This week marks the launch of the Greener Palliative Care Award at the Hospice UK Annual Conference. Developed by a multi-professional team and grounded in evidence-based models, the Award provides a clear framework to help palliative care teams integrate sustainability into their practices. NHS and charitable organisations, including hospices, are encouraged to apply.
The Award features Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels, with assessments focusing on emissions measurement, reduction plans, and engagement with staff, service users, and volunteers. An initial pilot will select 10 organisations to participate in this pioneering initiative.
The roots of this Award can be traced back to the Palliative Care Sustainability Network (SusNet), founded and hosted by the Centre for Sustainable Healthcare (CSH). The network brings together professionals in palliative care to meet, organise events, and exchange ideas on embedding sustainability into their work. The Greener Palliative Care Award has been developed over the last year by a working group, made up of Palliative Care professionals from a variety of different backgrounds and organisations. The network continues to provide a platform for sharing resources, inspiring new projects, and fostering innovation in sustainable palliative care.
“We’ve had support and advice from the UK Health Alliance on Climate Change, the Association for Palliative Medicine, Sue Ryder, and Hospice UK, and we are aiming for the scheme to become the recognised standard for sustainability in palliative care.”
Paul Fraser, Deputy Director of Programmes at Hospice UK
For more information or to apply as a pilot site, visit the Award Scheme webpage. Applications can be submitted via a short survey, and queries can be directed to pallcaresusnet@gmail.com.