The NHS is responding to the climate crisis. In 2020, the UK announced its plan to deliver the world’s first net zero health service – recognising that climate change and human health are “inextricably linked”.
The report, Delivering a ‘Net Zero’ National Health Service, admits that the NHS is responsible for about 4% of the country’s carbon emissions – so it also has to be part of the solution. It targets decarbonising the NHS and making it net zero by 2040 in terms of its own carbon footprint, with indirect emissions net zero by 2045.
Yet if you manage the estate for an NHS organisation, you’re also focused on getting value for the money – so budget can be devoted to essential services. After all, organisations must manage decarbonisation in the context of available resources.
So how do you become more environmentally sustainable while remaining financially sustainable, too? Our new practical guide, Making it your Business: How to pursue net zero, offers ideas for the steps you can take now.