The "green" design of the new Stobhill and the Victoria Hospitals has given NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde a head start in reducing carbon dioxide emissions and fuel bills and has helped us graduate from the Carbon Trust's Carbon Management Programme.

Their strong commitment to the Carbon Management Plan will them reduce CO2 emissions by 25% by 2016 with potential financial savings of around £7m.

This will be achieved through a range of initiatives but implementation of the Acute Services Modernisation Programme and Mental Health Strategy has already given the NHS the opportunity to build an infrastructure with a reduced carbon footprint that improves the environment and health of the people of Greater Glasgow and Clyde while achieving financial benefits.

They have already embraced "green" into the design of our two new hospitals - Stobhill and the Victoria. Both new hospitals have been designed with a super-efficient heating system where hot air generated from the plant room runs through a filtration system and then back into the main air flows and slashes the cost to heating cold air.

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The lighting system in both hospitals is designed for maximum efficiency with energy saving light bulbs, movement sensitivity to make sure that the lights are not in use when they are not needed and both hospitals have been designed with bright and airy glass panels ensuring maximum amounts of natural light pour into the hospital.

Another option being examined is the viability of installing micro wind turbines on to the roof our older hospital buildings which could potentially create electricity that will help run the hospitals delivering further fuel economies.

Alex McIntyre, Director of Facilities, said: "We are delighted to have been involved with the Carbon Trust and they have recognised the work we are doing to reduce our fuel bills and carbon dioxide emissions.

"Energy efficiency isn't just clever - it's responsible and it's essential and we know that if we can reduce our fuel bills we are not only helping the environment but are also making savings that can be ploughed back into frontline NHS care."

John Stocks, Manager, Carbon Trust Scotland, said: "The Carbon Management Programme offers advice and guidance on how to achieve this and offers the opportunity to network with organisations that have already been successful in achieving significant targets and can offer additional real life hints and tips."

(GK/JM)