Green Shield Group worked with St Joseph’s Hospice on their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy installing voltage optimisation technology alongside pre-existing solar roof panels.
Our team spoke with David French, the hospice’s Financial Director, about their motivations, the impact of the installation, and their broader commitment to sustainability.
David French: The healthcare sector is under immense financial pressure, and hospice care, in particular, is significantly underfunded nationwide. However, this does not mean we can neglect our environmental responsibilities. It makes it even more critical to adopt cost-saving and energy-efficient solutions that benefit both the organisation and the planet.
At St Joseph’s Hospice, we have always believed in a duty of care to our patients, the wider community, and the environment. Just as we provide end-of-life care with compassion and responsibility, we also recognise our obligation to operate more environmentally responsibly.
Voltage Optimisation: A Transformational Step
David French: Our primary driver was Corporate Social Responsibility. We knew we needed to reduce our energy consumption to cut costs and actively reduce our carbon footprint.
We had been exploring additional energy-saving measures for the hospice and one of the reasons we chose to work with Green Shield Group was their attention to detail. They took the time to walk us through every step, ensuring we had the right solution for our needs. From the start, it was clear they genuinely wanted to build a partnership with us and were fully committed to supporting our sustainability journey.
Q: How has the installation affected the hospice’s electricity usage?
David French: The results have been transformational. By optimising the voltage supply to our building, we have significantly reduced electricity wastage. This means lower energy bills and a smaller carbon footprint, which align perfectly with our CSR goals.
Q: What was the installation process like?
David French: It was remarkably quick and efficient. The installation took just 45 minutes, with minimal disruption to our operations. Given the nature of our work, ensuring uninterrupted care for our patients was essential, and this installation allowed us to achieve that seamlessly.
Balancing Cost and Sustainability in a Challenging Sector
David French: It’s a challenge, but one we must embrace. Investing in sustainable initiatives like solar energy and voltage optimisation ultimately saves money in the long run. The installation cost was manageable, and the long-term savings on our electricity bills will allow us to redirect funds toward patient care.
CSR is not just about large-scale changes; it’s about making conscious choices at every level. Every small step contributes to a more significant impact, from reducing waste to sourcing sustainable supplies.
The Future of Sustainability at St Joseph’s Hospice
David French: Absolutely. This is just the beginning. We are actively exploring additional ways to reduce our environmental footprint across several care homes and hospices, whether through energy-efficient lighting, improved waste management, or even looking at renewable energy sources in the future.
Sustainability in healthcare should be a standard, not an afterthought. We hope to inspire other hospices and healthcare providers to follow suit by taking the lead in these initiatives.
Final Thoughts
David French: Start small, but start now. Sustainable solutions like solar PV and voltage optimisation are easy to adopt and require minimal disruption but offer long-term benefits. Seek board-level support, align sustainability with financial savings, and prioritise initiatives that provide tangible results.
Ultimately, our duty of care extends beyond our patients; it includes our planet. If we can make positive environmental changes while continuing to provide compassionate care, we are responsible for doing so.
Conclusion
St Joseph’s Hospice is a strong example of how healthcare providers can integrate sustainability into their operations. With voltage optimisation already delivering tangible benefits, their CSR strategy continues to evolve, proving that responsible care extends far beyond the walls of their hospice.
By embracing sustainability, they reduce costs and reinforce their commitment to ethical, responsible healthcare. Their efforts serve as an inspiring blueprint for other hospices and healthcare organisations looking to make a difference.
