In 2019, NHS Scotland became the first national health service in the UK to commit to becoming a net-zero organisation. The Scottish Government have committed to pursuing these goals within their own strategies to achieve a sustainable health service.

NHS Scotland’s climate emergency and sustainability strategy: 2022-2026 sets out plans for NHS Scotland to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and impact on the environment, adapt to climate change.

On 8th July NHS Education for Scotland (NES) released a new Climate Emergency and Sustainability strategy for 2024-2027, which highlights its role in helping NHS Scotland achieve a net zero health service by 2040.

The strategy includes an action plan for NES to reduce its own emissions and outlines the educational support and training it will offer to the health and social care workforce. This aims to raise awareness and implement new initiatives to combat climate change.

The strategy outlines a number of key areas of activity.
• Education and Training
• Transport and Travel
• Clinical
• Procurement
• Digital Infrastructure
• Capital Projects and Adaptation
• Governance and Policy
• Greenspace and Biodiversity
• Waste

Net Zero NHS Scotland will provide an update on the progress of NHS Scotland’s net-zero targets, whilst dissecting the aspirations of NES strategy for 2024-2027. The conference will also shine a light tools to make the NHS more environmentally sustainable and improve patient care.