Environment and Sustainability
The NHS is one of the largest contributors to the UK’s carbon footprint and as such the NHS has the potential to play a leading role in protecting and promoting the health of the community.
On 1 July 2022, NHS England became the first health system to embed net zero into legislation, through the Health and Care Act 2022. This places duties on all NHS service providers to meet statutory emissions and environmental targets. The Act requires commissioners and providers of NHS services specifically to address the net zero emissions targets. It also covers measures to adapt to any current or predicted impacts of climate change identified within the 2008 Climate Change Act. To support NHS England’s net zero ambition, each service provider should have a Green Plan which sets out clear aims, objectives and delivery plans for carbon reduction.
By reducing carbon emissions, promoting sustainable practices and encouraging healthier lifestyles, our Trust will be able to help fight climate change, save time, money and resources and achieve a wealth of health benefits.
Our commitment to change
Our trust is committed to achieving Net Zero carbon emissions by 2040 and improving our sustainability credentials. We recognise that the health of our communities is inextricably linked to the health of our planet. Climate change is not just an environmental crisis, it is a public health emergency, with the greatest impact falling on those already facing inequality and disadvantage. As a mental health trust, we have a responsibility to act, not only as healthcare providers but as leaders in sustainability.
Strategies
The Green Plan focuses on 15 areas of focus split across 4 themes which have been identified as being key to embedding sustainability into the operations of the trust.
Embedding sustainability
- Making sure Sustainability is a part of our shared organisational vision, mainstream strategy and plans.
- Ensuring we in still confidence that our services remain fit for purpose through Net Zero Clinical transformation.
- Ensuring there is adequate Leadership and board oversight of our Net Zero Green Plan
- Making it is everyone’s role and responsibility to make environmentally conscious and sustainable choices at work.
Direct emissions
- Manage and improve resources and facilities to increase efficiency, ensure environmental compliance and eliminate waste.
- Align the Net Zero Green Plan with the Trust Estates Strategy to ensure estate development is aligned with decarbonisation plans
- Encourage staff to be aware of their energy consumption
Partnership working
- Form meaningful relationships with stakeholders and service providers to design strategies and transform services to reduce environmental impact.
- Work with key partners to develop and implement effective action to mitigate future risks
- Improve and maintain green space that have positive benefits on mental health and wellbeing for all site users.
Travel
- Reduce the need for unnecessary carbon-based travel with effective patient pathway design and encouraging the take up of active travel initiatives e.g. cycle to work
- Promote of the use of remote communications platforms and support Digital transformation
- Electrification of Trust fleet and installation of EV charging infrastructure across Trust sites.
