NHS becomes the world’s first national health system to commit to become ‘carbon net zero’
Based on the findings of a report, the NHS has formally adopted two targets, for a net zero NHS Carbon Footprint (emissions under NHS direct control) by 2040 and a net zero NHS Carbon Footprint Plus (which includes the wider supply chain) by 2045.
Source:
NHS England
SPS commentary:
An accompanying report, endorsed by the NHS board, sets out how the health service has already cut its own carbon footprint by 62% compared to the international-standard 1990 baseline, and by 26% when indirect factors are included. The report also sets out the interventions required to achieve the net zero ambition.
A related analysis article in the BMJ charts a course to net zero emissions in healthcare, describing efforts to date, recounting the benefits of net zero operations, reviewing available strategies, and identifying the knowledge gaps.