NHS England Net Zero Report Highlights Progress but Calls for Urgent Action
NHS England (NHSE) has published its five-year report on its Net Zero strategy, revealing significant progress while underscoring the urgent need for accelerated climate action. The report, part of the Greener NHS programme, evaluates NHS emissions reductions and sets the stage for transformative sustainability initiatives across the UK healthcare sector.
Healthcare in England accounts for approximately 4–5% of the nation’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and represents 40% of all public sector emissions. As the UK’s largest public energy user, the NHS, along with its 1.5 million staff and extensive supplier network, has substantial potential to influence emissions reductions both domestically and globally.
The report assesses progress against two key Net Zero targets:
Net Zero by 2040 – covering emissions controlled directly by the NHS, including building energy use, fleet and business travel, anaesthetic gases, refrigerants, waste, water, and inhalers. The report reveals a 68% reduction in these emissions since 1990, with 14% achieved over the past five years. Notable achievements include a 98% reduction in Desfluorane use and a savings of £2.3 million through cutting nitrous oxide emissions by 80ktCO₂e. Emissions from NHS estates have fallen 10%, and grid electricity consumption is down 21%, while gas heating and fleet emissions remain largely unchanged.
Net Zero by 2045 – covering emissions influenced by the NHS, including the supply chain, patient and staff travel, medical devices, clinical supplies, food, medicines, and digital services. While efficiency has improved, with a 15% reduction in emissions per pound of NHS budget, absolute emissions have not decreased due to increased healthcare activity. Scope 3 emissions, which account for three-quarters of NHS Carbon Footprint Plus, have risen in some areas, highlighting the challenges of tackling supply chain and transport-related emissions.
Looking Ahead
The report commends NHSE for leadership in data-driven reporting and target-setting, but stresses that absolute emissions must fall faster to meet global climate imperatives. The NHS must leverage its £170 billion annual spend and position as the UK’s largest employer to accelerate decarbonisation across operations and the wider healthcare ecosystem.
Examples of sector leadership include the UK Kidney Association’s decarbonisation of kidney care, the Royal College of Emergency Medicine’s Green ED programme, and the Green Surgery initiative led by the Royal Surgical Colleges. Investment in renewable energy, such as solar and battery storage, and expansion of zero-emission ambulances by 2030, demonstrates commitment to sustainable operations.
The NHS is also advancing supply chain sustainability, with the Net Zero Supplier Roadmap and the Evergreen Sustainable Supplier Assessment supporting over 2,000 suppliers in reducing emissions. By 2027, all suppliers will publicly report emission targets and reduction plans.
The report calls for continued government support, investment in EV infrastructure, sustainable catering, and active travel initiatives. NHS England is urged to champion broader public health improvements while accelerating emission reductions within its own operations.
About NHS England’s Greener NHS Programme
The Greener NHS programme is a national initiative aimed at achieving net zero carbon emissions across all NHS operations, enhancing sustainability, and promoting public health through climate-conscious practices.
