South Coast Medical Group is committed to making a lasting and positive impact on the planet. We believe that responsible business practices and environmental stewardship go hand in hand, which is why we have integrated sustainability into every aspect of our operations.
For example, SCMG has joined the Morebus Commuter Club, to save staff money on bus travel and encourage using public transport over cars, to reduce their carbon footprint.
To find out more about what we’re doing to protect the environment, please read the list below.
Building and Energy Efficiency
- Smart thermostats control our heating to ensure maximum energy efficiency
- Timer controlled security lighting is switched off when the building is empty
- Radiators are turned down where possible
- Computer equipment is turned off at the end of each day
- At the Grove Surgery, all lights are fitted with motion sensors. We are working to implement these at our other locations, where staff take responsibility for switching the lights off when they are not needed
- All of our newly fitted boilers are rated A for energy efficiency
- Staff responsible for closing the building at the end of the day undertake a building sweep to ensure all lighting is turned off, and all windows are closed
- We are currently working through an LED lighting upgrade project. Over 95% of light fittings at SCMG now use LED bulbs instead of traditional Halogen bulbs.
Solar Energy Across SCMG
As part of the NHS’ commitment to reaching net zero by 2045, South Coast Medical Group is fully supportive of the efforts to tackle climate change and the environmental impact of our services.
The energy used in our buildings is the largest contributor to our carbon footprint. To address this, we are prioritising energy efficiency improvements as a central part of our strategy.
The SCMG Partners are delighted to fund photovoltaic (PV) solar panels at all of our Surgeries. We will be working to install these in phases over the coming years. Please see below the current status of the installations.
- Denmark Road Medical Centre: As part of our ongoing extension works, we have installed 18 PV panels on the roof. This will result in an annual saving of over 2 tonnes of CO2 per year. Over the 25-year lifespan of the panels, this equates to over 2400 mature tree-years of carbon absorption; or 200,000 miles driven by an average petrol car.
- Woodlea House Surgery: We plan to install 28 PV panels on the roof. This will result in an annual saving of over 3 tonnes of CO2 per year. Over the 25-year lifespan of the panels, this equates to over 3400 mature tree-years of carbon absorption; over 300,000 miles driven by an average petrol car.
Recycling
- We recycle 100% of our used printer toners and cartridges
- We have a “recycling corner” at each of our Surgeries with dedicated bins to recycle batteries and medicines packaging.
- Confidential waste is collected for shredding and all other paper is recycled
- We have clearly labelled waste bins to optimise waste management
Digital-First Strategy: A Paperless Approach
- Digital screens in all of our waiting rooms communicate health information to patients
- Important messages and events are communicated to staff using digital noticeboards, instead of printed posters
- Printers are set to print double sided by default
- Non-confidential documents are reused as notepads where possible
- Patient communication uses paperless systems, including online forms, where possible
- Surgery forms have been reviewed and condensed to reduce paper used when they must be printed
Sustainable Procurement
- We purchase sustainable office supplies
- We’re committed to purchasing Fairtrade refreshments where possible
- We purchase toiletries made from recycled materials
- We use sustainably-sourced clinical consumables, such as bed-rolls and sick-bowls where possible
- We provide reusable cutlery, such as knives, forks, plates, and mugs in our kitchens, instead of using single-use plastic varieties