NHS Property Services (NHSPS) has unveiled a comprehensive new Green Plan aimed at reducing the environmental impact of more than 3,000 NHS buildings across the country.

The three-year strategy focuses on four key areas: energy, utilities and data, environment, and waste.

And it follows on from the previous paper, launched in 2022, which has led to a 48% reduction in carbon emissions against the 2017/18 baseline.

Since 2022, NHSPS has saved £47.8m saved on energy and utilities and has completed 960 sustainability-related projects, including LED lighting upgrades, BMS optimisation, and solar PV installations, as well as undertaking flood risk assessments at 16 high-risk climate adaptation pilot sites.

Cameron Hawkins, head of energy and environment at NHSPS, said: “We are really proud of what the previous Green Plan delivered, from the 48% reduction in carbon emissions to the £47.8m 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.”

Each area covered in the plan has specific goals, steps, and measures to ensure progress.

Here, we look at them more closely.

Energy

The goal is to achieve net zero carbon by 2040.

To measure progress, the key performance indicator (KPI) is to complete 90 decarbonisation projects over the next three years.

The plan states: “We all have a role to play in achieving these goals and empowering our customers to make changes.

“The strategy to achieve this involves implementing a comprehensive Net Zero Carbon Strategy.

“This strategy focuses on reducing emissions at the top 100 emitting sites, supporting zero emissions transport, and enhancing energy efficiency.

“This commitment is demonstrated through initiatives such as piloting a toolkit with GPs to save energy in their practices.”

Utilities and Data

The goal is to help NHSPS colleagues and customers use data to reduce utilities costs, carbon emissions, and environmental impact.

To measure progress, the key performance indicator (KPI) is to double the amount of data accessible to customers.

The strategy to achieve this involves improving carbon reporting, enhancing data sharing, and providing analysis to help stakeholders reduce their environmental impact.

Environment

The goal is to continuously improve environmental impact and meet compliance obligations.

To measure progress, the key performance indicator (KPI) is to complete audits at 132 higher-risk sites.

The strategy to achieve this involves embedding processes to improve climate resilience, boost biodiversity, and develop sustainable travel and buying strategies.

Waste

The goal is to reach the NHS England waste segregation target of 20% incineration, 20% infectious waste, and 60% offensive waste.

To measure progress, the key performance indicator (KPI) is to achieve a 50% reduction in carbon emissions from waste management by 2026.

The strategy to achieve this involves aligning services with the NHS clinical waste strategy, implementing correct waste streams, and increasing waste segregation to reduce costs and lower carbon emissions

 

Case study

NHSPS supported Merseyside Health Centre to cut energy usage by 19%.

The energy and environment team identified significant inefficiencies in the heating system at the facility, which had limited controls and was set to heat at all times throughout winter, even when the centre was closed, leading to a high energy wastage.

To address this, NHSPS installed a seven-day, programmable thermostat, which only cost £200. This meant that heating times and temperatures could be aligned with operational hours, reducing wastage.

And the impact has been a 19% reduction in energy usage, an annual saving of 3569kg CO2e, and £1,945 cost savings per year.

Ben Dobble, practice manager deputy at Merseyside Health Centre, said: “The thermostat installation has significantly improved temperature regulation, creating a more-consistent and comfortable environment.

“The back-office spaces have adapted well to the new settings, with staff reporting a satisfactory temperature.

“Overall, the new system has enhanced our ability to maintain a comfortable working environment.”