Shropshire Community Health NHS Trust to contribute to NHS green savings equivalent to half a million fewer cars on the road
17 June 2022
As the UK marks Clean Air Day (16th June) the Shropshire Community Health NHS Trust (Shropcom) Green Plan is set to play its part in helping the NHS cut more than 1m tonnes of C02 emissions in the next three years – the equivalent of taking 520,000 cars off the road.
One of more than 200 new green plans put forward by NHS trusts across England, the plan by Shropcom sets out how it will reduce its environmental impact and help the NHS reach net zero by 2040.
Angie Wallace, Chief Operating Officer, Shropshire Community Health NHS Trust said:
"With air pollution alone contributing to 1 in 20 deaths in this country a year, it is clear we are facing a health emergency as well as a climate emergency.
“Our Shropcom Green Plan is a testament to our staff's commitment to tackling climate change, and we are proud to set out the positive actions we will take to reduce our impact on the environment and safeguard the future health of our children and grandchildren."
The green plans lay out how the NHS, which contributes approximately 3.5% (9.5 billion miles) of all road travel in England, will make this travel greener. Smarter buildings, LED lighting and energy saving measures are also reducing emissions and saving NHS organisations money, while using intravenous anesthetic instead of gas and helping patients use inhalers more efficiently are improving patient care.
The Shropshire Community Health NHS Trust is committed to protecting and improving the environment and reducing carbon to improve the community's health. The trust has identified suggested areas for improvement across travel and transport, Estates and Facilities. Alongside the introduction of sustainable procurement and new models of care that will contribute to the Trusts pledge to become carbon neutral by the latest 2040 in line with the Greener NHS programme.
Dr Nick Watts, Chief Sustainability Officer at NHS England said:
“The NHS was the first health system in the world to commit to net zero and the outstanding innovation and commitment from Shropshire Community Health NHS Trust is a vital step towards achieving that aim.
“Doing our bit on climate change will directly improve public health and reduce health inequalities, cutting deaths caused by air pollution and ensuring a healthier future for our children.”
Angie Wallace, Chief Operating Officer, Shropshire Community Health NHS Trust said:
"With air pollution alone contributing to 1 in 20 deaths in this country a year, it is clear we are facing a health emergency as well as a climate emergency.
“Our Shropcom Green Plan is a testament to our staff's commitment to tackling climate change, and we are proud to set out the positive actions we will take to reduce our impact on the environment and safeguard the future health of our children and grandchildren."
The green plans lay out how the NHS, which contributes approximately 3.5% (9.5 billion miles) of all road travel in England, will make this travel greener. Smarter buildings, LED lighting and energy saving measures are also reducing emissions and saving NHS organisations money, while using intravenous anesthetic instead of gas and helping patients use inhalers more efficiently are improving patient care.
The Shropshire Community Health NHS Trust is committed to protecting and improving the environment and reducing carbon to improve the community's health. The trust has identified suggested areas for improvement across travel and transport, Estates and Facilities. Alongside the introduction of sustainable procurement and new models of care that will contribute to the Trusts pledge to become carbon neutral by the latest 2040 in line with the Greener NHS programme.
Dr Nick Watts, Chief Sustainability Officer at NHS England said:
“The NHS was the first health system in the world to commit to net zero and the outstanding innovation and commitment from Shropshire Community Health NHS Trust is a vital step towards achieving that aim.
“Doing our bit on climate change will directly improve public health and reduce health inequalities, cutting deaths caused by air pollution and ensuring a healthier future for our children.”
Page last reviewed: 29 September 2021
Next review due: 31 May 2025