is the orchestration of a £71 million investment aimed at major carbon-reducing energy projects across five hospitals under the auspices of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS). These initiatives are anticipated to slash annual carbon emissions by 11,865 tonnes of CO₂e, marking a significant stride towards the NHS’s ambitious aim of becoming the globe’s first net-zero health service by the year 2045.
The PSDS projects harness state-of-the-art technologies, including solar panels, air and ground source heat pumps, and advanced insulation and lighting systems. These innovations not only promote environmental sustainability but also guarantee long-term energy security for healthcare facilities. By seamlessly integrating these systems, Veolia empowers hospitals to diminish their carbon footprint without compromising, and potentially even enhancing, the calibre of patient care.
Beyond its focus on energy efficiency, Veolia’s commitment extends to waste management for over 100 hospitals, with an emphasis on maximising recycling and minimising carbon emissions. Through the development of novel processes at its facilities, Veolia has refined the clinical waste hierarchy, achieving an impressive 70% reduction in carbon emissions from clinical waste services. This dedication to sustainability and innovation in healthcare is what garnered IHEEM’s recognition.
The commendation by IHEEM underscores Veolia’s pioneering role in fostering innovation and sustainability within the healthcare sector. It accentuates the critical nature of partnerships between technology providers and healthcare institutions in tackling the formidable challenges posed by climate change. As articulated by John Abraham, Veolia’s Chief Operating Officer for Industrial, Water, and Energy in the UK, Ireland, and the Nordics, “To make a real difference and limit the damaging effects of climate change needs innovation.”
This accolade not only lauds Veolia’s accomplishments but also sets a standard for other industry players. It highlights the imperative for ongoing innovation and collaboration in the pursuit of sustainable healthcare solutions. As the FM industry continues its expansion, with a projected market worth of USD 1 trillion annually, the role of companies like Veolia becomes increasingly pivotal in crafting a sustainable future for healthcare.
In a landscape marked by escalating environmental challenges, Veolia’s recognition by IHEEM is emblematic of its steadfast dedication to sustainability and innovation in healthcare. It serves as both an inspiration and a benchmark for other organisations to emulate, fostering a more sustainable and efficient healthcare system. The efforts of companies like Veolia are indispensable in charting a path towards a greener, more sustainable future.
Be the first to comment