NHS Property Services (NHSPS) has launched its new Green Plan, a comprehensive three-year strategy aimed at reducing the environmental impact of NHS facilities.
This initiative also advances progress towards a net zero carbon future by 2040, aligning with the NHS's broader goals of smarter, greener, and more efficient healthcare facilities.
Focus areas of the new Green Plan
Energy: pathway to Net Zero by 2040
The cornerstone of the Green Plan is the goal of achieving Net Zero Carbon by 2040. To monitor progress, the key performance indicator (KPI) is the completion of 90 decarbonisation projects within the next three years.
The strategy for this bold target includes the implementation of a detailed Net Zero Carbon Strategy, aimed at reducing emissions at the 100 highest-emitting sites.
The cornerstone of the Green Plan is the goal of achieving Net Zero Carbon by 2040
Additionally, the plan advocates for the promotion of zero-emissions transport and enhancing energy efficiency across the board.
An important demonstration of this commitment includes the pilot launch of a toolkit with General Practitioners (GPs) to help them save energy in their medical practices.
This initiative serves as a model for energy-saving efforts within healthcare settings.
Utilities and data: Leveraging data to reduce environmental impact
A key objective within the Green Plan is to help NHSPS colleagues and customers utilise data to lower utilities costs, carbon emissions, and their overall environmental impact.
The KPI for this target is to double the amount of accessible data available to customers.
A key objective within the Green Plan is to help NHSPS colleagues and customers utilise data to lower utilities cost
To achieve this, the plan focuses on improving carbon reporting, enhancing data sharing, and providing actionable analysis.
This will enable stakeholders to make informed decisions that drive down environmental footprints and contribute to wider sustainability goals.
Environment
Under the environmental section of the Green Plan, the goal is to continuously improve the organisation's environmental impact while meeting regulatory compliance requirements.
The KPI for this objective is to conduct audits at 132 higher-risk sites, ensuring that potential risks are identified and mitigated.
Under the environmental section of the Green Plan, the goal is to continuously improve the organisation's environmental impact
The strategy for this goal involves embedding processes that will improve climate resilience, enhance biodiversity, and support the development of sustainable travel and procurement strategies.
By focusing on these areas, the Green Plan aims to create a more sustainable and eco-friendly future.
Waste management: reducing waste and carbon emissions
In the area of waste management, the Green Plan sets a target in alignment with NHS England's waste segregation strategy.
The goal is to achieve a waste segregation target of 20% incineration, 20% infectious waste, and 60% offensive waste.
In the area of waste management, the Green Plan sets a target in alignment with NHS England's waste segregation strategy
The plan also includes a KPI to reduce carbon emissions from waste management by 50% by 2026.
The strategy to meet this target focuses on aligning services with the NHS clinical waste strategy, ensuring correct waste streams are implemented, and increasing waste segregation efforts.
These measures aim to lower both costs and carbon emissions, supporting the NHS's overall environmental goals.
Looking ahead
With its comprehensive approach, the Green Plan lays a clear foundation for achieving sustainable practices across energy, utilities, data, the environment, and waste management.
The combination of measurable targets and dedicated strategies promises significant progress in reducing the environmental impact of NHSPS and setting a precedent for future sustainability efforts.
As the plan progresses, these initiatives will pave the way for a greener, more sustainable future
As the plan progresses, these initiatives will pave the way for a greener, more sustainable future, both for the healthcare sector and the wider community.
Cameron Hawkins, Head of Energy and Environment, said: “We are really proud of what the previous Green Plan delivered, from the 48% reduction in carbon emissions to the £47.8 million we saved on energy. We are now even more ambitious to contribute towards a net zero NHS with a smarter, greener and more efficient estate.”