Sodexo, a leading provider of on-site service solutions, has won a Green Apple Award for its successful implementation of total waste management at three NHS hospitals.
The Green Apple Environment Awards, now in its 18th year, was originally launched by the Green Organisation, and has become one of the most popular environmental campaign awards in both the UK and internationally. They celebrate innovative and inspiring environmental campaigns across all industry sectors, marking entries on not only success but also the ability to capture the imagination and actions of users.
Sodexo has been recognised for its waste service at Central Manchester Hospital, Queen’s Hospital in Romford and Queen Mary’s Hospital in Roehampton. Sodexo’s waste offer supports the NHS in complying with the Climate Change Act which states that emissions must be reduced by 10% by 2015.
Sodexo engaged with the clients at each hospital, reviewed the waste service and put in place key steps to maximise the green potential of their existing waste services.
Initial focus was placed on segregating food waste and educating staff on how this can be maximised, which was speedily implemented. Simple changes were introduced such as replacing black domestic waste bags with clear bags, which helped to ensure employees could see and categorise what was being thrown away.
This was followed by the remaining domestic waste being reclassified as dry mixed recyclate, increasing site recyclability rates from 40% to 92%, with 98% of waste being diverted from landfill.
On receiving confirmation of the award, Claire Atkins Morris, product manager, waste and environment, Sodexo, said: “We are delighted to have won a Green Apple Award. It is the result of lots of hard work and dedication by our on-site teams as well as effective engagement with our clients. We strongly believe that if this level of waste management can be introduced at a hospital, then it can be achieved in any industry and we look forward to sharing best practice across the sector and through the NHS route map.”
The awards ceremony will take place in November, at the House of Commons in London.