Grassroots energy-saving campaign saves 105,000 pounds in first year

UK hospital campaign to switch off unused lights and equipment, and remembering to close doors links energy savings to patient care

May 21, 2014

Barts

A UK hospital campaign to switch off unused lights and equipment, and remembering to close doors saves £105,000 in first year by linking energy savings to patient care, according to an article on The Guardian website.

St Bartholomew's and the Royal London Hospital in London wanted to cut a £12 million annual energy bill. After interviews and focus group meetings, it was clear that the best way to encourage energy saving was to help staff do what they do best: provide excellent patient care, the article said.

The Operation TLC campaign involved turning off equipment when it was not being used, switching off lights at every opportunity and closing doors, while linking energy-saving to greater patient safety, comfort and dignity.

By concentrating less on the energy message and more on the provision of care, the campaign won the support of staff and saved more than £100,000 and the equivalent of 800 tons of CO2 in its first year, the article said.

Read the article.