CHOOSE YOUR COUNTRY / REGION

Image of healthcare workers with a leaf superimposed on the side to represent healthcare workers supporting sustainable healthcare practices

EORNA-ANSELL SUSTAINABILITY PROJECT FUND​

Can your idea lead the way to meaningful change?​

Countdown

2

Months left to submit

6

Months left to announce the winner at the congress

2

Number of submissions

Background

Sustainability is a growing priority in healthcare, and operating theatres play a crucial role in driving meaningful change. To support this, Ansell and the European Operating Room Nurses Association (EORNA) have launched a biannual Sustainability Project Fund, empowering perioperative nurses to lead innovative environmental initiatives within hospital operating theatres.

Image of healthcare workers who are supporting sustainable healthcare practices

This fund invites OR teams from EORNA member countries to submit proposals focused on:
i) Carbon footprint reduction
ii) Waste minimization
iii) Resource management

By investing in OR-led sustainability efforts, this initiative aims to foster real environmental change and support the growth of a more sustainable healthcare system in hospitals across Europe.

FAQ

Perioperative nurses from hospitals in EORNA member countries can apply.
Projects must focus on improving environmental impacts in perioperative care. Environmental categories include:

Carbon Footprint Reduction: Initiatives aimed at lowering greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency, sustainable procurement, and waste minimization.
Waste Reduction & Circular Economy: Strategies to minimize waste production, enhance recycling efforts, and improve material reusability within perioperative care settings.
Resource Management: Innovative approaches to optimizing energy use, improving air and water quality, and preserving natural capital within operating theatres.
Funding is provided as a grant via EORNA directly to the winning team or hospital. The funds must be used specifically for the approved project and in alignment with the proposed budget and implementation plan.
Applicants must submit a detailed proposal, including objectives, methodology, anticipated impact, cost analysis, and an implementation timeline. Supporting documents should outline key personnel, stakeholder involvement, risk management, and how success will be measured. Download the template here.
Projects are assessed based on relevance, feasibility, innovation, impact, scalability, cost-effectiveness, stakeholder engagement, risk management, long-term viability, and perioperative nurse involvement. Each criterion is scored to determine the most promising and practical sustainability initiatives.
Winners gain visibility through EORNA and Ansell’s communication channels, guidance on implementation, and opportunities to share results with the perioperative community. Additional networking and collaboration opportunities may also be available.
Submission deadline is 31st January 2026. Winners will be announced March 2026.