We recognise that we have an obligation to work in a way that has a positive effect on the communities we serve. This means delivering high quality healthcare while ensuring we spend public money well, are smart and efficient in the use of natural resources while helping to build healthy and resilient communities.
Our 2020-25 Green Plan, which replaces our 2015-20 Environmental Sustainability Strategy, has been developed to build upon previous work undertaken by the Trust to reduce the environmental impact of its activities while supporting the NHS Long term Plan focus on sustainable healthcare delivery.
The Plan reflects the climate health emergency we face which has resulted in the legally enforceable target within the UK Climate Change Act to transition to ‘net zero’ emissions by 2050, or earlier if possible. It also reflects the NHS Long Term Plan goals and the NHS England and NHS Improvement ‘For a Greener NHS’ initiative.
We have for many years adopted a proactive approach to environmental management within the Trust and the NHS. However, we understand that there is more we can do to improve the environmental, social and financial impact of the Trust, our communities and the wider NHS.
Making positive change
We have been successful in reducing emissions that contribute to climate change in the past. A range of sustainable measures have been implemented but we have now updated ambitious targets to reduce emissions further, supporting the transition to ‘net zero’ emissions.
To support this we will focus on energy and water use within our buildings, the prevention and management of waste, the procurement of goods and services, business, patient, visitor and staff commuting travel and transport as well as models of care. We will further develop our approach to embedding sustainable practices and where possible act as an exemplar to our community, other NHS Trusts, and partners.
Adapting to and planning for climate change
While the Trust is focused on the importance of reducing it's environmental impact, it also recognises that climate change is happening, at an accelerating rate, and the Trust needs to be prepared for anticipated effects and plan accordingly. The Trust has recently updated its Climate Change Adaptation Plan and you can read it here.
