Environmental and Energy Awareness Day at Galway University Hospitals

An Environmental and Energy Awareness Day for staff and visitors to the hospital took place on Monday 25 November as part of European Waste Reduction Week.
 
The main purpose of the day was to encourage staff and members of the public to become aware of energy consumption, to emphasise that simple changes in behaviour can quickly lead to a significant reduction in energy consumption and that by reducing energy consumption in the hospital and at home, it is possible to achieve the twin benefits of saving money and reducing environmental impact. The event was organised by Michelle O’Dowd, the Environmental and Waste Management Co-ordinator at GUH in conjunction with Aramark Healthcare.
 
Some of the energy and environmental advice provided on the day included:
 
1. Energy Efficiency at Home
We provided information on energy efficient lighting, examples of different types of home insulation available on the market and practical ideas for improving the energy efficiency of home heating systems. We also had information from the Office of Public Works and Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).
 
2. Five Ways to Reduce Energy
All visitors attending the stand were provided with fridge magnets highlighting five simple ways to reduce energy wastage at home and at work. Visitors were also provided with thermostatic strips to check home or work temperature to highlight that by lowering your home temperature by 1˚C, you can reduce your heating bill by 10%.
 
3. Tips on Reducing Food Waste at Home
We provided useful advice on reducing food waste at home.
 
Michelle O’Dowd, Environmental and Waste Management Co-ordinator, GUH said, “The day was very successful. We provided information on a wide scope of topics including energy efficiency and conservation, tips on reducing food waste and home composing and ideas on how to reduce, re-use and recycle waste. I would like to thank all the visitors who came to our day and also GUH Energy Management Group, Aramark, Galway County Council, Clean Technology Centre, the Office of Public Works and Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland for their support.
 
Photo Details
At the Environmental and Energy Awareness Day at Galway University Hospitals, from left: Alan Cooke, Aramark; Mary Frain, Aramark; Michelle O’Dowd, Environmental and Waste Management Co-ordinator GUH; John Forde, Aramark; Fiona O’Loughlin, Aramark; and Rónan Casey, Aramark