NHSPS Launches Green Plan for Net Zero Carbon by 2040

Hello, Champions of Net Zero!

We are thrilled to share some exciting news from NHS Property Services (NHSPS) that marks a significant leap towards a more sustainable future in healthcare. The organisation has unveiled its new Green Plan, a meticulously crafted three-year strategy dedicated to reducing the environmental footprint of NHS facilities. The ultimate aspiration? Achieving a net-zero carbon future by 2040. This initiative not only aligns with NHSPS’s vision but also resonates with the broader goals of the NHS, which aims to create smarter, greener, and more efficient healthcare facilities that provide excellent and sustainable patient care.

Reflecting on Past Achievements

As we embark on this new journey, it’s essential to acknowledge the remarkable achievements made under the previous Green Plan that was launched in 2022. NHSPS has made great strides in sustainability, showcasing its commitment to environmental responsibility through the following accomplishments:

• A remarkable 48% reduction in carbon emissions since the baseline year of 2017/18.
• Substantial savings of £47.8 million on energy and utilities since the 2022/23 financial year.
• Completion of 960 sustainability-related projects, encompassing LED lighting upgrades, Building Management System (BMS) optimisations, and Solar Photovoltaic (PV) installations.
• Conducting flood risk assessments at 16 high-risk climate adaptation pilot sites, ensuring preparedness for climate-related challenges.
• Reduction of customer carbon emissions through the NHS England clinical waste strategy.

These achievements highlight NHSPS’s dedication to not just meeting but exceeding sustainability benchmarks, laying a robust foundation for the ambitious goals outlined in the new Green Plan.

The Pillars of the New Green Plan

The new Green Plan is structured around four critical focus areas: Energy, Utilities and Data, Environment, and Waste. Each area is equipped with specific goals, actionable steps, and measurable outcomes to guarantee progress and accountability.

1. Energy: Paving the Way to Net Zero

The overarching goal is to achieve Net Zero Carbon by 2040. To track progress, NHSPS has set a key performance indicator (KPI) to complete 90 decarbonisation projects over the next three years. Achieving these ambitious targets necessitates collective effort; every individual has a role to play in realising these goals. The strategy to reach this target involves implementing a comprehensive Net Zero Carbon Strategy that focuses on:

• Reducing emissions at the top 100 emitting sites.
• Supporting zero-emission transport initiatives.
• Enhancing energy efficiency across all facilities.

A shining example of this commitment is the pilot programme currently being rolled out with General Practitioners (GPs) aimed at saving energy in their practices. Through these initiatives, NHSPS is not only setting the stage for a greener future but also empowering its personnel and partners to contribute effectively.

2. Utilities and Data: Harnessing Information for Impact

The second focus area aims to assist NHSPS colleagues and customers in utilising data to drive down utility costs, carbon emissions, and environmental impact. The KPI for this area is ambitious: NHSPS aims to double the amount of data accessible to its customers. Key strategies in this domain include:

• Improving carbon reporting mechanisms.
• Enhancing data-sharing practices.
• Providing comprehensive analysis to support stakeholders in reducing their environmental footprint.

By leveraging data more effectively, NHSPS is poised to create a culture of transparency and accountability, empowering all stakeholders to make informed decisions that positively impact the environment.

3. Environment: A Commitment to Compliance and Beyond

The third focus area centres on continuously enhancing the environmental impact of NHS facilities while ensuring compliance with regulatory obligations. The KPI set for this area involves completing audits at 132 higher-risk sites. The strategies to achieve this include:

• Embedding processes designed to improve climate resilience.
• Boosting biodiversity within and around NHS facilities.
• Developing sustainable travel and purchasing strategies.

Through these initiatives, NHSPS is setting a benchmark for environmental stewardship, ensuring that its facilities not only meet but exceed compliance standards while fostering a healthier planet.

4. Waste: An Efficient and Responsible Approach

The final focus area addresses waste management with a clear target: to reach the NHS England waste segregation goal of 20% incineration, 20% infectious waste, and 60% offensive waste. The KPI here is particularly ambitious, aiming for a 50% reduction in carbon emissions from waste management by 2026. Strategies to achieve these goals include:

• Aligning waste management services with the NHS clinical waste strategy.
• Implementing correct waste streams to ensure proper segregation.
• Increasing waste segregation practices to lower costs and reduce carbon emissions.

Through these focused efforts, NHSPS aims to redefine its approach to waste management, ensuring a more sustainable future while simultaneously enhancing operational efficiency.

A Vision for the Future

Cameron Hawkins, Head of Energy and Environment at NHSPS, expressed his enthusiasm for the new Green Plan, stating: “We are really proud of what the previous Green Plan delivered, from the 48% reduction in carbon emissions to the £47.8 million we saved on energy. We are now even more ambitious to contribute towards a net zero NHS with a smarter, greener, and more efficient estate.”

This sentiment encapsulates the ethos of the new Green Plan: a commitment to not only maintaining but accelerating progress towards a sustainable future. By setting ambitious targets and fostering collaboration across all levels of the organisation, NHSPS is demonstrating its leadership in the fight against climate change.

Join the Movement

As champions of the Net Zero movement, it’s essential for all of us to support initiatives like the NHSPS Green Plan. Together, we can contribute to a healthier planet while ensuring that our healthcare systems remain robust and resilient. For more information about the Green Plan and how you can get involved, we encourage you to visit the NHSPS Green Plan webpage at www.property.nhs.uk/greenplan or contact the Customer Service Centre.

Let us unite in our efforts to create a more sustainable future, embracing the principles of net zero in every facet of our lives. Together, we can make a difference that resonates for generations to come.

Thank you for being an integral part of the Net Zero News Community!

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