Water and Waste
Water usage and waste are very visible impacts of the care we provide at BWC NHS on the environment.
Water
We use a lot of water. Whilst this does result in carbon emissions due to energy used in processing and transporting water, they are not a major part of our footprint.
It is important we use sufficient water for the flushing of pipes and fittings to avoid Legionella and Pseudomonas Aeruginosa, so saving water must not undermine our water safety plan.
Waste
We generate clinical and non-clinical waste, and disposing of these results in carbon emissions. We have introduced new waste streams which allow materials not requiring high-temperature clinical disposal to be disposed of with lower carbon emissions.
We send no waste to landfill, with non-recycled commercial waste being incinerated for energy recovery.
However, reducing the amount of waste we dispose of in the first place is clearly better, as is creating 'circular economies' where we reuse or repurpose, rather than dispose.
What we've done
- Zero waste sent to landfill, with offensive waste sent to energy recovery.
- Implemented re-usable sharps containers at BWH.
- Ensure washing of uniforms/clothes on site is as efficient as possible.
What we're doing
- Install reverse-vending machines to recycling plastic bottles and cans.
- Improve paper, cardboard and glass recycling in staff areas.
- Investigating use of rainwater and sustainable drainage.
- Installation of smart taps across site.