The Green Healthcare programme is funded by HSE Capital
& Estates through the Climate Action & Sustainability Office.

The Climate Action & Sustainability Office works with Irish hospitals to Conserve Water, Reduce Healthcare Risk Waste, Reduce Food Waste, and Increase Recycling.

Irish hospitals spend almost €10 million on water each year

Clean water is an important resource for hospitals, and, until there is a problem, most people don’t think about it too much. However, every litre of water that is paid for may not reach its intended tap, toilet or shower. As water is a costly resource, ensuring that it is carefully monitored and tracked is an important job for every hospital.

START A WATER EFFICIENCY PROGRAMME

50% of food prepared is thrown away!

Food waste can be a significant issue in hospitals and is often difficult to address. Green Healthcare food waste surveys have shown that up to half of all food prepared in Irish hospitals ends up being thrown out. Here we provide guidance on how to learn more about your food waste and what you can do to reduce it.

START REDUCING YOUR FOOD WASTE

At least 1/3 of risk waste is non-contaminated clean material

Dealing with healthcare risk waste correctly is an important task for every hospital. However, healthcare risk waste is the most expensive waste to dispose of so ensuring that only risk waste ends up in these bins is an ongoing issue that needs to be addressed.

START REDUCING YOUR RISK WASTE COSTS

1/3 of all landfilled waste could be recycled.

General waste accounts for almost 60% of all waste generated in Irish hospitals. Through surveys carried out by Green Healthcare it has been established that one third of this waste could be recycled. It is therefore an important area to consider when trying to reduce waste volumes and waste management costs.

LEARN MORE ABOUT WASTE & RECYCLING

Green Healthcare Resources

Green Healthcare has developed a suite of resources for the Irish healthcare sector in relation to resource efficiency and cost savings. These resources include:

Resources

Green Healthcare Sustainability Posters

Sector: Recycling
Format: Guide

2024

Green Healthcare Sustainability Posters

Spread the word and with these posters on positive climate action. There are 6 to choose from and are A3 in size.

Energy Team Recruitment Posters

Sector: Training
Format: Guide

2024

Energy Team Recruitment Posters

Use these posters to recruit members for your Energy Team!

Healthcare Waste - A Non Technical Introduction

Sector: Training
Format:

2023

Healthcare Waste - A Non Technical Introduction

A non-techniccal overview of healthcare waste management covering topics such as: Legal obligations, Where to start, Reducing Risk Waste,  Maximising Recycling, Food Waste segregation.

Reducing Food Waste in Irish hospitals

Sector: Training
Format: Video

2023

Reducing Food Waste in Irish hospitals

A non-technical, short overview of the requirements in relation to to handling and management of food waste including legal obligations.

Part 3: Develop Water Conservation Action Plan

Sector: Training
Format: Video

2023

Part 3: Develop Water Conservation Action Plan

This video covers topics such as: Benchmarks, Flowrates, Water pressure, Water Network Drawings, Other Large Water Consumers, Reverse Osmosis and Water Efficiency Programme

Part 2: Investigating the Water Used On-Site

Sector: Training
Format:

2023

Part 2: Investigating the Water Used On-Site

This video covers topics such as: Daily Use Profile, Sub-Metering and Survey of main Water Users  

Part 1: Measuring and Monitoring Water Use

Sector: Training
Format: Video

2023

Part 1: Measuring and Monitoring Water Use

This video's topics include: Water Paid For, Water Used, Best practices and How to Develop a Water Conservation Action Plan  

Introductory Workshop to Water Conservation (1 hour)

Sector: Training
Format: Guide

2023

Introductory Workshop to Water Conservation (1 hour)

Overall aim: a non-technical introduction to the overall aims and actions involved in a water conservation programme