An energy strategy for Bournemouth and Poole PCT
An energy strategy for Bournemouth and Poole PCT
CSE is leading a project to reduce the energy use of a range of health care facilities in South Dorset
1 April 2008
CSE is beginning work on an energy efficiency strategy and action plan for Bournemouth and Poole Teaching Primary Care Trust. The purpose of the strategy is to reduce the PCT's energy bills and demonstrate to the organisation's staff and board members the importance of energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions.
The organisation has a medium sized office headquarters based in Poole, but commissions many other health organisations to provide care for 350,000 residents, including two large acute hospitals, 44 GP practices, dental practices, community pharmacies and opticians. By influencing behaviour around energy use and carbon emissions, the strategy could potentially have far reaching impacts across the local health sector.
Martin Holley is leading CSE's project team. "We'll be looking to provide the PCT with a 3-year action plan that aims to engage all staff with energy saving and leave them motivated to act" he said. "We know that the NHS is a big energy user, and we are pleased to be helping them make savings that can be spent on patient care."
The strategy will also draw up an assessment of the risks to the PCT of climate change. This will look at both direct impacts (e.g. the health implications of hotter summers) and at the possible future scenarios for energy prices and carbon pricing or rationing. In parallel with this work, an assessment will be made of the PCT's overall energy use and carbon footprint.
The project springs out of an energy efficiency strategy currently being undertaken by CSE for the county of Dorset and which is part-funded by the Government Office of the South West. It builds on innovative work that CSE is currently doing with a range of public sector organisations in Bath, including the local PCT. It is hoped that the Bournemouth and Poole work will act as a pilot for energy efficiency strategies for other PCTs in the region.
Simon Roberts, CSE's chief executive, said "This project is a good demonstration of how CSE's unique combination of strengths —establishing energy-use baselines, assessing options and engaging people — is in demand among public sector organisations."