NHS to become world’s first carbon net zero health system

The NHS has adopted a multiyear plan to become the world’s first carbon net zero national health system.

The commitment comes amid growing evidence of the health impacts of climate change and air pollution, and aims to save thousands of lives and hospitalisations across the country.

NHS England convened the NHS Net Zero Expert Panel in January following the launch of the Climate Assembly UK, to take and analyse evidence on how the health service can contribute to nationwide carbon reduction efforts. The panel’s report sets out how the health service has already cut its own carbon footprint by 62 per cent compared to the international-standard 1990 baseline, and by 26 per cent when indirect factors are included.

Based on the findings of the report the NHS has formally adopted two targets, set as the earliest possible credible dates for the NHS to achieve net zero emissions: for the NHS Carbon Footprint (emissions under NHS direct control), net zero by 2040, with an ambition for an interim 80 per cent reduction by 2028-2032; and for the NHS Carbon Footprint Plus, (which includes our wider supply chain), net zero by 2045, with an ambition for an interim 80 per cent reduction by 2036-2039.

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director General of the World Health Organisation (WHO), has backed the NHS’s leadership as the world’s largest single health system.

He said: “Cutting carbon emissions is essential to protect health, everywhere in the world. I welcome the leadership of the largest single health system in the world, the National Health Service in England, in committing to be carbon neutral in its own operations by 2040, and to drive emissions reductions in its suppliers and partners. Health is leading the way to a greener, safer planet.”

Sir Simon Stevens, NHS England chief executive, said: “2020 has been dominated by Covid-19 and is the most pressing health emergency facing us. But undoubtedly climate change poses the most profound long-term threat to the health of the nation. It is not enough for the NHS to treat the problems caused by air pollution and climate change – from asthma to heart attacks and strokes – we need to play our part in tackling them at source.”

“The NHS has already made significant progress decarbonising our care, but as the largest employer in Britain, responsible for around 4% of the nation’s carbon emissions, if this country is to succeed in its overarching climate goals the NHS has to be a major part of the solution.”