Half of trusts still unclear on decarbonisation targets

New figures have revealed that half of NHS trusts are charging ahead with EV infrastructure, but remain off track on overall decarbonisation targets.

According to data released by Eaton, 51 per cent of NHS trusts in the UK have installed EV Charging Infrastructure (EVCI) on-site for their staff, patients and the wider community. While this is a positive step towards a low-carbon future, a similar proportion (53 per cent) of NHS trusts are either behind on decarbonisation targets or do not have a clear set of emissions reduction goals in place.
 
While half of NHS trusts already have EVCI on-site, a further 43 per cent either plan to install charging facilities on-site within the next five years or are in early stage planning around how best to integrate such capabilities. In fact, just six per cent of NHS trusts had no plans to introduce EVCI at the moment.

However, the FOI also revealed that 53 per cent of NHS trusts are currently behind on their decarbonisation targets or do not have clear emissions reduction targets in place. Just two fifths (38 per cent) are on track to meet their goals while only five per cent are tracking ahead at the moment.
 
When asked about the decarbonisation measures currently in place, the vast majority of NHS trusts reported that they have either already installed, or will be installing, lighting upgrades (93 per cent), increased building control and automation (90 per cent) and upgrades to insulation (69 per cent) within their facilities over the next five years. Only one responding NHS trust reported having no initiatives in place or planned at all.  

Marc Gaunt, segment lead, commercial buildings, Eaton, said: “Estate and facilities managers often consider building energy first when considering decarbonisation, but travel and transport is a vital consideration. NHS trusts are adopting EVCI rapidly and offering staff, patients and visitors a cleaner alternative to significantly lower their total carbon footprint. Public and commercial buildings will need to follow suit. Every building – not just hospitals – will need to play its part if we are to meet the challenges presented by the rapid adoption of EVs and accelerate the UK’s path to a low carbon future.”