This project aims to develop and implement a green strategy focused on reducing waste in an inpatient hospital unit. Healthcare facilities are significant contributors to environmental waste, including medical supplies, food waste, paper products, and energy consumption. These issues lead to increased operational costs and environmental degradation. Frail elderly patients, in particular, may generate more waste due to their extended hospital stays, and the general hospital environment can be inefficient in terms of resource use.

The project’s purpose is to conduct a waste audit, identify key areas where waste can be reduced, and design a green strategy that addresses waste management, energy conservation, and sustainability within the hospital unit. This will involve establishing new protocols for reducing single-use plastics, improving recycling systems, optimizing medical supply usage, and reducing food waste. The expected impact of this project is a decrease in waste production, better resource utilization, and a more sustainable hospital environment that aligns with global sustainability efforts in healthcare.

Resources Required (if any):

The following resources will be required to successfully complete this project:

 Hospital Data & Records: Access to hospital data on waste production, recycling practices, medical supply usage, and energy consumption will be essential for conducting the waste audit and evaluating current practices.

 Collaboration with Hospital Departments: The student will need cooperation from various hospital departments, including environmental services, food services, nursing staff, and sustainability teams, to implement the green strategy and ensure alignment with hospital priorities.

 Technology & Tools: The student will need access to data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, SPSS) to analyze waste and energy data. Tools like PowerPoint, Canva, or other design software will be required to create educational materials for staff.

 Sustainability Resources: The student will need access to literature, case studies, and guidelines related to sustainability in healthcare settings to inform the development of the green strategy.

 Training Materials & Resources: The student will need resources to create educational materials, including visual aids (e.g., posters, presentations) and handouts for staff training and engagement.

 Ethics Approval (if applicable): If the project involves patient data or direct patient interaction, ethics approval may be required from the hospital’s research board.

With these resources, the student will be equipped to complete a comprehensive waste audit, develop a green strategy, and implement sustainable practices that improve environmental and operational outcomes in the hospital.

Support Offered to Students (i.e. weekly meetings, mentorship, etc.):

A leader will meet weekly with the student and offer mentorship

Anticipated Results:

 A comprehensive baseline waste audit report identifying key areas of waste (e.g., medical supplies, food waste, energy consumption) and opportunities for improvement.

 Development of a green strategy and action plan that includes clear steps for reducing waste and improving sustainability practices within the inpatient unit.

 Implementation of sustainable practices, including the use of eco-friendly medical supplies, optimized energy usage, improved recycling protocols, and food waste reduction strategies.

 Creation and deployment of an educational campaign to raise awareness among hospital staff about sustainability and waste reduction practices.

 Post-implementation evaluation report comparing the impact of the green strategy in terms of waste reduction, recycling rates, and energy efficiency.

Benefits to Organization and Students:

 Organization: The hospital will benefit from reduced operational costs associated with waste

management and resource use. There will also be a positive environmental impact, which can enhance the hospital’s reputation as a leader in sustainability. The initiative may lead to better compliance with regulatory standards regarding waste disposal and environmental practices.

 Students: The project will provide students with hands-on experience in sustainability practices within a healthcare setting, improving their skills in project management, data analysis, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Students will also develop a deep understanding of the environmental challenges in healthcare and contribute to real-world solutions.

Student Involvement:

The student will play an active role throughout the project, taking on several responsibilities:

 Waste Audit & Data Collection: The student will conduct a comprehensive waste audit on the inpatient unit, gathering data on the types and quantities of waste generated. This includes reviewing medical supply usage, food waste, paper, and energy consumption.

 Research & Development of Green Strategy: Based on the findings from the audit, the student will research evidence-based sustainability practices and work with healthcare teams to develop a tailored green strategy. The strategy will address waste reduction, energy conservation, and recycling programs.

 Implementation of the Strategy: The student will assist in implementing the green strategy, including setting timelines, collaborating with hospital departments to ensure the strategy is executed, and providing resources for staff training on new protocols.

 Educational Campaign: The student will design and implement an educational campaign to engage hospital staff in sustainability efforts. This could include creating materials such as posters, digital presentations, and informational brochures about reducing waste and promoting green practices.

 Evaluation & Reporting: After the green strategy is implemented, the student will evaluate its effectiveness by tracking key metrics such as waste reduction rates, recycling improvements, and energy usage reductions. The student will compile these findings into a final report assessing the impact of the initiative.

The student’s involvement will include both onsite (data collection, collaboration, and implementation) and remote work (literature review, educational material creation, report writing).