SODEXO HAS won top honours at the 2012 Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) Awards for Environmental Excellence.
In partnership with Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (CMFT), the company walked off with the Sustainable Facilities Management Performance of the Year.
A focus huge drop in food waste and an increase in recycling rates from 40% to 92% in less six months impressed judges.
CMFT serves over 4,395 meals a day and food waste is a particular issue. Close monitoring has allowed Sodexo to determine preferred patient meals and tailor menus accordingly, with the aim of avoiding unnecessary food waste. The food waste that does occur is segregated and the bins are weighed on collection in order to identify peaks and troughs aligning with hospital activity. Any waste is sent to a local anaerobic digestion plant to generate energy.
There has also been additional engagement with ward staff to address negative perceptions regarding hospital food, including tasting sessions with matrons, lead nurses and dieticians. It is anticipated that this will lead to further food wastage reductions, as well as other clinical benefits.
Simon Scrivens, managing director for Sodexo Healthcare, said the award was recognition of the work that has been put in by all parties. The team at CMFT has been fantastic with helping us to implement these initiatives and without their support we would not have been able to engage with their staff and visitors who also play a major role in helping reduce waste and recycling more, he explained.
