Green Pledges
As an Integrated Care System (ICS), we want to reduce every aspect of our environmental footprint across all areas of our operations, whilst working hard to provide sustainable services for the present and future generations. To help us achieve this, we’d like all departments and individual members of staff within the ICS to put their energy and commitment into Green Pledges.
Some of the pledges we’ve chosen may seem like small actions but each one will help make a difference. Plus, the more staff that get involved the greater impact it will have in us reducing our carbon footprint.
To get involved, simply choose a pledge from the options, below and then submit.
If you have to travel to a meeting or an event, travel as a team, or with other colleagues in one car.
What impact will it have?
- The more people who travel together the fewer cars on the road
- Use the time travelling together to get to know colleagues better and boost team relations
- Save fuel, money and cut carbon
- Less worry about finding parking spaces
- Swap tips on eco-driving while you’re travelling
Take advantage of the lease car scheme all Coventry and Warwickshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) staff now have access to.
What impact will it have?
- No carbon dioxide emissions
- Save money
- All surplus income from Fleet Solutions schemes stays in the public purse to fund front-line NHS services
- Includes fully comprehensive insurance for you and up to 4 additional drivers, road tax, breakdown cover, routine servicing, windscreen cover and tyre cover
Did you know?
Charging an electric car at home costs around £15.10 for a full charge, compared to £73.50 to fill a petrol car (based on 50 litre unleaded petrol tank and prices correct as of March 2023)
Become a green champion to assist us in idea generation, communication of effective sustainability opportunities and to champion the delivery of the Green Programme.
What impact will it have?
- Active involvement in helping us achieve net-zero by sharing ideas, initiatives etc.
- Take part in sustainability training
- Promote positive sustainable action to other staff
- Become part of a network with other green champions
Reduce your use of single use plastic one item at a time.
You can make a big impact with a small change such as investing in a reusable water bottle or coffee cup, things we tend to use daily whilst working.
What impact will it have?
- Single use plastics immediately end up in landfill, our oceans and natural environments
- Help you enjoy a cleaner natural environment
- Save money in the longer term as you don’t need to repeat purchase
- Save the NHS money through recycling or less incineration
Did you know?
In the UK 38.5m plastic bottles are used every day – only just over half make it to recycling, while more than 16m are put into landfill, burnt or leak into the environment and oceans each day.
Turn off your laptop, monitor and any other work devices at the end of the day.
Think about switching off lights and putting your equipment into sleep mode when you’re away from your desk.
If you’re in the office, look out for other things that are on when they shouldn’t be.
What impact will it have?
- Lower energy costs at home and our organisation energy costs
- Reduce environmental impact
- Less tempted to do work after hours
If you print a lot of documents off, next time think ‘Do I need to print this?’ You will probably find you don’t need a printed copy and if you like quick access to certain documents, you could save them to your desktop, create a designated folder or screenshot information.
What impact will it have?
- Less costly because of reduced paper and ink use
- Reduced energy use
- Less paper waste
Top tip: If you do need to print a document, try to reuse it before throwing away/shredding by using blank space to make notes or to-do lists.
If you are going to work in the office, why not try cycling? Costs are minimal once you’ve got a bike and even if you swap just one car journey for cycling it will make a big difference.
What impact will it have?
- Save money on fuel or train/bus fares
- Get fitter while going from A to B – and exercise is a known stress buster too
- Reduce your carbon emissions in your local area
Take an extra 15-minute walk, at least once a week.
Whatever it takes to get you away from your desk or workplace for a little while – plan it into your lunchtime routine, agree to walk with colleagues, take a walking meeting.
What impact will it have?
- Gives your brain a rest and enables you to think more clearly
- It’s a gentle form of exercise that doesn’t need equipment or cost anything
- No carbon dioxide emissions
Top tip: For short journeys you would normally take in a car such as to the local shop, try taking a brisk walk.
If there is a pledge which you think should be on this page, please email Joanne.wood17@nhs.net
Please tell us your pledge, your first name and role below.