A year ago, we launched our latest Green Plan with a clear aim: to make sustainability practical, measurable and part of everyday decision‑making across our NHS estate. Twelve months on, we’re seeing that ambition turn into action.
This first year has been about building strong foundations including better data, smarter buildings and closer collaboration with our customers and colleagues.
Here’s how we’re delivering against each of the four pillars of our Green Plan.
Energy: cutting carbon and improving efficiency
Our goal: Achieve Net Zero Carbon by 2040 and reduce carbon emissions by 5% each year.
What we’ve delivered:
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5.5% reduction in carbon emissions over the last 12 months
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£11.6m secured for decarbonisation and energy‑efficiency projects
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77 sites upgraded with LED and 114 BMS upgrades completed
These projects are helping our buildings use energy more efficiently, without affecting how teams use their spaces day to day.
Utilities and data: helping customers make smarter choices
Our goal: Help colleagues and customers use data to reduce utilities costs, carbon emissions and environmental impact.
What we’ve delivered:
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Smart meters installed at 235 sites, giving clearer visibility of energy use
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More accurate and transparent utilities data through half‑hourly readings and fewer estimates
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£3.2m saved on customer energy bills through energy procurement using our energy trading strategy
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£690k saved through active suppliers and portfolio management
Better data is helping customers understand building use and spot simple changes that reduce both costs and carbon.
Environment: managing risk and improving outcomes
Our goal: Continuously improve environmental impact and meet compliance obligations.
What we’ve delivered:
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Compliance assurance by completing environment audits at our 133 high risk sites
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Climate‑related risk assessments at 2,479 sites
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7 sustainability workshops delivered to colleagues
This work is helping teams feel clearer about requirements, reduce risk, and respond effectively when issues arise.
Waste: supporting NHS segregation targets
Our goal: Support the NHS England waste segregation target and reduce carbon emissions from waste management.
What we’ve delivered:
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31% of waste across our estate is now recycled
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513 food‑waste bins now in use
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60% of the offensive‑waste target achieved
By improving segregation, we’re helping customers reduce costs, lower carbon emissions and stay compliant with NHS requirements.
The first year of the Green Plan has been about progress and partnership. We’ve strengthened the foundations, improved how we use data, and delivered real results for carbon, cost and compliance.
How customers can help deliver a greener NHS
Everyone has a role to play in reducing carbon emissions, and small actions can make a big difference.
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If you’re a customer, talk to your NHSPS Estates Coordinator and share your sustainability priorities
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Use utilities data to spot simple changes that cut energy use and costs
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Follow shutdown procedures and review how spaces are used out of hours
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Improve waste segregation by using the right bins, labels and signage
By working together, we can deliver a greener, more sustainable NHS estate.
