Pendleside Hospice is celebrating after being named Green Award winner at the Pendle Business Awards, held on Thursday 2nd July, in recognition of its outstanding commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Sponsored by Reliable Renewables Ltd, the Green Award celebrates organisations that are making a significant difference by embedding sustainable practices into the heart of their operations. For Pendleside Hospice, the award recognises the collective efforts of staff, volunteers and supporters who have worked together to reduce the Hospice's environmental impact while ensuring resources are used where they matter most – providing outstanding care for local people living with life-limiting illnesses and supporting those closest to them.
The award follows another recent success for the Hospice, having also been Highly Commended in the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) category at this year's Burnley Business Awards, further highlighting Pendleside's growing reputation as a leader in sustainable healthcare.
Over the past year, Pendleside Hospice has made significant investments, supported by capital grants, to improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions and create a more sustainable future for the organisation. These improvements have not only transformed the way the Hospice operates but have also generated substantial financial savings, allowing more funds to be invested directly into patient care.
Since March 2025, Pendleside has achieved a remarkable 78% reduction in gas consumption, alongside a 20% reduction in electricity use, resulting in a 66% reduction in carbon emissions and a 43% reduction in total energy costs.
The figures demonstrate the scale of the Hospice's progress.
A major factor behind these improvements has been the installation of an advanced solar and battery system, which has fundamentally changed the Hospice's energy profile. Peak-rate electricity consumption has almost halved, the cost per kilowatt hour has reduced by 10%.
Sustainability at Pendleside extends far beyond infrastructure improvements.
Environmental responsibility has become part of everyday life across the Hospice. Every department now has dedicated Environmental Champions who encourage sustainable practices among colleagues.
LED lighting has been installed throughout the building, clearly labelled recycling stations have been introduced across the Hospice and its retail shops, food waste bins are used in staff kitchens, and a strong culture of reusing and recycling resources has become part of daily practice.
The Hospice has also introduced an electric vehicle for its maintenance team, which is used for essential journeys, including trips to Burnley Hospital to collect patient medication, helping to further reduce its carbon footprint.
Helen McVey, Chief Executive at Pendleside Hospice, said:"We are so proud to receive this award in recognition of the fantastic teamwork everyone at Pendleside Hospice has demonstrated in minimising the impact we have on the environment whilst ensuring our services run efficiently so that we can continue to provide patient care for the future.
Rachel Kay, organiser of the Pendle Business Awards, praised the Hospice's achievement, saying:"Huge congratulations to the whole team. It's clearly been an exceptional journey towards sustainability, so a very well-deserved win."
Pendleside's ambitious sustainability strategy has transformed the Hospice from one of the least energy-efficient hospices in England into one of the most energy-efficient, with a clear ambition of becoming one of the leading sustainable hospices in the UK.
While the Green Award recognises the progress made so far, the Hospice sees it as motivation to continue building on its success. By treating sustainability as a strategic priority, Pendleside is not only reducing its environmental impact but also strengthening its financial resilience, ensuring that more resources can be invested into delivering compassionate care for local people and their families for many years to come.
This latest award is a testament to what can be achieved when an entire organisation works together towards a shared goal. From major improvements in renewable technology to the everyday actions of staff and volunteers, every step has contributed to creating a greener, more sustainable future for Pendleside Hospice and the community it proudly serves.