THE ROYAL Berkshire Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (RBFT) has launched a new green plan.
It sets out how the trust aims to reduce its carbon emissions to net zero by 2040 and how it meet sustainability goals over the next three years.
Reading borough mayor Cllr Rachel Eden received a copy and was given a tour of the main hospital site on London Road, to see some of the carbon saving projects already underway.
Cllr Eden paid tribute to the work of the trust’s staff, and said: “Given all the pressure on them, it’s wonderful that they are nevertheless rising to the challenge of becoming a net zero organisation.
“Reading is known for being one of the leading communities globally in moving to a sustainable future.”
The plan includes key pledges for reducing impact on the environment in areas such as waste, travel and transport, medicines, anaesthetics and energy usage.
Measures already in place across the trust include a de-steaming project, which involved the installation of a low temperature hot water system. It is hoped this will save 800 tonnes of carbon and 17,900 cubic metres, or 17.9 million litres, of water per year.
A cycle village for staff, which has space for 100 bicycles and has showering and changing facilities has also been opened.
For more information on the plan, visit: royalberkshire.nhs.uk/about-us/sustainability
