NHS Supply Chain delivers sustainability benefits for NHS

Published: 17-Aug-2015

40% reduction in carbon emissions among key achievements

NHS Supply Chain has launched its annual sustainability report which reveals a 40% reduction in carbon emissions since 2008.

This year’s report outlines the commitment invested to deliver sustainability benefits for NHS customers and places strong emphasis on minimising the impact of the business on the environment.

The 2014 report focuses on how NHS Supply Chain is helping the NHS to reduce waste, improve due diligence around labour standards, procure sustainable and nutritional food, build supply chain resilience, and improve the efficiency of deliveries.

Key achievements include a 40% reduction in carbon emissions since 2008, helping NHS customers to meet the recommendations of the Department of Health’s Hospital Food Standards Panel Report and briefing over 100 suppliers about requirements for labour standards assurance. Other milestones include improving inbound logistics for key suppliers by reducing vehicle journeys; achieving a recycling rate of 87% from business waste; supporting Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives; and being involved in our communities.

In addition to outlining achievements, the report includes case studies that highlight how NHS Supply Chain has achieved its sustainability goals. For example, by working closely with Becton Dickinson UK, a supplier to 13 NHS Supply Chain frameworks, NHS Supply Chain improved supply chain efficiency and reduced vehicle journeys. An 18% trailer fill improvement resulted in reduced transportation and labour costs and a decreased carbon footprint.

“This shared approach generated a win-win situation for both parties – an annual freight cost reduction shared by agreement, improved shipment quality, and sustainability outcome realising 20% less road miles. This proves that working together works,” said Kevin Barker, business operations leader at Becton Dickinson.

“Encouraging our team to think and behave in a sustainable way is a key element of our success, but also an ongoing project to embed a culture,” added Nick Gerrard, chief executive of NHS Supply Chain.

“Sustainable development is, of course, about looking forward and this aligns with the NHS Five Year Forward View,” said Gerrard.

“It is more important than ever that we help deliver transformation and sustainability for the NHS.”

NHS Supply Chain’s Sustainable Development Report 2014 is available to download here.

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