NHS logo The government has committed to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions to zero by 2050. To achieve this, the public sector and organisations that provide NHS services must play a leading role in reducing its own carbon footprint, including through sustainable procurement practices.

The NHS Long Term Plan supports wider social goals and recognises the NHS as an ‘anchor institution’. With an annual budget of £114 billion in 2018 to 2019, and employing 1.4 million people, it is clear that the NHS has a key role in creating social value in local communities. And we know that NHS staff overwhelmingly support a greener NHS – almost nine in ten supporting a greener NHS. And this support is turning into action. Since 2010, the NHS has cut its carbon emissions by 30%. 

Find the ICS Green Plan below:

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough ICS Green Plan 2022-2025.pdf[pdf] 5MB

Please find a list of resources for health professionals below:

Royal College of Physicians

Royal College of Physicians - Breaking the fever booklet Breaking the fever: Sustainability and climate change in the NHS | RCP London 
Breaking the fever ia a four page 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.

Royal College of Surgeons

  • Sustainability in surgery
    The Sustainability in Surgery Strategy, launched in April 2021, outlines how the Royal College of Surgeons plans to embed financial, environmental and social sustainability with ethical purchasing into everything they do. 

Hospital Food

  1. Greener NHS