We sat down with Rhiannon Matthews, Operational Sustainability Officer for the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust, to discover how they significantly reduced their energy use and CO2 emissions.
With a commitment to reach net zero by 2030 as outlined in our Green Plan, it was important that we implemented measures that align with our sustainability goals while also demonstrating tangible cost savings.
Following a recommendation from a team member, and intrigued by the potential for energy savings, we decided to trial measurable.energy’s sockets in our offices to assess their effectiveness first hand.
The sockets were installed in areas primarily used by our management team and other care groups.
The installation process was smooth, thanks to the flexibility of the measurable.energy team. We work long hours, so the team accommodated after-hours installation to ensure there was no disruption to our operations.
Once installed, the system proved to be easy to use, with intuitive controls and an easy-to-navigate dashboard. I was shown by the team how to use the dashboard and I immediately set up my own automation rules as it was so straightforward and user-friendly. The dashboard offers valuable insights into our energy usage patterns, allowing us to identify areas for optimisation with very low maintenance.
After the sockets were installed, I set about engaging staff members. I organised a fun competition to incentivise energy-saving behaviours, with prizes for individuals or teams that achieved the best reductions in energy usage and emissions. This not only raised awareness of energy use, but also helped educate people by using the LED light on the sockets as a visual reminder of when best to plug in. We’ve also put posters up to remind staff of the carbon intensity indicators on the sockets.
Over the past 12 months, where we have deployed measurable.energy we have been to optimise energy usage, and achieved significant carbon and energy savings:
While currently focused on our initial trial area, we will look into expanding the use of the sockets in other suitable locations within the Trust. By continuing to prioritise sustainability initiatives like measurable.energy’s solution, we strive to make meaningful contributions to our net zero targets and overall environmental efforts.
For other organisations looking to embark on similar sustainability journeys, I would recommend promoting internal buy-in through engagement initiatives such as staff competitions. That's what gets people onboard and engaged with new initiatives and help raise more awareness.