For a greener NHS

Climate change poses a major threat to our health as well as our planet. The environment is changing, that change is accelerating, and this has direct and immediate consequences for our patients, the public and the NHS.

This is why the NHS has launched the ‘For a greener NHS’ programme, working with our staff, hospitals and our partners.

We want to build on the great work being done by trusts across the country, sharing ideas on how to reduce the impact on public health and the environment, save money and – eventually – go net carbon zero.

“While the NHS is already a world leader in sustainability, as the biggest employer in this country and comprising nearly a tenth of the UK economy, we’re both part of the problem and part of the solution.

“Indeed if health services across the world were their own country, they’d be the fifth-largest emitter on the planet.

“That’s why we are mobilising our 1.3 million staff to take action for a greener NHS, and it’s why we’ll be working with the world’s leading experts to help set a practical, evidence-based and ambitious route map and date for the NHS to reach net zero.”

Sir Simon Stevens, NHS Chief Executive.

News and updates

NHS becomes the world’s first national health system to commit to become ‘carbon net zero’, backed by clear deliverables and milestones

World Health Organisation Director General backs NHS’s leadership as the world’s largest single health system. The NHS has today adopted a multiyear plan to become the world’s first carbon net zero national health system. The commitment comes amid growing evidence of the health impacts of climate change and air pollution, and aims to save thousands […]