NHS Sustainable Development Reporting Guidelines
This carbon reduction strategy has been developed in response to the need to take action on climate change and in consultation with the NHS and other organisations. Widespread support from NHS organisations and staff gives the NHS a mandate to implement this strategy across every aspect of the organisation in England.
The NHS has a carbon footprint of 18 million tonnes CO2 per year. This is composed of energy (22%), travel (18%) and procurement (60%). Despite an increase in efficiency, the NHS has increased its carbon footprint by 40% since 1990. This means that meeting the Climate Change Act2 targets of 26% reduction by 2020 and 80% reduction by 2050 will be a huge challenge. This strategy establishes that the NHS should have a target of reducing its 2007 carbon footprint by 10% by 2015. This will require the current level of growth of emissions to not only be curbed, but the trend to be reversed and absolute emissions reduced. Interim NHS targets will be needed to meet the government targets.
More Information
For more information on NHS Sustainable Development Reporting Guidelines please visit the NHS Sustainable Development Unit website (link opens in new window).