Galway Hospice Foundation has reduced its carbon emissions by 53 tonnes through a series of energy efficiency and sustainability initiatives across its Galway and Mayo sites. To mark the launch of its new Green Committee and celebrate this environmental milestone, the organisation planted a Prunus Shirotae “Mount Fuji Cherry” tree this week—a living symbol of its deepening commitment to environmental sustainability and care for future generations.
Even though healthcare exists to protect life, the sector contributes significantly to carbon emissions. Around 4.4% of global carbon emissions come from healthcare. In Ireland, the health system is responsible for up to 8% of the country’s emissions. Without urgent change, those numbers could triple by 2050.
“That’s why it matters what we do—as a hospice, as a team, and as individuals. Every step we take to reduce our environmental impact helps protect not just the planet, but the people who live on it. That includes our patients, our colleagues, our families, and future generations,” says Brian Nally, Galway Hospice Maintenance and Facilities Manager and member of the newly launched Green Committee.
The ceremonial planting reflects a fundamental belief at the heart of the hospice’s work: that caring for people and caring for the planet are inseparable. Just as the hospice provides compassionate support to those facing life-limiting illness, it recognises the Earth itself is showing signs of distress and requires the same commitment and care.
The establishment of the Green Committee formalises years of environmental work already underway across both Galway and Mayo sites. The hospice has achieved significant milestones in reducing its carbon footprint and embracing sustainable practices.
Upgraded heating systems in Galway saved over 4,600 litres of fuel and reduced carbon emissions by nearly 14 tonnes in 2024 alone. Between January and October 2025, gas oil use dropped by a further 1,826 litres compared to the same period in 2024.
The installation of 320 solar panels at Castlebar in October 2024 has generated over 83 megawatt-hours of electricity, saving more than 24 tonnes of carbon. Solar energy now powers over one-third of Castlebar’s 24/7 operations, with more than 90% of generated energy used directly on site.
In Galway, the replacement of 475 light fittings with LED bulbs has cut lighting energy consumption by half, saving over 10 tonnes of carbon emissions annually. In the six-bed prefabricated unit, ceiling-mounted infrared panels replaced old wall heaters, cutting energy use by 4,000 watts and saving over five tonnes of carbon annually while improving temperature control for patient comfort.
Since installing a composting system at Mayo Hospice in July 2024, the hospice has composted more than three tonnes of food waste. Since September, no food waste has left either site. The resulting compost enriches the hospice gardens and greenhouse.
The organisation has replaced 19 diesel vehicles with hybrids and installed six electric vehicle charging points across both sites, available to staff, patient families, and visitors around the clock.
The hospice has also created spaces where patients can connect with nature and participate in growing their own food. A wheelchair-accessible greenhouse at Mayo Hospice, complete with raised beds at varying heights, allows inpatients and Day Care patients to grow seasonal produce including lettuce, tomatoes, strawberries, and herbs.
“Being sustainable isn’t about being perfect. It’s about doing what we can, where we are, with what we have. It’s about small actions that lead to big changes over time,” the hospice emphasises.
The newly formed Green Committee will oversee ambitious plans for continued environmental improvement, including transitioning community cars and the Day Care bus to electric vehicles, installing rainwater harvesting systems, expanding heat pump usage to reduce gas reliance, switching remaining diesel vehicles to biofuel (which would reduce emissions by 90%), and increase planting and rewild selected outdoor areas.
The Mount Fuji Cherry tree, planted this week, will bloom each spring—a reminder of renewal, hope, and the organisation’s ongoing commitment to nurturing both people and planet.
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