We’re on a journey to make our estate cleaner, greener and ready for the future. Building on the commitments in our Green Plan, we’re taking practical steps to cut emissions, improve energy use and strengthen the resilience of the spaces we look after, helping support the NHS goal to reach Net Zero by 2040.
Our Net Zero Carbon Strategy 2025–2040 sets out how we’ll do this. It gives us a clear direction, highlights the actions we’re taking now, and shows how we’re measuring progress along the way. Most importantly, it reflects our commitment to creating healthier, more sustainable places for the people, patients and communities who depend on them every day.
Our strategy will:
- Reduce carbon emissions across our estate
- Set a clear path to Net Zero by 2040 with measurable milestones
- Improve building performance through efficient systems and low‑carbon design
- Lower energy use and long‑term costs through smarter operation
- Build skills and awareness to support low‑carbon working
- Create healthier, more sustainable places for patients and communities
7.7%
reduction in carbon emissions in 2024/25
£11.5m
spent on energy efficiency and decarbonisation projects in 2024/25
750+
LED upgrade projects completed since 2019
60
Solar PV installations completed since 2020
Our four pillars
Decarbonisation and Energy Efficiency
We’re committed to cutting carbon across our estate by improving energy efficiency, removing fossil fuels, and expanding renewable energy. Through smarter buildings, stronger standards and low‑carbon innovation, we’re creating greener, healthier and more resilient spaces.
Our focus includes:
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Phasing out gas heating and decarbonising our buildings, from the highest consuming to the smallest
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Improving energy performance through LED lighting, smart controls, efficiency upgrades to building fabric and infrastructure
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Embedding carbon‑reduction standards into all new builds, refurbishments and maintenance
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Reducing emissions from operations, construction, suppliers and digital activities
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Installing renewable energy, such as solar PV, heat pumps and battery storage
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Expanding EV charging and transitioning our vehicle fleet to zero‑emission by 2028/29
Finance
We’re building a clear financial pathway to net‑zero by understanding the true cost of decarbonisation, securing the right funding, and embedding carbon into every major investment decision.
Our focus includes:
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Establishing long‑term cost estimates for achieving net‑zero across our estate
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Forecasting capital and operational spend for energy efficiency and carbon‑reduction projects
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Assessing cost impacts for utilities, maintenance, suppliers and non‑property emissions
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Identifying internal budgets and developing business cases for additional funding
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Exploring external funding such as Section 106 contributions and other 3rd party finance options
- Developing the mechanisms to enable smoother collaboration with NHS Trusts and ICBs for Public Sector funding streams not directly open to NHSPS
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Making carbon a core financial metric by integrating it into the investment approval process
Awareness and Training
We’re building the skills, knowledge and culture needed to deliver net‑zero. By increasing carbon awareness, providing targeted technical training, and supporting innovation, we’re ensuring our people have the expertise to drive meaningful change across our estate.
Our focus includes:
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Delivering specialist training for key teams, from FM and Capital Projects to Finance and Senior Leadership
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Building capabilities in low‑carbon design, operation, maintenance and carbon assessment
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Raising carbon and climate awareness across all colleagues, including exploring Carbon Literacy training
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Strengthening innovation by staying close to industry developments and emerging technologies
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Increasing communication of our net‑zero work internally and externally, and collaborating with NHS partners
Tracking & insights
We’re strengthening how we measure, track and report carbon emissions so we can make informed decisions and confidently progress toward net‑zero by 2040.
By improving data, setting clear performance metrics and building a robust carbon roadmap, we’re creating a transparent and accountable approach to reducing emissions across our estate.
Our focus includes:
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Implementing consistent GHG reporting across NHS Footprint and Footprint+ activities
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Setting carbon targets for each business function and tracking progress over time
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Establishing a clear net‑zero glidepath to 2040 with regular forecasting and performance analysis
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Creating energy and carbon performance metrics for buildings at estate and property level
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Assessing embodied and whole‑life carbon for new builds, refurbishments and major projects
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Embedding operational and embodied carbon targets into design and project delivery
Helpful resources
Join the Net Zero Webinar
From Challenge to Change: Driving Net Zero Strategy in the NHS
Join NHS and academic leaders to talk about the realities of delivering net zero across the NHS estate. We'll be sharing progress, challenges and practical insights to drive meaningful, system-wide change.
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Our Green Plan
Read our Green Plan to find out what we've achieved in the last three years, what our goals are for the next three years and how the plan will impact our customers.
Read our Green Plan
Tips to Save Energy in your Building
Get six tips that could help you save energy in your building
Download the guide