Sherwood Forest Hospitals has been awarded the Carbon Saver Gold Standard for its commitment to reducing carbon emissions.

The Carbon Saver Gold Standard recognises efforts to reduce carbon emissions and is approved by the Government as an equivalent scheme to the Carbon Trust Standard.

As part of the accreditation the Trust, working with its partners PFI Consortia, Central Nottinghamshire Hospitals plc (CNH) and Skanska Facilities Services, had to demonstrate three years’ worth of energy usage reports and provide evidence of sustainability action plans being undertaken within its hospitals.

Projects to reduce the Trust’s carbon emissions have included replacement of fluorescent light fittings with LED lighting, controls for heating and ventilations systems and the successful use of the geothermal cooling and heating system from King’s Mill reservoir; the biggest scheme of its kind in Europe.

Chris Smith, Senior Estates Manager for the Trust, said that as well as saving the NHS money, the award has given the hospital’s green credentials a massive boost.

“We are a major health organisation and the biggest employer in the area, and with that comes a major responsibility for minimising our impact on the environment,” he said.

“We are very proud of the work we are doing in this area and this is continuing to gain a further two year’s accreditation.”