What are we doing to be more sustainable?

Putting sustainability at the heart of our work – Sustainability is one of our core values. We work collaboratively with our local community and seek partnership work. Whole practice commitment to achieving the NUS / RCGP Green Impact Award in line with the 2030 United Nations Sustainability Development Goals . Sharing best practice and ideas, a Green Action group meet regularly to progress ideas
Working with others to make a bigger difference – Working with Derbyshire ICB to build momentum around sustainability work. Joining and supporting local community events.
Using less energy and improving our building to aid this – Radiators are turned down where possible. Computer equipment is turned off at the end of each day. Electricity is generated from our Solar PV. Additional gas and electricity are purchased from a green energy supplier. We are moving to low energy lighting and fitting sensors. Staff take responsibility for switching lights off when not needed. Staff responsible for closing building at the end of the day undertake a building sweep to ensure all lighting is turned off.
Buying more eco-friendly products – Commitment to sourcing Fairtrade tea and coffee. Purchase milk from local supplier in glass bottles. Reducing single use plastic, including not providing plastic cups. Using refill bottles for eco washing up liquid and surface spray. Changed the default internet search engine to Ecosia which plants trees when people use the site.
Reducing waste and recycling more – Confidential waste is collected for shredding and other paper is recycled. Clearly labelled bins to encourage better waste management. Currently recycle plastic, paper, cardboard, printer toner cartridges and batteries.
Promoting walking, cycling, and low-carbon travel – We are a ParkRun practice and staff regularly take part. We organise walk and talk events for staff. Staff use Teams channels for meetings where appropriate to avoid travel.
Reducing our use of paper – Promoting health education messages to patients via patient information screens in waiting areas, to reduce the use of leaflets. Patient communication uses paperless systems, including online forms, where possible. Setting photocopiers to print double sided by default. Scan and email documents, to reduce printing. System in place to collect non-confidential documents printed only on one side so this paper can be used as note pads. All plain A4 white copier/printer/fax paper bought by the practice meets at least one of the following options: made from at least 70% recycled paper; made from NAPM accredited recycled paper; made from pulp from FSC certified sustainable sources.
Eco-consciously prescribing medication – Where possible, the Practice is reducing polypharmacy and over prescribing. Where appropriate, switching prescriptions for inhalers to dry powder inhalers. Reducing prescribing of opiates – we are working with patients to review their opioid use and reduce where possible. Our Social Prescribing team delivers the ten Footsteps programme to support those living with chronic pain. The practice has reviewed the proportion of dry powder inhalers (DPIs) used compared to metered dose inhalers (MDIs) AND the proportion of low volume Salbutamol MDIs used compared to high volume Salbutamol MDIs used AND the proportion of inhalers which use HFA227ea. We are now in the lowest 25% of practices in the country for MDI use.
Supporting the wellbeing of both patients and staff – Promoting workplace health and wellbeing. Providing resources on our website to help patients support their health and wellbeing. Directing patients to further sources of advice and support. Promoting a series of health and wellbeing campaigns each year, for example on specific topics such as alcohol use or on seasonal health issues such as the flu vaccination.
Please see this video for more information on reducing waste.

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