Environmental responsibility at the European Heart House

Advancing sustainability as a core value

Sustainability is integral to our mission to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease, recognising that the health of people and the planet are closely linked. Environmental factors such as air pollution, rising temperatures and noise pollution are now established contributors to cardiovascular disease. At the European Heart House, we actively measure and manage our carbon footprint, implementing practical steps to reduce emissions and environmental impact.

Our approach and initiatives

Sustainability is a core pillar of our strategic plan and social responsibility, guiding our efforts to promote environmentally conscious practices across all activities. When hosting events, we view this as both a privilege and a shared responsibility, making informed, sustainable choices to minimise our environmental impact and ensure our actions reflect our values and long-term vision. 

Our approach is guided by a balanced and holistic strategy, built on four interconnected pillars, each essential to creating lasting positive impact for our community, our environment and future generations.

Energy efficiency and emissions reduction

To advance our commitment to sustainability and responsible resource management, we have implemented a series of targeted measures designed to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions across the European Heart House.
 
  • Deployment of solar panels (phase 1) on the EHH roof to harness renewable energy  
  • Conversion of all lighting to LED technology, significantly reducing energy consumption 
  • Reduction in the number of indoor and outdoor light sources to minimise unnecessary energy use 
  • Optimisation of hot water production to improve energy efficiency 
  • Insulation improvements in the membership office and installation of solar films throughout the building 
  • Thermal insulation of the basement, including the garage and storage rooms 
  • Optimisation of air conditioning and heating in the North building and IT areas 
  • Installation of automatic ignition and timers for lighting in common areas 
  • Centralised management of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems 

Sustainable transport

To further our commitment to sustainable mobility, we are introducing practical initiatives that support low-emission transport and responsible travel choices for our community.
 
  • Installation of charging stations for electric vehicles to support sustainable transport
  • Gradual conversion of the car fleet to hybrid or electric vehicles
  • Coordination of staff travel to and from the airport, prioritising group transport and bus use over taxis 

Sustainable water and waste management

We are committed to responsible water and waste management, introducing practical solutions that conserve resources and support a healthier environment for all.
  • Recovery of rainwater for watering green spaces, conserving potable water
  • Development of green spaces that require less water and energy
  • Implementation of selective sorting and recycling, including composting and mulching of plant waste 

Biodiversity and green space management

We are enhancing the health of our green spaces by adopting environmentally responsible methods that protect biodiversity.
 
  • Elimination of chemical treatments in the maintenance of green spaces, supporting biodiversity and staff safety
  • Transition of garden tools to electric models, reducing emissions and noise 

Upcoming initiatives in our sustainability journey

Our commitment to sustainability is a continuous journey. We are dedicated to strengthening our environmental practices, and here are our upcoming initiatives:

  • Further reduction of consumables such as wipes and cups
  • Complete elimination of fossil fuel use (gas) in our operations
  • Expansion of solar panel installations and insulation of the South building to further reduce our carbon footprint
  • Introduction of eco-friendly and recycled furniture as part of ongoing renovation works

We encourage everyone attending events at the European Heart House to join us in making a positive environmental impact. Please support our commitment to sustainability by following our practical tips for more sustainable events.