Everyone’s talking about COP26 – including the NHS

NHSPS creating a healthier estate

Edited by Jennifer Valentine-Miller

The UK Government has an ambitious net zero carbon target set for 2050 and the NHS is striving for net zero carbon by 2040. According to reports, the NHS accounts for 3.5% of all road travel in the UK. They are committed to the NHS England’s “Greener NHS campaign” which brings NHS partners together to share ideas on how to reduce the impact on public health and the environment. The challenge for the NHS is in not only meeting these targets but that in doing so, being aware of the changes that need to be made to their buildings including hospitals, health centres, GP practices, and withstanding the risks posed by climate change while exploiting the benefits it presents (NHS Property Services report 21/22). To do this, the right systems must be in place, through the implementation of an effective Environmental Management System (EMS), is key. The NHS will continue in their pursuit for environmental protection and will also be focusing on the mitigation and adaptation of our buildings and operations against the effects of climate change.

The UK Government has an ambitious net zero carbon target set for 2050 and the NHS is striving for net zero carbon by 2040. According to reports, the NHS accounts for 3.5% of all road travel in the UK. They are committed to the NHS England’s “Greener NHS campaign” which brings NHS partners together to share ideas on how to reduce the impact on public health and the environment. The challenge for the NHS is in not only meeting these targets but that in doing so, being aware of the changes that need to be made to their buildings including hospitals, health centres, GP practices, and withstanding the risks posed by climate change while exploiting the benefits it presents (NHS Property Services report 21/22). To do this, the right systems must be in place, through the implementation of an effective Environmental Management System (EMS), is key. The NHS will continue in their pursuit for environmental protection and will also be focusing on the mitigation and adaptation of all health buildings and its operations against the effects of climate change.