As climate change continues to pose a growing threat to public health, the NHS has taken decisive action to reduce its carbon footprint
CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared in edie
The NHS has committed to becoming the world’s first net-zero health service, recognising its responsibility to reduce emissions while continuing to provide high-quality patient care. To achieve this, it has implemented a range of strategies, from improving energy efficiency in hospitals to transforming supply chains and embracing greener technologies. One key initiative supporting these efforts is the newly established UK Hub for One Health Systems, which focuses on developing practical tools to decarbonise healthcare pathways.
Hub for One Health Systems
Earlier this year, the University of Exeter received £6.5 million in Government funding to lead a UK-wide initiative aimed at developing tools to help the NHS reduce its carbon footprint. The funding was allocated by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), supporting the establishment of the ‘UK Hub for One Health Systems.’
Designed to create guidance for decarbonising various healthcare pathways, the hub aims to assist the NHS in achieving its ambitious net-zero target. NHS England have a 2040 net-zero goal for emissions directly under its control, alongside a 2045 target for emissions it could influence. Despite making progress in reducing emissions from direct operations, the NHS had faces challenges in areas such as travel, waste and supply chain activities, where emissions continue to rise.
To tackle these issues, the NHS outlined a series of interim targets. It aimed for an 80% reduction in directly controlled emissions between 2028 and 2032, as well as an 80% reduction in emissions it could influence between 2036 and 2039, using 1990 as the baseline year.
Significant Environmental Impact
The importance of these targets cannot be overstated. The NHS is one of the largest single-payer healthcare systems in the world, and its environmental impact is significant. The healthcare sector contributed to approximately 4-5% of the UK’s total carbon footprint, meaning any reduction in emissions within the NHS would have a substantial impact on national sustainability efforts. Additionally, reducing healthcare-related emissions aligned with broader public health benefits, as lower pollution levels remain linked to improved respiratory and cardiovascular health outcomes.
By developing decarbonisation strategies, the UK Hub for One Health Systems aimed to provide practical solutions to these challenges. It will focus on innovations in energy use, procurement, patient care pathways and waste management. The work carried out by the hub is expected to play a crucial role in helping the NHS meet its milestones while setting a precedent for other healthcare systems worldwide.
As the NHS continues its transition towards sustainability, initiatives such as the UK Hub for One Health Systems demonstrate the collaborative effort required to drive meaningful change.
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