Carbon Footprint Organisation Analysis

In 2021-22 the NHS’s carbon footprint was 21.7 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent. To reach net zero by 2045, all healthcare organisations must play their part. Calculating your organisation’s carbon footprint is an essential starting point to reduce your greenhouse gas emissions and provides important information for the development of your green plan or carbon reduction plan. It allows you to monitor your greenhouse gas emissions year on year and to understand your carbon hotspots enabling you to focus your sustainability efforts on the highest carbon areas.  

What Is A Carbon Footprint Analysis?

A carbon footprint analysis measures the total amount of greenhouse gases (GHGs) emitted directly and indirectly by an individual, organization, event, or product. This analysis typically includes emissions of carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), nitrous oxide (N₂O), and other GHGs, expressed in terms of CO₂ equivalents (CO₂e) 12.

Key Components of a Carbon Footprint Analysis:

  • Scope 1 Emissions: Direct emissions from owned or controlled sources, such as fuel combustion in company vehicles or boilers.
  • Scope 2 Emissions: Indirect emissions from the generation of purchased electricity, steam, heating, and cooling consumed by the reporting entity.
  • Scope 3 Emissions: All other indirect emissions that occur in the value chain of the reporting entity, including both upstream and downstream emissions.

Why Is A Carbon Footprint Analysis important?  

A carbon footprint analysis is crucial for UK healthcare providers due to its alignment with national environmental legislation and the sector's significant environmental impact. The Health and Care Act 2022 places a legal duty on NHS providers to contribute to the UK's net zero emissions target. By understanding their carbon footprint, healthcare organizations can identify areas for reduction, such as energy consumption, waste management, and supply chain emissions. This not only helps meet regulatory obligations but also improves environmental sustainability, reduces operational costs, and enhances the sector's reputation as a responsible steward of resources.

What Is Involved In A Carbon FootPrint Analysis? 

Whether you’re looking to establish your organisation’s baseline carbon footprint or building on a base year to measure progress, we can support you.  

We’ll measure your organisations scope 1, 2 and 3 greenhouse gas emissions in line with the GHG Protocol and Greener NHS’s approach. The analysis, including a breakdown of sources and scopes, will be written up in a report. We’ll take you through the results of your carbon footprint and explain the hotspots to help you fully understand your impact and enable you to address it. 

Who Is This Service For? 

Any health and care organisation looking to understand the impact of their organisation: NHS Trusts, Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), Primary Care, Royal Colleges, Non-NHS healthcare organisations, NHS Suppliers.  

“Carbon reporting is an essential part of measuring success, and we are really pleased with the quality and attention to detail given to our most recent carbon report.

The Team at the Centre for Sustainable Healthcare are highly experienced individuals and are a pleasure to work with. We look forward to continue working with the team at CSH when undertaking future reports.” – James Powell, Head of Sustainability, Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust

Success Stories 

How Much Does A Carbon Footprint Analysis Cost? 

Each healthcare provider throughout the sector is unique and will have a variety of needs and requirements. Our team of experts will work with you to make sure we meet the individual needs of your supply chain or business.

Please contact us for a bespoke quote for your organisation.