Two NHS Trusts have strengthened their environmental efforts through a series of sustainability days aimed at improving water efficiency and reducing carbon emissions.
Staff at Stockport NHS Foundation Trust and Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust took part in engagement events designed to highlight practical ways to save water both at work and at home. More than 100 employees, including clinical and non clinical staff, attended sessions at Stepping Hill Hospital and Tameside General Hospital.
The initiative forms part of wider action to support the Trusts’ Green Plans, which set out a pathway to Net Zero. Improving water efficiency is seen as a key step in reducing carbon emissions across healthcare estates.
Water Plus delivered the engagement sessions, providing guidance on water saving behaviours and raising awareness of consumption levels. Activities included interactive quizzes and practical demonstrations to help staff better understand usage.
Laura Swann, Sustainability Manager at the Trusts, said the programme is helping to embed sustainable practices across both organisations.
“By working together Stockport NHS Foundation Trust, Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust and Water Plus are empowering staff with simple, practical ways to save water every day,” she said.
“This partnership strengthens our commitment to sustainability, helping us protect vital resources, reduce environmental impact and build a greener future for our community.”
The two Trusts adopted a joint Green Plan in August 2025, targeting Net Zero emissions by 2040 for directly controlled emissions and by 2045 for those they can influence. The shared approach allows best practice to be implemented across both organisations.
Alongside staff engagement, the Trusts are investing in data led water management. Data loggers are being installed on water meters to provide daily usage insights, helping identify inefficiencies and improve operational resilience.
Dan Hutchins, Key Account Manager at Water Plus, said the sessions highlighted how small changes can make a meaningful difference.
“A running tap could use between six and nine litres a minute and many hadn’t realised how much water can be used in that time,” he said.
“The events helped people identify simple actions, including reporting dripping taps to facilities teams. It was encouraging to see strong awareness among staff on how to report leaks and reduce unnecessary water use.”
The programme builds on earlier sustainability initiatives, including tree planting and ongoing environmental improvements across sites. With more than 6,000 staff, Stockport NHS Foundation Trust is one of the region’s largest employers and plays a key role in delivering specialist care across Greater Manchester.
The Trusts say continued staff engagement will be central to achieving long term sustainability goals and embedding environmental responsibility across day to day operations.
