DDRC Healthcare Sustainability Policy reads:
'DDRC Healthcare recognises that it has a responsibility to the environment beyond legal and regulatory requirements. We are committed in reducing and continually improving our environmental impact as part of DDRC's strategic development. All employees have a responsibility in their area to ensure that the aims and objectives of this policy are met.
We endeavour to:
- Comply with all relevant regulatory bodies where required
- Continually improve and report on environmental improvements
- Continually improve and reduce environmental impacts
- Increase employee awareness
A small group of staff gather every other month to discuss ideas for protecting the environment, how we can me more sustainable and how we can encourage staff wellbeing.
Achievements across DDRC Healthcare have been varied and include:
Energy: Solar panels, reactive lighting, low energy bulbs and staff to switch off PC monitors daily & PC at weekend. Option for reduced night time tariff being investigated.
Transport & Logistics: Staff to car share/ walk/ cycle/ use public transport, whenever possible. (Bike racks available). Cycle to Work scheme.
Appliance & Furniture: Staff to consider Environmental Policy of suppliers and consider carbon footprint impact. Best practice to be carried out for disposal of appliances and furniture. Reduce number of times dishwasher used daily.
Consumables: Staff to use recycled paper, default to B&W printing, use recycling bins in refreshment areas, paper and paper recycling bins. Pens have moved to those produced using 50% coffee grind waste. Best practice to be carried out for disposal of consumables
Suppliers: RedRok: Plymouth based company carbon offsetting tree planting scheme
Communications: Environmental section in staff newsletter and reporting to staff meetings
Solar calculator and carbon results posted on staff noticeboard
Wellness Encouraging cycle to work, Lunchtime Yoga, Walking Desk exercises, Noticeboard of classes/groups/societies, Bike store security improvements, herbs, wildflowers and fruit trees planted, support of local charity ‘Storehouse’ for children in crisis, mixed wildflower planting in parking areas. Improvements to courtyard to create a restful place for staff, patients, students and visitors.
Socials for 2023: Bowling, climbing, Coronation afternoon tea, picnic, dog walk, Macmillan coffee morning (we raised £140) and planning for Christmas.
Read a blog sent to staff on how to reduce plastic usage.