Positively Green

Many of us will associate the word ‘X-ray’ with a childhood tree-climbing-adventure-gone-wrong, or a handy way to get rid of an X letter in Scrabble, but UHP is demonstrating how the word should also make us think of sustainability.

During this year’s Bike Week, which took place on 5^th June, DCHW supported colleagues who cycle to work with a complimentary breakfast of cereals, croissants & yoghurts. Staff were offered access to the changing facilities, new bike storage and heated drying lockers in a bid to persuade more staff to dust off their bicycles.

Bats are a vital part of our native wildlife and ecosystems, accounting for almost a third of all mammal species in the UK. They occupy a wide range of habitats, such as wetlands, woodlands, farmland, as well as urban areas.

Established in 2019 by PlantLife, the No Mow May campaign aims to promote the growth of long grasses and wildflowers through allowing natural growth in our green spaces. This is done by encouraging landowners to do nothing – and by doing so allow nature to flourish. 

There’s no denying that anaesthesia has been a healthcare hero since its introduction in 1846. Without it, countless procedures and operations could not have taken place, and the clinical management of childbirth and chronic/acute pain would be much more challenging.

In spite of the turbulence, worry and isolation that accompanied England’s Covid lockdowns in 2020, the drop in air pollution was most welcome. Those of us who live in built up areas will be familiar with encountering soot in our handkerchiefs after a bout of hay fever, but we remember how the lockdowns had our cars safely stowed away for essential trips only, and our city seemed to breathe a sigh of relief in response.

Plymouth City Council’s (PCC) Connect Plymouth project aims to deliver up to 50 transport hubs across Plymouth. These hubs will include electric bikes, electric vehicle charging points and car club electric vehicles all linked together through a smart booking system.

The loss of insects has far reaching consequences for entire ecosystems. They provide a food source for many small mammels. birds, amphibians, bats and reptiles, while plants rely on insects for pollination. In the UK we have around 267 different species of bee. Of these, just 1 is our native honey bee, 25 are bumble bees and the rest are solitary bees.

With No Mow May underway, UHP are proud to affirm our approach to establishing wildflower meadows across our site!

In December 2020, the Trust published its Green Plan, “For a Greener Future”, and declared a Climate Emergency. In the Green Plan, the Trust made a commitment for all new building and refurbishment projects to meet net zero carbon standards. This commitment was exemplified by the refurbishment of Brittany House (the old Norwich Union Building) which was completed to an Energy Performance Certificate B rating, demonstrating the sustainable design approach adopted for the refurbishment.