Our roadmap to net zero carbon

NHS England has today announced that for the first time, every trust in the country now has their own roadmap to tackle climate change and meet the NHS net zero commitments. 

The climate crisis is a health emergency which is why the NHS became the first health service in the world to commit to reaching net zero; by 2040 for the emissions it controls directly, and by 2045 for the emissions it influences. 

The new green plans are expected to reduce carbon emissions by more than a million tonnes over the next three years – the same as taking 520,000 cars off the road.  

The announcement coincides with Clean Air Day, highlighting that up to 36,000 deaths occur every year as a result of poor air quality, disproportionately affecting our poorest and most vulnerable communities. 

Here at EEAST, we have our very own Green Plan which sets out our roadmap to 2026 across nine key focus areas including estates and facilities; travel and transport; biodiversity, health and wellbeing and sustainable care models.

Katherine Middleton, our new Environment and Sustainability Manager said, “It’s fantastic that every NHS trust now has a Green Plan and we can all play our part in transitioning to a net zero future. I’m excited to help make EEAST a truly sustainable organisation.”

Want to get involved? Then why not make a pledge to walk, cycle or run to work and raise money for the EEAST Charitable Fund by joining the Outrun an Ambulance challenge. You could also become a Green Champion to inspire others to be more sustainable in the workplace to promote environmental awareness and improve wellbeing. All you need to do to sign up is contact sustainability@eastamb.nhs.uk.

Discover how the NHS is becoming greener by watching this short animation.

Published 16th June 2022