Greener NHS
The Greener NHS programme will work with our staff, hospitals and our partners. We will build on the great work already being done, sharing ideas on how to reduce the impact on public health and the environment.
The Big Picture
There is mounting evidence of the effects of climate change upon both the environment and human health. Heatwaves, storms, and flooding can cause significant disruption to health services and have direct impacts on human health. Air pollution is the single greatest environmental threat to human health, accounting for 1 in 20 deaths in the UK. Vulnerable populations are often at the greatest risk.
The NHS has acknowledged its responsibility in this agenda and has committed to achieving a net-zero health service by 2045.
As part of this commitment, all Trusts, and Integrated Care Systems (ICSs) have produced a Green Plan which establishes a sustainability strategy for the next three years.
Our Green Plan
Our Green Plan sets out the strategy for sustainability at Cambridgeshire & Peterborough ICS for the next three years. Building on the individual Trust Green Plans and incorporating aspirations beyond the immediate health remit, it sets out our key areas of focus and how, together as a local health and care system, we will go about tackling these.
Key focus areas will include supporting more environmentally friendly patient transport, changing the way our buildings are constructed and managed, reducing our waste, investing in research and digital technology, and empowering and motivating our workforce to lead the way in more sustainable healthcare.
We believe that by working together, as one integrated system, we are in a unique position to change the way we deliver our services and ultimately improve the health of all our local people.
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough ICS Green Plan 2022-2025.pdf[pdf] 5MB
The Cambridgeshire & Peterborough ICS includes five NHS Trusts, each of which accounts for a portion of the ICS carbon footprint. NHS England and Improvement (NHSE&I) has made it mandatory for all Trusts to produce an individual Green Plan which establishes their sustainability strategy for the next three years.
You can read the Green Plans of the individual trusts below:
Further Resources
Greener NHS website
Discover how the NHS is becoming Greener. The “Delivering a Net Zero Health Service” report sets out a clear ambition and two evidence-based targets. Thanks to NHS people, partners, and suppliers, we’re already on the way to building a greener NHS. One year on from setting out these targets, the NHS has reduced its emissions equivalent to powering 1.1 million homes annually. Together, we can achieve even more.
Breaking the fever: Sustainability and climate change in the NHS
An overview of the impact of climate change on healthcare in the UK, and how physicians and the NHS can contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Independent Commission on Climate Change
A report by the body set up to help the region mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change, and help meet the commitment to eradicating carbon emissions across the area. Fairness, nature and communities: addressing climate change in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough October 2021.