Reviewing And Developing NHS Trust Green Plans

NHS England’s 2020 strategy ‘Delivering a Net Zero National Health Service’ and the 2021/22 NHS Standard Contract set out the requirement for Trusts and Integrated Care Systems to develop Green Plans, and our team at CSH can offer our expert support to help you meet these requirements and integrate these plans into your own services.

What Is An NHS Green Plan? 

Green plans outline in detail the approach and practical steps a Trust y will take over a 3 year cycle towards reducing their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in line with NHS net zero commitments, and include the following  six main areas of focus:

  • Workforce and system leadership
  • Sustainable models of care
  • Digital transformation
  • Travel and transport
  • Estates and facilities
  • Medicines
  • Supply chain and procurement
  • Food and nutrition
  • Adaptation  

 Nearing the end of the first 3 year cycle of this current Green Plan, it is time for NHS Trusts to get ready for the 2nd generation of Green Plans. 

CSH Support And Resources

For over a decade, CSH has worked with healthcare providers, health boards, and trusts to create more sustainable healthcare systems. Our resources, tools, networks, and training programmes can help your organisation to develop and implement sustainable healthcare strategies, measure their impact using 'triple bottom line' metrics, and collaborate with external partners across the wider integrated care system.

“Thank you everyone at the Centre for Sustainable Healthcare for your timely support, expertise and advice towards our first carbon footprint exercise and our Sustainability Management Plan.  The workshop sessions were extremely useful in training our staff and further developing a sustainability approach via the Management Plan. Our strong joint working has enabled us to improve overall sustainability performance as evidenced in the Good Corporate Citizen report. We look forward to continuing our professional relationship and embedding sustainability in our commissioning activity.’’

- Manizah Imam, Governance Manager, NHS Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group

Developing a Green Plan in England

NHS England's 2020 strategy "Delivering a Net Zero National Health Service" and the 2021/22 NHS Standard Contract set out the requirement for Trusts and Integrated Care Systems to develop a Green Plan. We understand the challenges of creating an effective Green Plan and have curated resources that can help Trusts and Integrated Care Systems develop and implement their Green Plan successfully. Our dedicated page provides comprehensive resources, tools, and guidance for implementing a Green Plan in England. 

Developing a Decarbonisation Action Plan in Wales

To support the NHS Wales Decarbonisation Strategic Delivery Plan, Health Boards, Trusts, and NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership (NWSSP) must develop Decarbonisation Action Plans at the local level. We understand that developing a Decarbonisation Action Plan can be a challenging task, and we have curated resources to support the development and implementation of an effective plan. Our dedicated page provides comprehensive resources, tools, and guidance for developing a Decarbonisation Action Plan in Wales.

Developing a Sustainability Strategy in Scotland

NHS Scotland launched the 2022-2026 Climate Emergency and Sustainability Strategy in August 2022, outlining five priority areas to assist in achieving net-zero emissions by 2040 and becoming an environmentally and socially sustainable service. Each Health Board is now required to publish an annual report detailing progress towards the goals and targets outlined in "A Policy for NHS Scotland on the Climate Emergency and Sustainable Development" and the actions outlined in the “2022-2026 Climate Emergency and Sustainability Strategy”. Our dedicated page provides comprehensive resources, tools, and guidance for developing a Sustainability Strategy in Scotland.

International Support

Healthcare organisations outside of the United Kingdom looking to develop their sustainability plans can also benefit from our resources. We provide a range of tools, guidance, and networks to support organisations in developing and implementing sustainable healthcare strategies. 

For those who need surther support and guidance in developing their Green Plans, we also offer a more dedicated level of consultation to help with developing your Green Plan:

What Does An NHS Green Plan Review Involve?

With the next Green Plan Guidance being published by NHS England, CSH can support you to: 

  • Review your previous Green Plan – understand what projects and actions have been implemented and model their impact  
  • Undertake an organisational carbon footprint analysis and to monitor your progress to net zero   
  • Set new targets for carbon reduction in line with NHS’s net zero commitments 
  • Run workshops to introduce the new Green Plan Guidance and develop priorities to feed into your 2025-28 Green Plan  
  • Develop and write your 2025-28 Green Plan  

Why is this Work important? 

According to NHS England’s net zero strategy and its standard contract, it is a requirement for NHS Trusts and Integrated Care Systems to develop Green Plans. A new Green Plan guidance will be published by NHS England in October 2024 which will set out the priority areas for mitigating healthcare’s environmental impact. CSH’s team can support you to review and update your Green Plan to align with the new guidance, set new targets and build on the previous Green Plan strategy to improve the organisations environmental sustainability. 

    Who Is This Service For?

    NHS Trusts and other Integrated Care Systems  

    Success Stories 

    How Much Does The Consultation 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 Ingeborg Steinbach, CSH's Lead Sustainability Analyst for a bespoke quote for your organisation.