Almost a third (29%) of NHS Trusts in England are still not measuring their carbon footprint, according to Freedom of Information (FOI) data released today by Schneider Electric, the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation.
This is despite NHS England’s goal to achieve net-zero for direct emissions by 2040 and a further pledge to reach an 80% reduction by 2028 - 2032.
In light of this lack of measurement, it’s unsurprising that the FOI request, which surveyed 58 Trusts, also discovered that one in three (31%) do not yet have a clear roadmap in place to reach net-zero targets.
Investment in a greener NHS
The data reveals that, years on from when NHS England set its net-zero targets in 2020, there have been some developments. In fact:
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60% of Trusts have upgraded their building systems in an effort be more sustainable.
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Half (48%) have adopted technologies to help them monitor and optimise energy usage.
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One in five (19%) have even started implementing circular business practices. This could include the refurbishment and redistribution of certain medical equipment like mobility aids.
Despite these efforts, there is still a long way to go. In fact, Schneider Electric’s FOI highlights that one in five NHS Trusts still get over 90% of their energy from fossil fuels. This is in line with previous NHS data which revealed that it is responsible for around 4% of England’s total carbon footprint and 40% of public sector emissions.
The FOI also reveals that 67% of NHS Trusts have received some level of funding to spend on decarbonisation, suggesting that further improvements are underway. In terms of what this funding has been spent on so far:
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40% have used it to install energy efficient technologies and equipment such as LED lighting and HVAC systems.
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One in three (34%) are spending it on upgrading heating, lighting and ventilation systems.
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A sixth (16%) are going down the renewable route, investing in solar panels and other sources of renewable energy.
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Only one in 10 (12%) are investing in training and awareness programmes.
Kas Mohammed, Schneider Electric UK & Ireland’s VP Digital Energy said:
“The NHS is a symbol of national pride for many in the UK. However, it currently faces a significant challenge when it comes to energy consumption and costs. Significant changes need to happen in order to create the sustainable hospital buildings that will drive down energy costs and enable to NHS to meet its net-zero targets, without compromising on patient care. Investment in modern technologies and digital services could enable Trusts to retrofit their buildings and make the NHS more sustainable and resilient for the generations to come.”
