To ensure the hospice operates in an environmentally responsible way and supports a more sustainable future, St Barnabas has reviewed the organisation’s environmental impact and identified opportunities to reduce it through the new Environmental Strategy (2025-29).
This strategy aligns with St Barnabas’ key objectives, including objective three of the organisational strategy: “to remain sustainable and resilient for the people we care for”.
It has been developed by the Environmental Sustainability Group, which brings together staff from across St Barnabas, including Executives, St.John and Georgina.
St.John, Director of Finance and Performance, says: “Sustainability is crucial to St Barnabas as it aligns with our core values of care, compassion, and community responsibility.
“This environmental strategy is guided by clear objectives aimed at minimising our carbon footprint, reducing waste generation, and adopting sustainable practices throughout our operation.”
Georgina, Medical Director, says: “As part of our vision to provide compassionate and dignified care at the end of life, we also recognise that we have a responsibility to care for the Earth as our shared home.
Over the next four years, this strategy will ensure we adopt sustainable practices to support the lives we care for today and the future we hope to preserve.”
Four objectives have been identified within the Environmental Strategy:
- Understand and measure our carbon footprint
Reducing our carbon footprint reflects our commitment to compassionate, responsible care by preserving a healthy world for future generations, while ensuring a peaceful and safe environment for those in our care today.
- Stakeholder engagement
Involving patients, families, staff, and supporters in sustainability efforts strengthens our culture of compassion, connection, and shared legacy which remains core to our vision of holistic palliative care.
- Education, quality improvement, and research
Providing environmental sustainability education and supporting a quality improvement agenda will support our values in action by “being courageous” and “working better together”.
- Ensure compliance with legislative reporting and contract expectations
By meeting environmental regulations, we uphold the ethical and professional standards that define our hospice’s integrity and commitment to best practice. “Doing it right” is one of our core values.
As part of this strategy, the Environmental Sustainability Group has also appointed Sustainability Champions across the organisation. Their role is to champion sustainable practices, promote initiatives within their teams, and help keep colleagues informed about the progress of the Environmental Sustainability Group.
This environmental strategy, with its key priorities and measurable targets, marks a significant step towards St Barnabas’ commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible stewardship. Read the strategy in full here