Europe’s Biggest Employer - The NHS - Pledges to Cut Its Carbon Footprint

The NHS, the biggest employer in Europe, today committed to reduce its carbon footprint. The NHS currently contributes approximately 3 per cent of England’s total carbon dioxide emissions. The Carbon Reduction Strategy, published today for consultation, commits the NHS to reduce these emissions by 60 per cent by 2050 in all areas, including procurement, travel and building energy use and sets out ways that this can be achieved.

Launching the strategy at Kentish Town Integrated Health Centre in London, Health Minister Ivan Lewis said:

“Climate change is one of the greatest threats to our health and well-being.

“As part of our commitment to sustainable development we will work with the NHS to enable organizations to reduce their carbon footprints. Climate change also has real health implications, and so we are taking action to help people adapt to our changing climate.

“Climate change is happening on our watch - it will be our legacy. We must all work together to tackle this global problem.”

The NHS is responsible for over 18 million tonnes of carbon dioxide per year and is the largest public sector contributor to climate change. The Strategy shows where NHS carbon dioxide emissions are coming from and then proposes actions for reducing that carbon footprint.

The Chief Executive of the NHS, David Nicholson, said:

“The nature and the scale of our business in the NHS means we have a responsibility - as well as a unique opportunity - to play a leading role in the climate change agenda for the benefit of patients and the public.

“It is up to us to challenge ourselves, so the scale of our ambition to tackle carbon emissions matches the scale of our opportunity. This consultation is an important next step on that journey.

“To provide practical support to organizations in doing this, we have established a new NHS Sustainable Development Unit. This will help build on the work we are already doing - over half of all NHS Trusts are now registered on the NHS Good Corporate Citizenship Assessment Model - adding fresh ideas and impetus.

“I am confident we can rise to this challenge and I look forward to every leader and member of staff playing their part in another achievement the NHS can be proud of.”

Proposals suggested within the strategy include: all NHS bodies to have a Carbon Management Strategy by 2009; organizations to report annually on their sustainable development progress; and for the NHS to recycle 75% of its waste by 2020. The Strategy is a draft for consultation and people are encouraged to respond by 21st August.

The Strategy is the first output of the NHS Sustainable Development Unit which is hosted by NHS East of England.

Chief Executive of NHS East of England Neil McKay said;

“Our unit was created to provide the leadership, support and ammunition that NHS organizations need to take sustainable development into account in their day-to-day business. This is the first of a series of strategies that will take forward a sustainable development program in the NHS.

“I would encourage anybody - doctors, nurses, patients, visitors - to put forward their views as part of this consultation.”

Source: Department of Health

Net News Publisher