A SUSTAINABLE NHS


includes making the most of what the organisation already has – for example, plans for intelligent, AI-driven, real-time energy monitoring of NHS buildings is set to contribute up to 2.3% of the total required reduction in carbon emissions alone. There has also been work to identify how roofs and adjacent ground space in the NHS estate can support a shift to on-site renewable energy and heat generation, bringing huge emissions savings. This is already happening at Royal Manchester’s Children’s Hospital, which has invested in an on-site renewable energy project, saving 380 tonnes of carbon and thousands of pounds in energy costs.


A significant upfront cost Implementing similar schemes in Trusts across the UK will come with a significant upfront cost, but the return on investment can be counted in more than carbon. The energy crisis stemming from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine saw bills skyrocket for the healthcare sector, as well as consumers, in 2023, and if the NHS supported more of its own energy needs with renewable energy generation, it would be much better insulated from similar future geopolitical and market shocks. The message from the progress made so far in decarbonising the NHS is that there are opportunities everywhere, and no stone should be left unturned in the process, but also that the solutions, both technological and organisational, can often be found and made to work on a large scale.


A greener future There is a path to a carbon-neutral NHS, and it’s one on which the organisation has already made significant


progress. The change that has already been implemented is an incredible achievement, and one that shows the emissions savings that can be found within existing operations. Of course, the scale of work needed to meet the ambitious targets will mean fundamental change, as well as finding hidden efficiencies in many siloed ways of working, of which water management is one. Above all though, the process must be collaborative,


and every role in the NHS must be informed and empowered to be a driver of the change. If there’s anyone who can rise to this challenge – it’s our NHS.


There is a path to a carbon-neutral NHS, and it’s one on which the organisation has already made significant progress, the author says.


October 2024 Health Estate Journal 89


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