Climate Change Data

National Health Service (NHS) England

Climate Impact & Sustainability Data (2022)

Reporting Period: 2022

Environmental Metrics

Total Carbon Emissions:24.9 MtCO2e (NHS Carbon Footprint Plus in 2020)
Scope 1 Emissions:Not disclosed
Scope 2 Emissions:Not disclosed
Scope 3 Emissions:Not disclosed
Renewable Energy Share:Not disclosed
Total Energy Consumption:Not disclosed
Water Consumption:Not disclosed
Waste Generated:Not disclosed
Carbon Intensity:Not disclosed

ESG Focus Areas

  • Climate Change
  • Health Equity
  • Sustainable Healthcare

Environmental Achievements

  • Reduced NHS Carbon Footprint by 62% from 1990 to 2020
  • Reduced NHS Carbon Footprint Plus by 26% from 1990 to 2020
  • World’s first net zero delivery and surgery
  • Launched the first zero-emission ambulance
  • Invested over £550 million in energy efficiency and renewable energy

Social Achievements

  • Embedding climate change response into governance and strategy of every Trust
  • Launched the ‘For a Greener NHS’ campaign
  • Developed Green Impact for Health toolkit for GP practices

Governance Achievements

  • Established NHS Net Zero Expert Panel
  • Health and Care Act 2022 places new duties on NHS England and trusts to address climate change
  • Net Zero Supplier Roadmap published as statutory guidance

Climate Goals & Targets

Long-term Goals:
  • Net zero for NHS Carbon Footprint Plus by 2045
Medium-term Goals:
  • Net zero for NHS Carbon Footprint by 2040
  • 80% reduction in NHS Carbon Footprint Plus by 2036-2039
Short-term Goals:
  • 80% reduction in NHS Carbon Footprint by 2028-2032
  • 10% reduction in clinical single-use plastics

Environmental Challenges

  • Reducing emissions from the NHS supply chain, estates and facilities, pharmaceuticals and medical devices, and travel
  • Transitioning to low-carbon alternatives for inhalers and anaesthetic gases
  • Ensuring suppliers meet net-zero commitments
Mitigation Strategies
  • Implementing a range of interventions to reduce emissions in secondary and primary care estates (energy efficiency upgrades, renewable energy, etc.)
  • Transitioning the NHS transport fleet to zero-emission vehicles
  • Working with suppliers to decarbonise their processes and meet net-zero targets
  • Developing low-carbon alternatives for medicines and medical devices
  • Implementing sustainable models of care to reduce emissions and improve patient outcomes

Supply Chain Management

Supplier Audits: 27 suppliers voluntarily shared carbon reduction plans (pilot)

Responsible Procurement
  • NHS supplier engagement programme
  • Net Zero Supplier Roadmap
  • Commitment to only purchase from net-zero suppliers by the end of the decade

Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities

Physical Risks
  • Heatwaves, storms, and floods
Transition Risks
  • Regulatory changes, market shifts
Opportunities
  • Development of energy-efficient products and services

Reporting Standards

Frameworks Used: Greenhouse Gas Protocol

Certifications: Null

Third-party Assurance: Not disclosed

UN Sustainable Development Goals

  • Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being)
  • Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy)
  • Goal 13 (Climate Action)

Initiatives contribute to improved public health, reduced emissions, and increased resilience to climate change

Sustainable Products & Innovation

  • Low-carbon inhalers
  • Zero-emission ambulances
  • Bio-based polymers

Awards & Recognition

  • Not disclosed