COLCHESTER’S hospital trust has been hailed as one of the most carbon-friendly organisations in the country.

The trust, which runs Colchester General Hospital and Essex County Hospital, came joint first in an energy efficiency league table of more than 2,000 organisations.

The hospital trust was one of 23 companies and public bodies to score top marks.

It emitted 12,406 tonnes of CO2 in the past year, placing it ahead of big businesses such as Microsoft, the Bank of England, international banks, supermarket chains and department stores in the green stakes.

Dr Vall Rasaratnam, the trust’s energy and sustainability manager, said: “To finish joint first out of 2,106 organisations is a tremendous achievement and evidence of our commitment to reduce carbon emissions.

“This is the result of a number of years of energy-saving initiatives, which have involved many staff.”

The trust has installed energy efficient LED lighting in its reception and a smart meter to monitor how much electricity and gas it is using.

In the future it plans to increase recycling, cut water use and encourage more staff to car share or use public transport.

Dr Rasaratnam was appointed last year to help boost the trust’s green credentials.

His appointment was criticised by health workers and the Taxpayers’ Alliance, who claimed the new a role was a waste of money.

The trust previously refused to reveal Dr Rasaratnam’s salary and has been asked again to provide the information.

In April, the trust became the second NHS trust in the country to be awarded the Carbon Saver Gold Standard for cutting its emissions over three years.

Essex University also featured on the Environment Agency list, in joint 34th place with Greater London Authority and the London Fire Service.

Others in the Environment Agency list include Center Parcs, Manchester United Football Club, British American Tobacco, the Department of Energy and Climate Change.