Green Ward Toolkit: A Design-Led Intervention to Embed Sustainable Practices in NHS Wards

TY - ADVS

T1 - Green Ward Toolkit

T2 - A Design-Led Intervention to Embed Sustainable Practices in NHS Wards

A2 - Bruce, F-S

A2 - Lim, Chris

A2 - Fletcher, Jack

A2 - Tully, Vicki

A2 - Stevenson, Millie

A2 - Donnelly, Samuel

PY - 2024/12/6

Y1 - 2024/12/6

N2 - The Green Ward Toolkit is a design-led resource developed under the Design HOPES project at the University of Dundee to support NHS Scotland staff in implementing sustainable practices in clinical and non-clinical ward settings. Developed through co-design workshops and interactive research stations, the toolkit equips staff with knowledge, skills, and strategies to apply circular economy principles, optimise energy, water, and waste management, and encourage behavioural and cultural shifts towards greener healthcare. The project establishes baseline evidence, validates key themes with NHS staff, and creates scalable, actionable interventions to support NHS Scotland’s transition to Net Zero. The Green Ward Toolkit (GWT) is designed to support both clinical and non-clinical staff by providing them with the knowledge, skills and resources to implement new sustainable practices in ward settings. The toolkit consists of three interlinked components to drive change at scale: (1) A Web Browser; (2) Case Study Cards; and (3) A Ward 2045 CO₂ Monitor. The toolkit aims to empower the workforce to deliver more sustainable health care systems by raising awareness, challenging norms, and embedding circular economy principles. Web Platform: Made by GWT Team in collaboration with Agency of None This web platform supports busy NHS teams to reduce their carbon footprint. The site provides evidence-based tools, practical actions and interventions that informs sustainable behaviour change in ward settings. The web platform consists of eight themes: Green Team, Waste, Energy, Travel, Prescribing, Greenspace, Water, and Proactive Care. Each theme is brought to life as a 3D illustrated island, introducing key challenges for NHS Staff to address. As actions are completed, the island evolves – shifting toward more sustainable alternative. Case Study Cards: These cards serve as a useful resource for secondary care staff and showcase current best practices from local NHS departments. Drawing on the eight key themes from the web platform, they highlight real world examples of sustainable initiatives led by NHS staff. Their purpose is to spark conversations among NHS staff, patients and collaborators, helping drive positive change in daily operations. Ward 2045 C02e Monitor The Ward 2045 CO₂ Monitor is a prototype designed to be installed on a ward in 2045, after NHS Scotland has met its net zero targets. The monitor collects and visualises data from waste, water and energy streams, helping NHS staff and patients understand the levels of carbon emissions produced in their ward. Users may observe carbon emission data in real time, review weekly and monthly emission reports, or participate in a short quiz that invites them to estimate the ward’s carbon output. Made by GWT Team in collaboration with Brown Office & V A S T

AB - The Green Ward Toolkit is a design-led resource developed under the Design HOPES project at the University of Dundee to support NHS Scotland staff in implementing sustainable practices in clinical and non-clinical ward settings. Developed through co-design workshops and interactive research stations, the toolkit equips staff with knowledge, skills, and strategies to apply circular economy principles, optimise energy, water, and waste management, and encourage behavioural and cultural shifts towards greener healthcare. The project establishes baseline evidence, validates key themes with NHS staff, and creates scalable, actionable interventions to support NHS Scotland’s transition to Net Zero. The Green Ward Toolkit (GWT) is designed to support both clinical and non-clinical staff by providing them with the knowledge, skills and resources to implement new sustainable practices in ward settings. The toolkit consists of three interlinked components to drive change at scale: (1) A Web Browser; (2) Case Study Cards; and (3) A Ward 2045 CO₂ Monitor. The toolkit aims to empower the workforce to deliver more sustainable health care systems by raising awareness, challenging norms, and embedding circular economy principles. Web Platform: Made by GWT Team in collaboration with Agency of None This web platform supports busy NHS teams to reduce their carbon footprint. The site provides evidence-based tools, practical actions and interventions that informs sustainable behaviour change in ward settings. The web platform consists of eight themes: Green Team, Waste, Energy, Travel, Prescribing, Greenspace, Water, and Proactive Care. Each theme is brought to life as a 3D illustrated island, introducing key challenges for NHS Staff to address. As actions are completed, the island evolves – shifting toward more sustainable alternative. Case Study Cards: These cards serve as a useful resource for secondary care staff and showcase current best practices from local NHS departments. Drawing on the eight key themes from the web platform, they highlight real world examples of sustainable initiatives led by NHS staff. Their purpose is to spark conversations among NHS staff, patients and collaborators, helping drive positive change in daily operations. Ward 2045 C02e Monitor The Ward 2045 CO₂ Monitor is a prototype designed to be installed on a ward in 2045, after NHS Scotland has met its net zero targets. The monitor collects and visualises data from waste, water and energy streams, helping NHS staff and patients understand the levels of carbon emissions produced in their ward. Users may observe carbon emission data in real time, review weekly and monthly emission reports, or participate in a short quiz that invites them to estimate the ward’s carbon output. Made by GWT Team in collaboration with Brown Office & V A S T

KW - Climate Emergency

KW - Human Health

KW - Design-led Innovation

KW - Net Zero

KW - NHS Scotland

UR - https://designhopes.org/project/the-green-ward-toolkit/

M3 - Digital or Visual Products

PB - Design HOPES

CY - University of Dundee

ER -