The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust honoured Jeremy Pugh with the Sustainability Award at its Committed to Excellence Awards, held at the Copthorne Hotel on Friday 11th July.
Jeremy, logistics and portering manager for Mitie, the Trust’s Private Finance Initiative (PFI) partner, was recognised for his commitment to improving the Trust’s environmental impact and managing meaningful change.
Working tirelessly to reduce emissions and increase recycling, Jeremy transformed the Trust’s waste yard into a hub of sustainable innovation. He and the team have utilised every inch of the yard, creating areas to strip electronical waste for recycling precious metals and holding reusable items.
Group chief executive, Diane Wake said: “Jeremy’s passion and drive for sustainability is has been inspiring. His innovative thinking has delivered real impact, and he embodies the values we strive for as a Trust.”
With his contributions, waste-related carbon emissions have dropped by a remarkable 55%, saving 293 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent in just one year.
Jeremy has also played a key role in motivating and educating porters and staff about recycling processes and the Trust’s wider green ambitions. One of the standout successes has been the introduction of food waste recycling.
He achieved this by diverting the waste into anaerobic digestion, converting methane from decomposing food into energy. This initiative launched in 2023–24 and continues to be closely monitored at ward level, as well as improving patient ordering process to further reduce food waste.
Further cementing the Trust’s commitment to NHS England’s waste reduction targets, the Trust is now on track to meet the 20:20:60 clinical waste split, currently achieving 8% incineration, 38% alternative treatment, and 54% offensive waste.
Speaking after the awards, Jeremy said: “This award is gratefully received, and to receive this recognition makes me really proud.
I have to say however, none of this is done by one person, it’s all about those who are working both with you and for you, all striving for the same ambitions and goals.”
The Sustainability Award, was one of 17 categories at this year’s event, celebrating staff and volunteers for their compassion, innovation and outstanding contributions across the Trust.
