NHS Trusts struggle to meet net-zero targets, lacking clear roadmaps

Almost a third (29%) of NHS Trusts in England are still not measuring their carbon footprint, despite NHS England’s goal to achieve net-zero for direct emissions by 2040 and an 80% reduction by 2028-2032. This lack of measurement has resulted in one in three (31%) Trusts not having a clear roadmap in place to meet these net-zero targets.

This is according to Schneider Electric following an Freedom of Information request, which surveyed 58 Trusts.

The FOI data showed that a fifth (19%) of Trusts are still getting over 90% of their energy from fossil fuels. This is in line with previous NHS data, which revealed that the health service is responsible for around 4% of England’s total carbon footprint and 40% of public sector emissions.

However, the data also highlighted some positive developments. 60% of Trusts have upgraded their building systems in an effort to be more sustainable, and half (48%) have adopted technologies to help them monitor and optimise energy usage. One in five (19%) have started implementing circular business practices, such as the refurbishment and redistribution of certain medical equipment, like mobility aids.

The FOI also reveals that 67% of NHS Trusts have received some level of funding to spend on decarbonisation, suggesting that further improvements are underway. This funding has primarily been used for installing energy-efficient technologies and equipment (40%), upgrading heating, lighting, and ventilation systems (34%), and investing in renewable energy sources (16%). Only 12% are investing in training and awareness programs.

Kas Mohammed, Schneider Electric UK & Ireland’s VP digital energy, says:

“The NHS is a symbol of national pride for many in the UK. However, it currently faces a significant challenge when it comes to energy consumption and costs. Significant changes need to happen in order to create the sustainable hospital buildings that will drive down energy costs and enable to NHS to meet its net-zero targets, without compromising on patient care. Investment in modern technologies and digital services could enable Trusts to retrofit their buildings and make the NHS more sustainable and resilient for the generations to come.”

Image credit: Marcelo Leal on Unsplash