Sligo University Hospital awarded its second An Taisce Green Flag

Sligo University Hospital (SUH) has been awarded its second 'Green Flag' after a successful re-certification audit by An Taisce.

The internationally recognised 'Green Flag' was awarded following a rigorous assessment process. It recognises the commitment of hospital management and staff, HSE Estates, the NUI Galway Medical Academy, and the hospital's Green Campus Committee to developing the hospital as a healthcare facility that delivers high-quality care and improves public health and wellbeing in an environmentally responsible and sustainable way.

The hospital has participated in the An Taisce Green Campus Programme since 2016 and was awarded its first Green flag in 2020 after successfully implementing several sustainable initiatives.

Martin Casserly, SUH's Environmental and Waste Coordinator, said, "This second green flag has been awarded in recognition of SUH's commitment to a sustainable health care system and greener campus.

"Sligo University Hospital has implemented a number of successful initiatives to date relating to Energy, Waste, Water and Biodiversity. Such initiatives have included the phase out of single use cups from the canteen, a tap replacement programme to reduce water wastage, the installation of an onsite food composting unit to compost hospital generated food waste and the creation of the SUH Garden project to preserve and enhance Biodiversity on campus."

Deirdre O'Carroll, An Taisce Green Campus Programme Manager, said: "I would like to congratulate Sligo University Hospital Green Campus Committee on achievements to date culminating in the award of a first green flag in 2020. Sligo University Hospital is to be greatly commended for its leadership in being one of the first hospitals to achieve and maintain a green flag.

"Your work in this area sets an example for other sites to follow. The involvement of local community groups shows the potential of community partnership projects to be highly impactful and significant in the sustainable development and wellbeing of the hospital campus and wider community."

Grainne McCann, Hospital Manager at SUH, said: "The green campus programme very much compliments the HSE's Climate Action Strategy and Decarbonisation Roadmap. We have a good Green Campus Committee in place here in Sligo University Hospital made up of both management and non-management personnel as well as personnel from HSE Estates.

"Many of these initiatives would not be as successful if it wasn't for the buy-in and support from our staff, patients and visitors, this support is very much appreciated. We are delighted to be awarded our second Green Flag in recognition of the efforts of all involved and to keep us motivated on our sustainability journey."