BWC holds inaugural Sustainability Conference
Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust (BWC) proudly held its inaugural Sustainability Conference on Monday (20 May) at The Studio in the city centre, marking a significant step in our commitment to sustainability and collaboration.
The event was designed to celebrate the achievements of our Environmental Sustainability Working Groups (ESWGs), as well as to educate and engage attendees through a series of thought-provoking sessions led by speakers from both local and national sustainability and public organisations.
The day featured a variety of insightful presentations focusing on climate change, air pollution, personal impact and motivation.
There were also interactive workshops, sparking dynamic conversations among participants. These discussions are expected to translate into actions and further discussions for the ESWGs, further advancing our sustainability goals, which you can find out more about here https://bwc.nhs.uk/sustainability
There were also awards given out to our colleagues who have made a huge difference in our sustainability aims, and were presented by Chief Executive, Matt Boazman and Executive Director of Communications and Partnerships, Ruth Wilkin. The winners are:
Environmental Engagement Award
For new approaches to engaging others on the importance of action to protect our environment
Winner: The University of Birmingham Earth Resus Team - A group of medical students who are passionate about climate change. Collecting the award was Patrick Sharman.
Environmental Impact Award
For demonstrable achievements in reducing carbon emissions
Winner: The BWC Anaesthetics Environmental Sustainability Working Group (ESWG) - for their work in supporting ending the use of desflurane, disposal of the manifold and looking at options to reduce the impact of entonox. Collecting the award was Jane Pilsbury.
Environmental Champion Award
For proactive and enthusiastic advocacy of steps to reduce harm to our environment
Winner: Dr Maya Desai, Respiratory Consultant and Chair of the Metred-Dose Inhaler Environmental Sustainability Working Group (ESWG). Maya was part of the Trust's original green then led the ESWG to tackle reductions in the use of metred-dose inhalers. Maya also participated in the Ride for their Lives in Birmingham and is a keen cyclist. Even though she is retiring she is still committed to supporting the Trust in our green endeavours.
Green Responsibility Award
For personal responsibility to reduce an individual's carbon footprint
The winner of this award was selected for being the most active on the Giki Zero app - which all BWC staff can access for free. Giki Zero helps staff to understand their carbon footprint and guides them through potential steps to use it. Currently GikiZero members have managed to avoid producing 10,684 kg of CO2 and avoided 3804 items of plastic. The winner of this award is Abbie Bolton, who has completed 21 actions and is trying eight more. She also recently took part in the Giki Zero challenge - Stand Up 4 Nature.