Just like all other organisations, the NHS is under increasing pressure to eliminate wastage and reduce costs while maintaining high levels of service. Fortunately, this ties in well with the energy-saving aspect of our 10:10 commitment.

Getting IT right

We have estimated that computers left on overnight waste up to 75 watts of electricity per machine. Across a network the size of ours, this really adds up.  Although our energy awareness projects have had considerable success, some employees forget to switch their computers off at the end of the day.

Energy wasted by unused computers costs around £300m and produces 3m tonnes of CO₂ a year. On top of this, the heat generated by unused computers puts an unnecessary extra burden on the the air conditioning system.

Our solution was to install an automated power management system called Night Watchman, designed to turn off PCs when they're not in use.

Raising awareness

To raise awareness on wasting resources, we have been running a very successful campaign this year which has focused on minimising energy consumption in all areas of the Trust from hospital to office environments.

Staff are supported by ‘Mr Switch It’, a dedicated energy-saving officer who works with staff and the Trust’s 60 carbon champions, to assist them in undertaking their own audits and to raise awareness through interactive workshops. Mr Switch It has also placed approximately 10,000 stickers on electrical switches to reinforce the need to switch off electrical items and lights when not in use.

Through regular auditing on wastage, UCLH have identified suitable areas where energy efficient devices, such as Passive Infrared Sensors could be installed and are continuing to invest in energy efficiency plant and equipment recently having replaced large inefficient gas oil fed boilers with new energy efficient boilers.

If you would like to get in touch with Trevor, to ask his advice regarding your own carbon cutting activity, email pioneers@1010uk.org