NORTH West Ambulance Service (NWAS) has been handed a certificate of excellence for their sustainability reporting.

Commended for commitment to operating with environmental responsibility, NWAS was recognised by the Sustainable Development Unit (SDU), NHS Improvement and the Healthcare Financial Management Association.

To achieve this, NWAS introduced electricity powered vehicles into their ambulance fleet following a trial.

This has now been rolled out across the region and it is expected to reduce the carbon contribution from rapid response vehicles (RRVs) by 90% with an annual fuel cost saving of £3,500 per vehicle.

Neil Maher, assistant director service delivery support for NWAS said: “We all have a duty to look after our planet and operating sustainably is a top priority for us which is why we’re extremely proud to have been given this recognition for the third consecutive year.

“We’ve worked hard to make a number of positive changes which have not only made a huge impact on our carbon footprint but also reduced waste and air pollution.

"Our work doesn’t stop here and we are looking forward to making further improvements going forward.”

Other initiatives put in place include fitting solar roof panels, the use of LED lighting and combined heat and power units.

A dedicated waste control and minimisation officer has also been appointed to ensure that the trust is disposing of its waste efficiently.