Sustainability
A greener service that includes everyone
Prosper Group’s Green Teams work on practical environmental improvements while making sure people with intellectual disabilities can understand, influence and take part in climate action.
Recognised work
2024 HSE Excellence Award
Prosper Group won the 2024 HSE Excellence Award for Working Together for a Greener Healthcare Service.
The programme involved 21 Green Teams. Their work covered energy, waste, water, sustainable transport, biodiversity and disability-inclusive climate action.
The HSE Sustainable Infrastructure Office and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland supported the programme with guidance and funding.
In simple words
Green Teams help Prosper use less energy and water, reduce waste and care for nature.
People supported by Prosper can take part, share ideas and help make decisions.
Areas of action
Practical changes across services
Energy
Understanding energy use and taking practical steps to avoid unnecessary consumption.
Waste
Reducing waste, reusing items where appropriate and improving recycling practices.
Water
Looking for leaks, reducing waste and helping people understand why water matters.
Sustainable travel
Considering safer and more sustainable ways to travel when suitable and accessible.
Biodiversity
Supporting habitats, planting and local projects that help wildlife and nature.
Inclusive climate action
Using accessible information so people with disabilities can participate and lead.
Inclusion
Climate information must be accessible
People cannot make informed choices when information is confusing or inaccessible. Environmental projects should use clear language, practical demonstrations and the communication supports each person needs.
- Explain why an action matters.
- Offer real choices, not token participation.
- Use pictures, objects, demonstrations or technology when helpful.
- Recognise sensory, mobility and support needs.
- Show the result of people’s ideas and actions.
Good participation
A person may want to join a Green Team, collect information, make posters, plant, sort materials, speak at a meeting or choose another role.
Participation should be meaningful and suited to the person.
Everyday actions
Small actions can build confidence and skills
Notice
Spot where energy, water or materials may be wasted.
Choose
Decide which practical change the group wants to try.
Act
Take part in a role that matches the person’s interests and support needs.
Review
Check whether the action made a difference and share the result clearly.
Questions
Sustainability questions
Do people supported by Prosper take part in Green Teams?
The programme is based on inclusive participation. The exact activities and roles vary across locations and should reflect people’s interests and support needs.
How can I suggest a green idea?
Tell a staff member or Green Team contact in your service. Explain the idea, what problem it may solve and what support would help you take part.
How will progress be shown?
Good projects record a starting point, the action taken and the result. Information should be shared in an accessible way so everyone can understand the impact.
Get involved
Share a sustainability idea
Contact your local service team or Prosper Fingal Head Office.