In a major step towards a more sustainable healthcare system, Stockport NHS Foundation Trust has announced it has achieved My Green Lab (Gold) certification for its Blood Sciences Laboratory, a globally recognised standard for laboratory sustainability. This achievement was made possible through a collaboration with Siemens Healthineers, who supported the certification process.

The My Green Lab certification is widely regarded as the "gold standard" for sustainable laboratory practices. The program provides a science-based approach with clear assessment tools and practical guidance to help laboratories reduce their environmental footprint.

By undergoing this rigorous process, the teams in Biochemistry and Haematology based at Stepping Hill Hospital have demonstrated a deep commitment to environmental responsibility. The certification recognises the laboratories’ efforts to embed sustainability into its daily operations, from reducing energy consumption to minimising waste and promoting more efficient resource use.

“It has been a real team effort with the laboratory able to dovetail into trust initiatives and well supported by Siemens Healthineers.  Staff are more aware of sustainability and obtaining Gold is just the start; hopefully, we will be able to progress to platinum or even green level.” said, Elaine Taylor, Laboratory Project Lead.

‘’Achieving this certification is a tremendous milestone for our Laboratory team and the entire hospital’’ said Laura Swann, Sustainability Manager at Stockport NHS Foundation Trust. ‘’It shows that every action contributes to the delivery of our Green Plan and that teams can really make a difference. The My Green Lab process provides roadmap for our ongoing sustainability efforts, and we are grateful for the support of Siemens Healthineers in this achievement’’.

This initiative is part of a broader sustainability commitment by Stockport NHS Foundation Trust. The Trust Green Plan outlines the trust’s strategy to reduce the environmental impact of our activities and provides a roadmap to achieving our net zero goals.

Laboratories are often significant consumers of energy and resources, and by implementing sustainable practices, the laboratory is not only reducing its carbon footprint but also improving efficiency, reducing costs and creating a healthier working environment for its staff.

The support from Siemens Healthineers has been instrumental in this achievement. As a leader in pathology equipment, Siemens Healthineers is actively committed to helping its partners on their sustainability journey. The company has its own sustainability goals and is a recognised accelerator partner for My Green Lab, offering expertise and resources to help clinical laboratories achieve their own certifications. This partnership underscores the growing importance of collaboration between healthcare providers and technology companies to drive meaningful environmental change.

‘’We are incredibly proud to partner with Stockport Foundation Trust on their journey to achieve My Green Lab certification’’ said Becky Moore, Social Value & Sustainability Manager at Siemens Healthineers. ‘’ By working together, we can empower our customers to build a more sustainable healthcare system, demonstrating that a focus on environmental sustainability can and should go hand-in-hand with excellent patient care’’.

Moving forward, Stockport NHS Foundation Trust aims to continue to build on this success, with the My Green Lab certification serving as a foundation for further sustainability initiatives.