Net zero will be made possible through innovation and collaboration
The NHS is a cornerstone of our society, with millions of employees, and tens of millions that rely on it. But due to this vast size and reach, it’s not surprising that it has such an impact on the country’s carbon emissions.
Together we can change this. Our network acts as a pillar in the development and uptake of technologies and best practices designed to reduce emissions in healthcare.
The climate crisis is a health problem
The NHS is responsible for 4% of England’s total carbon footprint. Contributing to:
- Increased air and water pollution
- Increased allergens
- Extreme heat
All of which can cause illness, exacerbate long term health conditions and lead to poor mental health (Jones, 2022).
A net zero NHS
The NHS has the power to use innovative solutions to address the climate crisis and make a more sustainable health system.
In 2020, the NHS released its report, Delivering a ‘Net Zero’ National Health Service, outlining its ambition to do just that.
The role of the AHSNs
Our unique role working with industry, academia and the health and care system in regional and national settings puts us in the perfect position to support the drive for sustainability at every level.
In the same year the 2020 NHS report was published, we launched the AHSN Network Environmental Sustainability Community of Interest. This functions as a hub for sharing best practice and finding innovative ways to collectively solve common issues.
Critically, alongside finding solutions for the NHS to be more environmentally sustainable, we’re holding ourselves accountable for our own impact on the environment.
Find information about environmental sustainability at your local AHSN here:
- East Midlands
- Eastern: Environmental sustainability toolkit
- Health Innovation Manchester
- Health Innovation Network
- Imperial College Health Partners
- Kent, Surrey and Sussex
- North East and North Cumbria: Delivering a more sustainable NHS
- Innovation Agency: Academic Health Science Network for the North West Coast: Guiding your Net Zero journey
- Oxford: Environmental sustainability
- South West
- UCLPartners: Climate
- Wessex: Environmental sustainability
- West Midlands
- West of England: Supporting the NHS to become Net Zero
- Yorkshire & Humber: Meeting the NHS Net Zero target
Innovation projects
We host regular webinars on Net Zero topics where we hear from innovators at the cutting edge of sustainable practice. You can watch all of our webinars on our YouTube playlist.
Support for NHS organisations
If you are an NHS organisation looking to access support on improving sustainability, contact your local AHSN.
Support for innovators
If you already have an innovation that works towards a net zero goal, or you want information about how to make your innovation as sustainable as possible, find out how we can support you.