• A 48% reduction in carbon emissions since the 2017/18 baseline. 
• £47.8 million saved on energy and utilities since 2022/23. 
• Completion of 960 sustainability-related projects, including LED lighting upgrades, BMS optimization, and Solar PV installations. 
• Flood risk assessments at 16 high-risk climate adaptation pilot sites. 
• Reduction of customer carbon emissions through the NHSE clinical waste strategy.

Cameron Hawkins, Head of Energy and Environment at NHSPS, said: “We are really proud of what the previous Green Plan delivered, from the 48% reduction in carbon emissions to the £47.8 million we saved on energy. We are now even more ambitious to contribute towards a net zero NHS with a smarter, greener and more efficient estate.” 

Focus Areas of the New Green Plan 

The new Green Plan focuses on four key areas: Energy, Utilities and Data, Environment, and Waste.

Each area has specific goals, steps, and measures to ensure progress. 

• Energy: The goal is to achieve Net Zero Carbon by 2040. To measure progress, the key performance indicator (KPI) is to complete 90 decarbonisation projects over the next three years. We all have a role to play in achieving these goals and empowering our customers to make changes. The strategy to achieve this involves implementing a comprehensive Net Zero Carbon Strategy. This strategy focuses on reducing emissions at the top 100 emitting sites, supporting zero emissions transport, and enhancing energy efficiency. This commitment is demonstrated through initiatives such as piloting a toolkit with GPs to save energy in their practices.
  
  
• Utilities and Data: The goal is to help NHSPS colleagues and customers use data to reduce utilities costs, carbon emissions, and environmental impact. To measure progress, the key performance indicator (KPI) is to double the amount of data accessible to customers. The strategy to achieve this involves improving carbon reporting, enhancing data sharing, and providing analysis to help stakeholders reduce their environmental impact.
  
  
• Environment: The goal is to continuously improve our environmental impact and meet compliance obligations. To measure progress, the key performance indicator (KPI) is to complete audits at 132 higher-risk sites. The strategy to achieve this involves embedding processes to improve climate resilience, boost biodiversity, and develop sustainable travel and buying strategies. 
  
  
• Waste: The goal is to reach the NHS England waste segregation target of 20% incineration, 20% infectious waste, and 60% offensive waste. To measure progress, the key performance indicator (KPI) is to achieve a 50% reduction in carbon emissions from waste management by 2026. The strategy to achieve this involves aligning services with the NHS clinical waste strategy, implementing correct waste streams, and increasing waste segregation to reduce costs and lower carbon emissions.