Two members of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s Sustainability Team have had their work fighting climate change recognised by one of Scotland’s leading universities. Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) has paid tribute to Martin Johnston and Kirsten Allan for their work in driving forward sustainability efforts at Scotland’s biggest health board in the push to Net Zero.
Martin, the organisation’s Interim Head of Sustainability, has been named Alumni of the Year, by his alma mater. The university recognises former students ‘who have excelled or made an outstanding contribution for the Common Good’.
NHSGGC has declared a Climate Emergency and teams across the organisations are progressing a change and improvement agenda for sustainability and climate change to ensure delivery of the outcomes aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and NHS Scotland’s target of being Net Zero by 2040.
Martin said: “I am genuinely taken aback at being presented with this award and would like to thank my colleagues past and present, friends and family for their support and guidance in my career to date. Achieving Net Zero will be one of the biggest challenges the NHS will face and is now part of a 17 year change management programme as the process begins to decarbonise the health service and maintain effective primary and secondary care, and meeting Scottish Government targets. However, it’s a goal that requires buy-in from all of us and I’ve no doubt our people across NHSGGC are up for that challenge.”
Martin’s colleague, Kirsten Allan, is completing her 3rd year Environmental Management degree at Glasgow Caledonian University, which has included a placement within NHSGGC’s Sustainability Team. She has won the ‘Best Overall Student’ Award for her 3rd Year within the BSc Environmental Management course from the university.
Kirsten, who has worked across a number of sustainability led developments at the health board, said: “I’m really pleased to receive this award which gives me a great boost as I enter the last semester of my degree ahead of graduating in the summer. I’d also like to say thanks to the Sustainability Team and NHSGGC, as I have had the opportunity to extend my 3rd year placement, and now work within the organisation while completing my degree, helping create better and more sustainable environments for our patients, staff and wider communities.”
Tom Steele, Director of Facilities and Estates at NHSGGC, said: “Both Martin and Kirsten are champions of sustainability and are a key part of our team as we work towards net zero across our estate and I’m delighted that their contribution has been recognised by Glasgow Caledonian University. “Martin has been instrumental in helping us to develop our strategy to achieve our aims to make NHSGGC a leader in sustainability, improving our greenspace and improving health and wellbeing through better buildings and the wider environment, whilst minimising our carbon footprint.
“As part of her university undergraduate placement with us, Kirsten has excelled with her enthusiasm for sustainability, delivering real change through projects that improve our estate for patients, staff and the wider community. We’re fortunate to have both as part of the NHSGGC team delivering for the communities we serve.”
Jill Watt, Director of the GCU Foundation said: “Our prestigious Alumni of the Year Awards recognise graduates of the University who have excelled in their field or made an outstanding contribution for the Common Good. The University was thrilled to recognise Martin for his work in driving significant change at the NHS to help deliver more sustainable estates and communities within Greater Glasgow and Clyde, and of his commitment to supporting students at GCU.
“Our annual School of Computing, Engineering & Built Environment prizes, recognise the achievements of our talented students as they enter the final stages of their educational journey. Kirsten Allan, who is undertaking a placement with NHSGGC, was awarded as Best Overall Student for 3rd Year Environmental Management Programme, sponsored by Veitchi Group. The award is testament to her hard work and gives her CV a further boost ahead of graduating.”