HSE awarded ISO 50001 certification for energy efficiency efforts

The HSE has achieved certification to the ISO 50001 global energy management standard for its approach to continuously improving energy efficiency and performance. Greener and more sustainable HSE facilities and services benefit the health of the population as well as having a positive impact on the environment.

Creating sustainable facilities helps to reduce emissions and lower air pollution from fossil fuel usage which assist in mitigating the harmful health impacts of climate change including cardiovascular disease, respiratory diseases, and mental health which are strongly impacted by climate and adverse weather conditions. The HSE achieved a 20% reduction in energy related emissions and 34% improvement in energy efficiency performance by the end of 2023. It is currently in the process of reporting of 2024 data to the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland.

This certification builds on the work done to date by HSE Capital and Estates, in partnership with the Department of Health and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), to establish the systems and processes necessary to improve energy performance. These include monitoring consumption, conducting energy audits, setting energy performance targets and identifying opportunities for energy improvement.

What is ISO 50001

ISO 50001 is the world’s leading Energy Management Standard and provides a systematic approach for organisations to achieve continuous improvement in terms of energy performance.

Bernard Gloster HSE CEO said:

“As one of the largest energy users in the public sector, the HSE recognises the impact its activities have on the environment and is committed to responsible energy management. On the journey towards certification, the HSE has worked closely with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland to implement best practise, improve monitoring and complete energy management projects across the healthcare estate, striving to lead by example, act as an exemplar and provide leadership in the public sector.

As we evolve as a workforce we too have to evolve in how we deliver healthcare. One of the main pieces to this is ensuring the healthcare we provide is robust and sustainable. This involves looking for new solutions but also upgrading old ones, including one of our main assets, our infrastructure.

Achieving ISO 50001 certification really highlights the HSE’s commitment creating greener facilities which will not only help in terms of the impact on our climate but also benefit the people we provide vital healthcare services to. It is an important step in the implementation of the HSE Climate Action Strategy, HSE Capital and Estates Strategy and the Infrastructure Decarbonisation Roadmap and to achieving our 2030 energy and carbon emission reduction targets.”

Peter Smyth, Assistant National Director and National Lead HSE Capital and Estates Sustainable Infrastructure Office added:

“Energy efficient healthcare facilities have positive consequences for human health, creating a more comfortable and controllable environment for patients and staff, and can improve the quality of patient care. Achieving ISO 50001 certification provides an important recognition of the work undertaken by HSE Capital and Estates to integrate energy management into operations and continually improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions from our buildings.”