At Community Health Partnerships (CHP), we believe that supporting nature and biodiversity is a crucial step towards addressing climate change challenges. Green spaces and biodiversity offer a powerful solution, not only mitigating climate change but also improving the health and wellbeing for building users and local communities.
The CHP Green Plan A Greener CHP a Greener NHS outlines our collaborative efforts with our tenants, LIFTCos, NHS Trusts, Integrated Care Systems (ICSs), and suppliers to support the NHS’s goal of becoming the world’s first net zero healthcare system. Recognising the significant contribution of healthcare estates and facilities to the NHS’s carbon footprint (approximately 15%), we are committed to working together on carbon reduction strategies, sustainability initiatives, and biodiversity enhancement. Read: Greener NHS.
By fostering biodiversity around our healthcare buildings, we not only contribute to environmental sustainability, but also improve patient care, staff and patient wellbeing, and public health through a stronger connection with nature and improved air quality. Many of our CHP buildings are close to public transport links, have bike racks, and a growing number of electric vehicle charging points.
CHP are committed to supporting sustainability across our 308 healthcare buildings. CHP’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond carbon reduction. By incorporating biodiversity around our healthcare facilities, CHP are not just creating green spaces, we are investing in a healthier future for our patients, staff, and communities, helping to mitigate the effects of climate change. By improving air quality, reducing heat-related risks, and providing opportunities for connection with nature we are creating a more supportive healthcare environment. Alongside the environmental benefits, access to tranquil, outdoor space provides respite from busy work environments allowing staff a space for relaxation. Many of our projects are shared garden spaces which foster social interaction and can be used for social prescribing initiatives.
CHP Funding for Biodiversity Projects for 2024/25
In 2024/25 the CHP Sustainability, Social Value and Property and Operations teams have supported 16 green projects at our healthcare facilities with 20 more in the pipeline.
Our Operations and Relationship Managers (ORMs) facilitate and support biodiversity projects working with LIFTCos and tenants to enhance biodiversity, providing benefits for patients, staff, volunteers, and the environment.
CHP has supported many gardening projects across our buildings, including raised beds, courtyard gardens, vegetable and fruit growing, and wildflower meadows. These initiatives not only enhance the environment but also foster community engagement and support social prescribing activities.
Climate change and its impact on human health are undeniable. Enhancing nature, expanding natural habitats, and biodiversity is a crucial step towards addressing climate change and environmental degradation. Green spaces and biodiversity offer a powerful solution, not only mitigating climate change but also improving the health and wellbeing of our communities.
Additional funding for bike storage
The scope of this funding has been extended for the remainder of 2024/25 to include supporting the provision of secure bike storage – suitable for the storage of e-bikes and e-scooters. At CHP we recognise the importance of enabling sustainable and active travel to our sites including the environmental and health benefits they bring.
The rise in popularity of e-bikes and e-scooters as a mode of transport has increased significantly. These cannot be stored internally or charged in CHP buildings.
Read: Health and Safety Update: E-scooters and E-bikes (August 2023).
Read: Sustainability Update for Tenants: Active travel and cycling Feb 2024
CHP tenants should contact the Sustainability team and their ORM if they have suggestions for Biodiversity, gardening projects or new bike sheds.
2024/25 projects so far include:
Biodiversity updates
Heart of Hounslow Health Centre
Working with our tenants West London NHS, North West London ICB and our Property and Operations team in London we are supporting the redevelopment of existing outdoor space. Creating a shared garden for staff, to promote wellbeing, relaxation and rejuvenation. By creating these green spaces within urban areas, we are supporting nature and local ecosystems. The garden at Heart of Hounslow will contain planters for growing fruit and vegetables which will be managed and maintained by building users.
Accessibility is a key feature of the project. Raised flower planters have been installed, allowing wheelchair users to participate in the gardening activities..
East Lancashire Projects
Projects and activities are taking place at Chandler House Health Centre Wigan, Briercliffe Road Medical Centre Burnley, St Peters Health Centre in Burnley, Accrington Pals Primary Health Care Centre, Darwen Health Centre, Yarnspinners Primary Health Care Centre in Nelson. CHP and the One Partnership team have purchased seats and picnic tables, raised beds, soil, plants and seeds.
Read: CHP Sustainability Update for Tenants – Green Space and Biodiversity August 2024
Penntorr Health’s Wellbeing Garden wins NHS Forest Award
The team at Community Health Partnerships are delighted that Penntorr Health’s Wellbeing Garden has been recognised with the prestigious Collaborative Green Space Projects Award at the NHS Forest Awards 2024. This accolade highlights the significant impact of this collaborative project on the health and wellbeing of the local community in Torpoint, Cornwall. CHP is the head tenant at Penntorr Health with the building owned by Community 1st Cornwall (LIFTCo) part of Equity Solutions.
Penntorr Health’s Wellbeing Garden Wins Prestigious NHS Forest Award (Oct 2024)
How CHP tenants can get involved
CHP needs your ideas to promote biodiversity
Have you got ideas or suggestions for gardens, planters and increasing green space at your site? Do you need bike shelters at your CHP building. Speak to your ORM and get in touch with the CHP sustainability team.
Please email the description and photos to sustainability@communityhealthpartnerships and copy in your ORM.
Contact the Sustainability Team at CHP
If you are a tenant, an ICS or Trust partner, and want to know more about how CHP can support your sustainability plans, please contact your local CHP Property and Operations team or our CHP Sustainability team.
If any tenants have questions about Sustainability at CHP, our Green plan or any other net zero project please contact the Sustainability team via sustainability@communityhealthpartnerships.co.uk and copy in the ORM for your building.
Sustainability at CHP
As part of the NHS family, CHP supports the NHS ambition to deliver the world’s first net zero health system. Sustainable Facilities are one of our five strategic aims and Sustainability is one of our four corporate social responsibility pillars. Aligning with the NHS target of achieving Net Zero Carbon by 2040, the team at CHP are committed to achieve Net Zero Carbon for the LIFT estate by 2040 and 2030 for our corporate functions.
Recent Garden Projects at CHP Buildings
CHP Tenant Hub
The hub covers information for CHP tenants on health and safety, sustainability, facilities management including HardFM, and SoftFM, leases, charges and billing.
In addition there is information on bookable rooms and filming at our premises.
