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North West Trusts contribute to NHS green savings equivalent to half a million fewer cars on the road

As the UK marks Clean Air Day (16th June) NHS Trusts across the North West are set to play their part in helping the NHS cut more than 1m tonnes of C02 emissions in the next three years – the equivalent of taking 520,000 cars off the road.

More than 200 new green plans have been put forward by NHS trusts across England, and the plans in the north west set out how they will reduce their environmental impact and help the NHS reach net zero by 2040.

Dr Andrew Furber, Senior Responsible Officer, North West Greener NHS said:

“This Clean Air Day, I’m delighted that every NHS Trust in the North West now has a Green Plan to help towards improving our environment – and the NHS Net Zero targets.

“The plans across the North West to cut carbon emissions will directly help to improve public health by reducing air pollution.

“I’m excited to see the results that can be delivered by the trusts across the North West to reduce their environmental impact while also improving patient care, saving lives and reducing costs & waste.”

The green plans lay out how the NHS, which contributes approximately 3.5% (9.5 billion miles) of all road travel in England, will make this travel greener. Smarter buildings, LED lighting and energy saving measures are also reducing emissions and saving NHS organisations money, while using intravenous anesthetic instead of gas and helping patients use inhalers more efficiently are improving patient care.

Dr Nick Watts, Chief Sustainability Officer at NHS England said:

“The NHS was the first health system in the world to commit to net zero and the outstanding innovation and commitment from Trusts in the North West is a vital step towards achieving that aim.

“Doing our bit on climate change will directly improve public health and reduce health inequalities, cutting deaths caused by air pollution and ensuring a healthier future for our children.”