CUH Sustainability

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CUH Sustainability is here to engage staff in the Trusts mission to be Net-Zero by 2040.🌍 CUH has a Board-approved Green Plan - our Action 50.

We have a Climate Emergency to tackle – this is no longer distant and remote, it is here and now. At its core it is about how CUH is helping to ensure the NHS meets it’s net-zero targets of halving carbon emissions inside 10 years (using a 2019 baseline) and then hitting net-zero inside the next 10 years. This cannot be an instant fix – carbon is built into everything we consume therefore actions are essential – and we have put 50 in our Green Plan – but, and this is really important, they all need to be a part of a clear trajectory for achieving net-zero and tailored to our T:SKE healthcare delivery priorities as conventional one-size-fits-all, fit-where-they-touch, random ‘quick-wins’ and only the ‘low-hanging fruit’ responses to this will not be nearly enough to meet the target. At the heart of the transition from the high-carbon and high-waste conveyor of consumption (take-make-use-throwaway) to net-zero and zero-waste in which we ‘RE’-everything – reuse, repair, recycle and powered by renewables! – sometimes called the circular economy. Finding and checking this trajectory is why our 10-year Green Plan comes in 3 phases with the first phase between 2022-24 to set the foundation.

15/12/2025

🎉 Exciting Announcement! 🎉 We are thrilled to announce that our baby bottle recycling initiative has now expanded into the Rosie! 🍼♻️

Building on the outstanding success of the C3 project, which successfully collected and recycled over 10,000 baby bottles in just 18 months, we are delighted to bring this sustainable practice to the Rosie. Teams from Lady Mary Ward, Charles Wolfson Ward, and Close Obs are now segregating and recycling baby bottles.

A big thank you to the C3 team and our amazing waste management crew for showcasing the potential of high-value recycling and inspiring other maternity and paediatric departments to join in making positive choices in the face of a changing climate.

12/12/2025

In November, we saw an increase in glove purchasing compared to October — 130,000 extra pairs 😓 But it’s not all bad news! Compared to last November, we’re still using significantly fewer gloves. Plus, November brought new areas online and higher pressures across the Trust, which explains some of the rise.

Remember - Gloves are NOT needed for certain patient activities, including:
📈Checking blood pressure and temperature
💊Dispensing medication to a patient
🍽️Handling out and collecting meal trays and drinks
🤝Touching a patient
🍼Helping patients with oral nutritional needs
🦽Pushing a chair, trolley or bed and mobilising a patient
📞Using a phone or computer

Decontaminating your hands before and after is far more effective—better for you, our patients, and the planet 🌍

To be transparent and raise awareness of glove misuse, the sustainability team will continue to work closely with IPCT to highlight monthly purchasing rates of gloves, and what this means for waste, carbon emissions and Trust finances.

For more guidance on the Trust's gloves campaign, please check Connect: https://www.cuhconnect.nhs.uk/.../infection.../hand-hygiene/

11/12/2025

Staff Park and Ride bus tickets now accepted on the Tiger 3 bus 🚌🐯

To help staff get to and from the Park and Rides quicker, passengers can now use their P&R return tickets on the Tiger 3 bus route from Cambridge Biomedical Campus to Babraham Park and Ride and onwards to Trumpington Park and Ride. This means that passengers can use either Tiger 3 or a Park and Ride bus in the morning, and can then use either service to return with their ticket.

The T3 buses leave Addenbrookes Main Bus Station at 11 minutes past the hour and leave Babraham Park and Ride at 26 minutes past the hour. Full timetable details are here.

11/12/2025

We recently toured the innovative Histopathology lab at 1,000 Discovery Drive, and we’re thrilled to share the final post highlighting their standout sustainable features! 🎉

4- Low carbon energy 🔋

1,000 Discovery Drive is leading the way with an all-electric building design powered by air source heat pumps and on-site solar panels helping us to reduce our direct carbon emissions.

Alongside this the lab is also optimising energy efficiency through:
✅ Advanced ventilation with heat recovery
✅ LED lighting with dimmers throughout
✅ A high-performance facade (e.g. insulation and natural lighting)

Thanks to these innovations, 1,000 Discovery Drive has achieved a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating, showcasing our commitment to sustainable building design.

10/12/2025

We recently toured the innovative Histopathology lab at 1,000 Discovery Drive, and we’re thrilled to share some of their standout sustainable features! 🎉

3- Reducing fridges and printers ❄️🖨️

1- Replacing around 23 fridges with a single ‘cold room.’ This purpose-built cold room, situated within the main laboratory, is closely monitored to ensure a consistent temperature throughout. This is made possible by the installation of custom shelving units that promote airflow and prevent freezing, which is both energy inefficient and wasteful for the consumables stored inside.

