What de-carbonising buildings and transport means to the healthcare system and to patients

EMEX, The Net Zero and Energy Management Exhibition, is an annual event bringing together those passionate about devising energy efficiency strategies, implementing the latest energy efficient technologies and developing leadership capabilities within their organisations.

It was here that Séverine Turgis, Energy and Estates Decarbonisation Manager, delivered a talk on “What de-carbonising buildings and transport means to the healthcare system and to patients”. Severine spoke about the work that has taken place at CLCH, and in the wider NHS, to reduce our carbon emissions on buildings and transport.

Séverine said: “It was great to talk about the NHS Net Zero targets, and how sustainability being a strategic priority at CLCH supports our work.”

With energy and carbon management at the top of organisational priorities, Séverine highlighted some of the existing sustainability projects at CLCH:

• LED light surveys have taken place in 10 of our buildings and 82% of our lighting is LED lighting. This can be up to 75% more energy efficient than standard lighting and lasts longer
• We've completed the installation of solar panels at three sites over the last three months
• Langley House, a CLCH neurological rehabilitation centre in Watford, is the first of our buildings planned to be fitted with heat pumps as part of a project to move away from fossil fuel for heating.

Guests were able to gain insights and receive specialist advice on the realities of implementing a green and sustainable strategy in a large organisation.

Séverine talked about all the work we do with staff at CLCH to promote active travel: “At CLCH we’re able to provide our staff with the infrastructure and support they need to adopt more active ways to travel, which benefits their health as well as our environment. We have a well-established free bike and e-bike loan scheme, cycling or walking allowance, a cycle to work scheme, improved bike parking and free Dr Bike – bike maintenance sessions.”

The talk was followed by a lively Q&A session that had great questions from the audience, as well as congratulations on the work that we are doing at CLCH and in the NHS.

Séverine joined CLCH and West London NHS Trusts as their  Energy and Estates Decarbonisation Manager in July 2023, tasked with developing their estates transition plans, covering both decarbonisation and climate adaptation.