ENGINEERING

Engineering



Engineering

Assignment 1

Introduction

Sustainable development policy in the UK faces two very serious challenges: tackling climate change by reducing carbon dioxide emissions both here and abroad, and ensuring that energy supply remains secure. By being more efficient with the way energy is used and by exploiting the potential for renewable energy resources, both these challenges can be addressed to enable the UK to develop a sustainable low carbon future. Studies show that the net effect of conservation, efficiency and less-polluting energy will be more local jobs, cheaper power, savings in health and local pollution control. The costs of severe climate change effects are far greater than the costs of working to reduce them: the Stern report, the Treasury's analysis of the economics of climate change, estimates that not taking action could cost from five to 20 percent of global GDP every year, now and in the future. In comparison, reducing emissions to avoid the worst impacts of climate change could cost around one percent of global GDP each year (SDU no date). Climate change is generally acknowledged to pose a real and significant threat, and is likely to have serious impacts on health and therefore upon the Englemere Healthcare Trust. While a warmer climate may reduce cold-related deaths, this is likely to be offset by numbers of heat-related deaths, increases in skin cancers, cataracts, respiratory diseases, insect-borne diseases, food-poisoning, and potentially a decrease in mental wellbeing due to associated physical and economic insecurities (Englemere Healthcare Trust Confederation, 2007). By 2007 the carbon footprint for Englemere Healthcare Trust England had risen to 21 million tonnes per year. This is larger than that for some medium-sized countries, and represents a rise of three million tonnes since the previous footprint was calculated (SDU, 2010). This rise is partly due to growth in Englemere Healthcare Trust services, and partly because - in line with the 2008 Climate Change Act and 2009 Defra greenhouse gas (GHG) reporting conventions, other greenhouse gases are now included in the calculations as well as carbon dioxide. Sustainable actions should underpin all aspects of Trust service delivery and development and should sit alongside quality to fulfil patient experience, effectiveness of services and safety for patients and staff. To help achieve that vision, this Strategy has been developed for South Devon Healthcare Englemere Healthcare Trust Foundation Trust in consultation with members of the Trust's Sustainability Group. The Strategy aims to ensure that the Trust provides the best possible and most sustainable healthcare service. It provides an overview of the current situation and a vision of a more sustainable future. Ways of achieving this vision, through governance, resourcing, engagement and delivery are proposed, while a separate, accompanying Management Plan identifies specific objectives for each of the key areas outlined.

Review Of Other Englemere Healthcare Trust Sustainability Strategies

A brief review of sustainability policies from various other trusts was performed, to assist in creating this Strategy. Most follow a similar format ¡V outline of legislation, background details, and the same list of key areas to ...