NHS Green Plan

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A sustainability strategy document that outlines how an NHS organisation will reduce its environmental impact and meet net zero carbon targets.

What is an NHS Green Plan?

What is ?

An NHS Green Plan is a comprehensive sustainability strategy required for all NHS trusts and organisations in the UK. It details specific actions and timelines for reducing carbon emissions, minimising waste, promoting sustainable travel, and creating environmentally responsible healthcare facilities. These plans support the NHS's commitment to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2040 for direct emissions and 2045 for indirect emissions, making the NHS the world's first carbon net zero national health system.

NHS Green Plan Best Practices

What is ?

  • Integrate green initiatives into Primary Care Network service delivery through energy-efficient practices and waste reduction
  • Coordinate sustainable prescribing practices that consider environmental impact alongside clinical effectiveness
  • Develop shared sustainable transport solutions for staff and patients across the PCN
  • Engage all PCN staff through sustainability training and green champions
  • Collaborate with other local healthcare organisations to amplify environmental initiatives

Use NHS Green Plan in a Sentence

What is ?

  1. Our Primary Care Network has incorporated sustainable prescribing practices into our NHS Green Plan to reduce the environmental impact of pharmaceuticals.
  2. The NHS Green Plan requires our PCN to track and report on carbon emissions from our buildings and services annually.
  3. Staff engagement workshops have helped everyone understand their role in implementing our NHS Green Plan across all practices in the network.
Frequently Asked Questions about
NHS Green Plan

What does NHS Green Plan mean?

An NHS Green Plan is a board-approved strategic document that outlines how an NHS organisation will reduce its environmental impact, adapt to climate change, and meet the NHS's net zero carbon targets. Every NHS trust and Integrated Care System in England is required to develop and implement a Green Plan, detailing specific actions across areas like estates, travel, procurement, and medicines to create a more sustainable healthcare system.

Why are NHS Green Plans important for Primary Care Networks?

NHS Green Plans are crucial for Primary Care Networks because they help reduce the environmental footprint of healthcare delivery at a local level. PCNs account for a significant portion of NHS service delivery, and through Green Plans, they can implement sustainable practices that improve health outcomes while reducing carbon emissions. This includes optimising building energy efficiency, promoting sustainable travel, reducing waste, and adopting environmentally-friendly prescribing practices. Green Plans also help PCNs prepare for climate-related health impacts and demonstrate environmental responsibility to patients and communities.

What key elements should a Primary Care Network include in their NHS Green Plan?

A Primary Care Network's NHS Green Plan should include several key elements: a carbon footprint assessment of all practices; specific targets for emissions reduction with timelines; sustainable travel initiatives for staff and patients; waste reduction strategies including recycling and single-use plastic alternatives; energy efficiency measures for buildings; environmentally-conscious procurement policies; sustainable prescribing guidelines to reduce pharmaceutical waste; climate adaptation measures for extreme weather events; staff training on sustainability; and progress monitoring systems. These elements should align with the broader NHS net zero strategy while addressing local environmental priorities.

How does an NHS Green Plan benefit patients and communities?

An NHS Green Plan benefits patients and communities in multiple ways. By reducing air pollution through sustainable travel initiatives and lower carbon emissions, Green Plans directly improve respiratory health outcomes. More efficient buildings and operations often lead to cost savings that can be reinvested in patient care. Green Plans typically promote healthier lifestyles through active travel and plant-based food options, which benefit patient wellbeing. Additionally, by preparing healthcare facilities for climate change impacts like extreme weather, Green Plans ensure more resilient services during emergencies. Finally, they demonstrate the NHS's commitment to protecting the environment for future generations.

What support is available to help Primary Care Networks develop their NHS Green Plans?

Primary Care Networks can access various support resources to develop their NHS Green Plans. The Greener NHS programme offers guidance documents, toolkits, and templates specifically designed for healthcare organisations. Regional Greener NHS teams provide advice and networking opportunities with other local healthcare providers. The NHS England Estates and Facilities team offers technical support for building-related initiatives. Financial support may be available through dedicated sustainability funding streams and the NHS Energy Efficiency Fund. Additionally, organisations like the Centre for Sustainable Healthcare provide training programmes and the Sustainable Development Unit offers carbon footprinting tools to assist PCNs in creating comprehensive and effective Green Plans.

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