2 - Replacing approximately 10 printers with just 2. This straightforward strategy fosters a paperless environment in the lab, effectively reducing waste and enhancing efficiency. Additionally, the two printers are positioned away from the main lab area, requiring staff to take extra steps to print, which serves as a strong deterrent against unnecessary printing!

Stay tuned this week as we highlight more of their green changes! 🌍

09/12/2025

We recently toured the innovative Histopathology lab at 1,000 Discovery Drive, and we’re thrilled to share some of their standout sustainable features! 🎉

2- Electric road quadricycles 🛺⚡️

Histopathology, previously situated in the old LMB building, has now moved to 1,000 Discovery Drive, which is approximately a 0.7-mile walk from Outpatients. Since there is no underground tunnel (level 1) connecting them to the main site, it was necessary to determine how routine and urgent specimens would reach the lab for testing. What was implemented? Two fully electric quadricycles, of course!

These straightforward one-person electric road quadricycles ensure safe and rapid delivery between points A and B, while also assisting CUH in electrifying its business fleet. In alignment with NHS targets, all vehicles owned and leased by the NHS will have transitioned to zero-emission vehicles by 2035 (excluding ambulances), making the electrification process a crucial step toward achieving this goal.

Stay tuned this week as we highlight more of their green changes! 🌍

08/12/2025

We recently toured the innovative Histopathology lab at 1,000 Discovery Drive, and we’re thrilled to share some of their standout sustainable features! 🎉

1 - Enhanced Formalin Process 🧪

Formalin (10% buffered formaldehyde) is a potent chemical utilised for preserving biological specimens, and can cause irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat, and it is classified as a probable or known human carcinogen if used unsafely. In the past at CUH, formalin was disposed of through the sinks, diluted with large amounts of water. This method not only posed challenges in handling (due to heavy containers) but also generated excessive waste.

In their new build, the histopathology department has implemented an innovative system: formalin is now delivered unpackaged in two 600-litre containers via lorry, and is stored in a secure, monitorable tank on Level 1 using a pump system. A smaller tank, fed by the original larger tank, is situated on Level 5. This setup utilizes gravity to distribute formalin through stainless steel pipes to the lab benches located on Level 4.

The waste formalin is directed through a specific piped network to another large tank on Level 1. This tank is then emptied by the same lorry that delivers the fresh formalin, and the waste is neutralized and disposed of properly. This process is not only the first of its kind in the NHS but also in the UK, significantly reducing waste and water contamination, while enhancing staff productivity and safety.

Stay tuned this week as we highlight more of their green changes! 🌍

08/12/2025

🎉 The 2025/26 Tub2Pub campaign is LIVE at CUH! 🎉

Got empty plastic confectionery tubs this festive season? Donate them!

📍 Where? Drop them off at the designated display table next to the coffee grounds giveaway shelves in the food court.

📅 When? Until 31 January 2026

Your tubs will be recycled through Greene King pubs 'Tub2Pub' scheme, and the money raised will go to Macmillan Cancer Support.

Let’s turn sweet treats into sweet support! 💚

05/12/2025

🌍♻️Celebrating the Blood Sciences team – CUH Green Recycling Champion of the Year! 🎉

We’re proud to announce that the Blood Sciences team, have also been named our Green Recycling Champions of the Year!

This award recognises a staff member or team who have helped introduce, set up and sustain a new recycling option for an item, or items, within their department. The Blood Sciences nomination below speaks for itself:

'Led by dedicated Green Champions Kieran and Helen, the Blood Sciences team are setting a new standard for sustainability in NHS pathology services. Their commitment has positioned CUH as a regional leader in sustainable laboratory practice, especially the segregation and recycling of large volumes of non-hazardous lab plastic containers for onsite baling and recycling—a believed first within the NHS. In addition, they have introduced new recycling streams, including repurposing backing paper from labels, which is now implemented Trust-wide. These initiatives do not ensure recycling but also delivers cost savings. Through
their leadership, and commitment, the Blood Sciences team are driving change
that extends beyond the pathology directorate, influencing sustainability
practices across the NHS'

Thank you to the Blood Sciences team for leading the way into sustainable pathology practice, and inspiring others to join you in making change!💚

Not part of our Green Champions Community yet? It’s easy to join! Just search ‘Think Green’ on Connect and find out how.

Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

04/12/2025

🌍♻️Celebrating Lina Solanki– CUH Green Reduce/Reuse Champion of the Year! 🎉

We’re proud to announce that Lina Solanki, CSSD Training Co-ordinator, has also been named our Green Reduce/Reuse Champion of the Year!

This award recognises someone who has directly helped to reduce how much of a particular item, product or material that we use to deliver our services. This might include finding lower impact alternative items or ways of using them so we throwaway less, rehoming unused/unwanted items, changing from single-use to reusable, or getting things repaired or refilled. Linas nomination below speaks for itself:

'Lina’s extensive experience and unwavering commitment within the CSSD department have been instrumental in fostering a culture of sustainability and driving significant operational improvements. Through informed and collaborative dialogue across the Trust, she has successfully influenced change and encouraged best practice adoption. Over the past year, Lina has played a pivotal role in advancing discussions related to the national ‘Design for Life’ research initiative, focusing on the comparative use of reusable and single-use scopes. Her efforts have facilitated cross-departmental engagement, resulting in an increased volume of reusable items processed through CSSD and a marked reduction in single-use products. Lina has also led projects aimed at optimising packaging and consumables within Trust-wide packs by identifying and eliminating long-standing inefficiencies and waste. Her leadership and vision have not only demonstrated what is achievable but have ensured that meaningful change is implemented across the organisation.'

Thank you, Lina, for your unwavering dedication to expanding the Trust’s understanding of what’s possible—and for turning ideas into real change!💚

Not part of our Green Champions Community yet? It’s easy to join! Just search ‘Think Green’ on Connect and find out how.

Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

03/12/2025

🌍📢 Celebrating Rona Goodge – CUH Green Influence Champion of the Year! 🎉

We’re proud to announce that Rona Goodge, Theatres Education Lead, has been named our CUH Green Influence Champion of the Year!

This award recognises someone who has actively driven or influenced positive environmental change within their team or department. Ronas nomination below speaks for itself:

'Since taking on the role of Sustainability Lead within theatres this year, Rona has delivered transformative change, embedding sustainability into one of the most challenging clinical environments. Her ability to identify opportunities and lead improvements has inspired colleagues across the department, and beyond, to join her on this journey. Rona combines exceptional leadership with infectious enthusiasm, innovative thinking, and a deep commitment to sustainability. She has driven impactful initiatives, including pushing reusable gowns and pillowcases and championing improved recycling practices. These efforts have
already begun to reshape theatre operations, reducing waste and promoting greener behaviours.'

Thank you, Rona, for your inspiring outlook on sustainability and your unwavering drive for change! 💚

Not part of our Green Champions Community yet? It’s easy to join! Just search ‘Think Green’ on Connect and find out how.

Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

02/12/2025

🌍📢 Celebrating Mark Barwick– CUH Green Influence Champion of the Year! 🎉

We’re proud to announce that Mark Barwick, OT Support Worker, has also been named our CUH Green Influence Champion of the Year!

This award recognises someone who has actively driven or influenced positive environmental change within their team or department. Marks summary nomination below (combining 3 nominations!) speaks for itself:

'Mark has been the driving force behind sustainability within the Occupational Therapy department, enabling the team to achieve multiple sustainability awards. His commitment goes far beyond compliance—he actively seeks out innovative solutions to reduce environmental impact and improve processes. Mark has introduced practical initiatives such as arranging on-site cleaning of equipment to reduce transport emissions, sourcing companies to recycle thermoplastic scraps, and identifying eco-friendly alternatives to materials like plastic theraputty bags. Each improvement reflects his proactive approach and creative thinking. His influence extends beyond the workplace. Mark leads by example through everyday choices, from driving an electric car to selecting sustainable household products. His passion for plant-based cooking often results in delicious dishes shared with colleagues, sparking conversations about sustainable living. These personal actions reinforce his professional efforts, inspiring others to consider their own environmental impact. Quietly and consistently, Mark has shaped a culture of sustainability within the department. His dedication, innovation, and leadership have delivered measurable improvements and lasting change. Mark is the hidden hero of sustainability—his work deserves recognition for making a real difference to both our service and the wider Trust.'

Thank you, Mark, for your dedication to creating positive change and to inspiring other within the Occupational Therapy department and across the Trust to do the same! 💚

Not part of our Green Champions Community yet? It’s easy to join! Just search ‘Think Green’ on Connect and find out how.

Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

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Hills Road
Cambridge
CB20QQ

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http://www.cuh.nhs.uk/about-us/our-structure/other-departments/think-green/, https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/B333ZJB

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