Climate change poses a major threat to NHS staff, patients, and their communities. This is because there is a direct link between the health of our planet and the health of our people. The NHS is acting to reduce the harmful gases it puts into the atmosphere. Fewer emissions will mean fewer patients with asthma, heart disease, and cancer. It will also reduce any disruption to the delivery of the care the NHS provides.
COP26 the United Nations climate action conference will provide a moment for nations to come together and raise their ambitions. The NHS is joining in and stepping up action. There is still more to be done with the help of staff across the NHS working to achieve positive changes.
Find out more: What is COP26 and why does it matter
During COP26 CHP will be focusing on some of the things we are already doing to improve our green credentials and highlighting some key facts about the NHS and sustainability.
Change has already begun across the NHS
Since 2010, efforts across the health service have resulted in NHS emissions being cut by 30%. This is already improving care, as well as the health and wellbeing of our patients. Decisions have been made to invest in greener medicines, greener transport, greener buildings, and greener energy consumption.
Crucially, many of these changes are already improving care today, as well as the health and wellbeing of staff, patients and the public.
The actions the NHS are taking are adding up to improve health now and for generations to come. But there is still more to do.
One year on – towards NHS net zero carbon
One year on from becoming the world’s first health service to commit to reaching net zero carbon, the NHS in England is on track to reduce its emissions this year by 1,260 ktCO2e – equivalent to powering 1.1 million homes with electricity.
The NHS, and its people, are driving sustainable healthcare innovations across estates, transport, medicines and care delivery, many of which are improving patient care today and reducing costs. This has all been achieved during an unprecedented public health emergency.
With more people involved across the NHS, there is every chance of meeting the target of becoming a net zero health service by 2040 and intends to be the first to reach that status.
CHP support for a greener NHS
‘Our vision is to put sustainable development at the heart of our company to ensure our estate and operations are as efficient, sustainable and resilient as they can possibly be.’
CHP Green Plan.
CHP is playing its part by installing LED lights, improving recycling facilities at our buildings, upgrading communal planting and gardens including planting trees. In addition, we have plans for more electric car charging points, bike storage and encouraging sustainable transport at our primary care buildings.
CHP is leading the way for a greener NHS, designing, funding and building Foleshill Health Centre in Coventry, as an example for future sustainable healthcare buildings. It is the first healthcare building in the UK to receive Passivhaus certification, a rigorous global standard for energy-efficient design and already contributing to the NHS Carbon Footprint aim. The health centre is a partnership between CHP and NHS Coventry and Warwickshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and the Foleshill Surgery team, a GP practice, part of Coventry and Rugby GP Alliance.
Read more: A GP from Foleshill Health Centre features in a Greener NHS photography exhibition at COP 26 (1 Nov 2021)
Watch: Foleshill Health Centre timelapse video
Read: Foleshill Case study
News: Foleshill Health Centre
Discover how the NHS is becoming Greener
Look out for #GreenerNHS stories including ‘Healthier Planet Healthier People’ and the progress made ‘One Year On’ from becoming the world’s first health service to commit to reaching net zero carbon.
Discover the difference the NHS is making and show your support today: www.england.nhs.uk/greenernhs/
Twitter: GreenerNHS Hashtag: #GreenerNHS
30 October 2021
Read more CHP Green and sustainability stories
