The continuing focus on the sustainable aspects of healthcare building design and operation will a major talking point at this year’s Healthcare Estates conference and exhibition, with expert personnel from the NHS’s recently established Sustainable Development Unit (SDU) set to be on hand to give delegates free advice and information.
For the third year running, Healthcare Estates will incorporate a Sustainability Centre feature (photo shows a seminar in progress during last year’s event), located within the exhibition, with specialists from PASA Estates, PASA’s Sustainability Team, the BRE, the Carbon Trust and, new for 2009, members of the NHS SDU, geared up to discuss everything from sustainable transport to more eco-friendly building design. The Centre will build on last year’s format, with a range of free to attend “open presentations” addressing key issues and providing detailed technical advice, plus the opportunity for visitors to discuss their particular issues with industry experts. The organisers said: “One of the many challenges facing all those involved in the design, construction, maintenance, and management of healthcare facilities is the need to build on current initiatives to achieve even more effective sustainable solutions, increase energy efficiency, and reduce their carbon emissions and footprint. The health sector has taken the lead in creating and implementing solutions and practices to address this in many areas already. However, as the Government continues to roll out its ‘green agenda’, the pressure on all involved in creating and maintaining healthcare facilities will increase. Achieving higher targets will require more creativity and thought in order to deliver savings, making access to the latest information, thinking, grants, and products, that can help, more important than ever.” Visitors to Healthcare Estates 2009 will also have access to the largest UK gathering of suppliers of products, services and solutions designed specifically for healthcare environments to improve infection prevention, enhance mobility, conserve energy, and maximise return on budget. When Healthcare Estates opens its doors on 27 October 2009 (the event is being held on 27 and 28 October at the Harrogate International Centre), it will feature over 160 exhibitors, many of them field-leaders. Despite the current difficult economic conditions, stand sales are currently up by 15% year-on-year, with remaining exhibition space “limited”. Companies wanting to know more about how participating at Healthcare Estates 2009 can benefit them should contact the event team. Tel: 01892 518877 Email: healthcare@stepex.com www.healthcare-estates.com
