NHS Property Services has published its second report under the Companies Climate-related Financial Disclosure Regulations 2022. Adding climate risk to its strategy marks a significant step and shows the organisation’s commitment to an estate fit for the future, ensuring its operations stay resilient and sustainable.
In line with the new reporting requirements, NHSPS has prioritised the understanding of risks and opportunities related to climate change. The report highlights a comprehensive analysis of the physical and transitional risks facing NHSPS properties – such as extreme weather events and technologic innovations, respectively. This is a crucial step in safeguarding the future of healthcare environments across the UK.
The NHSPS board and senior management are actively monitoring and evaluating climate-related risks and opportunities, integrating them into the organisation’s decision-making process. Plus, as a part of its climate-related performance measures, NHSPS has disclosed key metrics, including its greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) inventory, carbon reduction targets, energy consumption and progress towards meeting the NHS Net Carbon Building Standard. These efforts are critical in supporting the NHS’s broader goal of achieving net-zero emissions.
In line with the new reporting requirements, NHSPS has prioritised the understanding of risks and opportunities related to climate change
Besides outlining NHSPS’s challenges and future plans, the report showcases the organisation’s key achievements. These include developing a thorough flood mitigation plan, conducting detailed risk assessments at high-risk sites, and initiating pilot studies. The organisation also launched a comprehensive Net Zero Carbon Strategy to achieve Net Zero by 2040, initiated decarbonisation works at the top 110 sites (accounting for 50% of NHSPS’s total gas emissions), and reduced energy use by 29% and associated carbon dioxide emissions by 48% since the 2017/18 baseline.
James Clovis, Energy and Environment Programme Manager at NHSPS, said: “Addressing climate-related risks is fundamental to ensuring the resilience of NHS properties, making them fit for the future in the face of a changing environment. Our approach allows us to better understand the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, while continuing to unlock value across the NHS estate.”
Looking ahead, NHSPS remains committed to improving its climate-related performance and transparency, with continued focus on managing risks and aligning its operation with the NHS’s long-term environmental and financial sustainability targets.