This October marks 5 years since the NHS became the world’s first health system to commit to reaching net zero emissions – recognising the urgent threat that climate change poses to public health, and NHS service delivery. For the NHS, these 5 years represent less than 7% of its history. Yet the progress toward net […]
Did you know the NHS runs the second-largest vehicle fleet in the country — just behind Royal Mail? With over 20,000 vehicles clocking up more than 460 million miles each year, our fleet plays a vital role in delivering NHS services. From ambulances and patient transport to maintenance and essential deliveries, these vehicles help keep […]
Today (21 March 2025) the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has announced around £180 million of funding from Great British Energy, aimed at powering community clean energy projects across the UK. This is the first major investment under Great British Energy’s Local Power Plan, which is set to deliver clean energy projects nationwide. One of […]
As we celebrate the sixth Allied Health Professions (AHP) Day on the 14 October 2023 with the theme in England of ‘The AHP Community and AHPs: Right place, at the right time, with the right skills’ it’s an opportune moment to reflect on the invaluable contributions of AHPs in shaping a greener and more sustainable NHS. At […]
In my first months as Acting Chief Sustainability Officer, one thing has become abundantly clear: our clinical staff are key in our efforts to reach our net zero goal. Climate change is not just an environmental challenge; it’s a health emergency that demands our urgent attention and concerted efforts. As the NHS takes bold strides […]
Promoting good respiratory care not only improves lung health outcomes for patients, but also reduces carbon emissions. That’s why NHS England has been working in partnership with Asthma + Lung UK to help patients improve their lung health and support the environment with the provision of new information on inhaler choices. By bettering inhaler technique […]
Since its introduction in 1846, anaesthesia has saved countless lives. It has enabled the safe and humanitarian delivery of procedures and operations that simply could not have happened otherwise. Today, anaesthetists provide general, regional and local anaesthesia, as well as lead preparation for and recovery from surgery. They provide support for women and babies around […]
“Every day brings new challenges, but today a global community for change brings new hope.” Meet Bethany. A midwife in Newcastle who supported the delivery of the first “climate-friendly” baby. Or Arun, an anaesthetist in London who piloted a project with co-worker Rachael that safely and quickly eliminated the use of harmful gas, desflurane. Or […]
Reduced emissions, cost savings, and better health and wellbeing. Improving energy efficiency in hospitals delivers value for the NHS and the communities it serves – in more ways than one. That’s why the £635 million Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, which opened this month, is welcome news. You can find out more on the gov.uk website. […]
Last year, a young boy called Ismail wrote a letter to his doctors at the Great North Children’s Hospital. He thanked them for looking after him when he was sick, and thoughtfully offered some advice on things they could do to look after the planet. After all, he said, looking after the planet would help […]
New NHS electric vehicles are hitting the road this summer, helping to relieve pressure on ambulance services across the country while also helping the NHS cut its carbon footprint. Eight ambulance trusts are trialling 21 zero-emission vehicles of various types, with six of the new green vehicles dedicated to mental health response in the community […]