Solent NHS Trust is joining other NHS organisations across the country in implementing positive environmental change through the ‘Greener NHS’ Net-Zero target – a target that aspires to deliver the world’s first Net-Zero health service by eliminating all net carbon emissions by 2045. As a Trust we are collectively working to achieve a future where more people can remain well and independent throughout their lives, through equitable access to safe, effective, compassionate care. We have a responsibility to do this as efficiently and as sustainably as possible.
Climate change poses a major threat to our health as well as our planet. The environment is changing, that change is accelerating, and this has direct and immediate consequences for our people, patients, and communities, We also have a responsibility to future generations.
As part of our commitment to Net-Zero, we are actively responding to climate change, improving care for the future. By helping with the UK wide target to cut carbon emissions to 0 by 2050, the NHS Net Zero plan shows how we could see over 5,700 lives saved every year from improved air quality, 38,000 lives saved every year from a more physically active population and over 100,000 lives saved every year from healthier diets - this has a direct impact on the people we serve.
As set out by UK law, we have adopted this target and will do this through several actions as set out by our Green Plan. By committing to becoming a greener Trust, we have set individual targets to minimise our environmental impact. Steps that we have already taken to help reach our target include.
- Ensuring no waste goes to landfill
- Investing in energy efficiency throughout the Trust - in our buildings and facilities
- Empowering staff with greener and more active travel initiatives
Chief Executive, Andrew Strevens, said: “Our community health is dependent on a healthy environment. There is a clear link between climate change and public health. As a Trust we are dedicated to reducing our environmental impact, while delivering the best quality of care.
Our green plan, which is part of our Trust strategy, has been put in place to help reduce this impact with clear actions on how we will improve. Being a part of the NHS Net-Zero efforts mean we are working towards becoming smarter in how we use resources when delivering care, so that we are environmentally, economically, and socially sustainable.
Working together to achieve our ‘greener’ targets will help ensure that we are creating the best environment possible for our people, patients and our communities, for now and for the future.”
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