Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is to reduce energy consumption and increase on-site renewable energy generation as part of a new Green Plan for 2026-2030.
The plan sets out measures to improve the environmental performance of the Trust's hospitals and operations, including modernising buildings to improve energy efficiency.
It builds on progress made since 2019, with the Trust reporting a reduction of 5,546 tonnes of CO2 from its overall carbon footprint.
The Trust said it has also completed large-scale estate decarbonisation projects, reduced emissions from anaesthetic gases and expanded its use of digital services.
NHS trusts are required to maintain Green Plans setting out local action on sustainability and net zero, with current guidance requiring plans to cover at least the next three years. Gloucestershire Hospitals' latest plan covers 2026-30.
Estate decarbonisation
Reducing energy consumption and increasing on-site renewable generation are among the key priorities in the new plan.
The Trust will continue to modernise its buildings to improve energy efficiency, alongside exploring opportunities to increase renewable energy generation across its estate.
The plan also recognises the need for healthcare infrastructure to become more resilient to the effects of climate change, including rising temperatures and extreme weather events.
Sustainability will be incorporated into decision-making across estates, clinical services, procurement and wider Trust operations.
The Trust also aims to build sustainability knowledge among staff and embed sustainability into everyday care, including through clinical pathways and practices.
Digital technology will be used to reduce waste and emissions, while prevention and community partnerships will support efforts to reduce the environmental impact of healthcare.
Sustainable procurement and healthcare
The Green Plan extends beyond the physical estate, with the Trust committing to transform procurement processes to favour more sustainable suppliers.
It will also support active travel and continue to review clinical pathways and practices to consider sustainability alongside quality and patient care.
This includes identifying opportunities to use greener medicines where appropriate.
"Our new Green Plan sets out practical actions that will help us build a more sustainable future for our hospitals and communities,” said Will Cleary-Gray, Director of Improvement and Delivery at Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
The Trust said the plan will support its wider strategy and its response to the impact of climate change on patients, staff, local communities and healthcare infrastructure through to 2030.
Gloucestershire Hospitals' new plan forms part of the NHS's wider programme to reach net zero, with trusts required to set out local action through Green Plans.
NHS organisations are working towards net zero for emissions they control directly by 2040, with the wider NHS supply chain target set for 2045.
