Sustainable healthcare and our Green Plan
At Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, we are committed to delivering high-quality care while protecting the environment that supports people’s health.
Climate change is a growing health emergency. Rising temperatures, poor air quality and extreme weather are already affecting our communities - especially those most vulnerable - worsening health inequalities.
We are responding by embedding sustainability into how we plan and deliver care, improving outcomes while reducing environmental impact and using public resources responsibly. This approach reflects our values of compassionate care, partnership, and continuous improvement.
Our Green Plan and national ambition
Our Green Plan sets out how we will support the NHS ambition to become the world’s first net-zero health system, including:
• Net zero for emissions we directly control (NHS Carbon Footprint) by 2040
• Net zero for emissions we can influence (NHS Carbon Footprint Plus) by 2045
It aligns with national policy while focusing on practical local action.
Making positive change
Formed in 2024, our Trust builds on strong progress made by predecessor organisations. We are now taking a joined-up approach across:
• Energy, water and our buildings
• Waste reduction and recycling
• Sustainable procurement
• Travel and transport
• Low-carbon models of care
We will embed sustainability into everyday decision-making and work with partners across our system to support healthier, more resilient communities.
Adapting to a changing climate
We are also preparing for climate impacts such as heatwaves and flooding, ensuring our services remain safe, reliable and accessible.
A healthier future
Through this Green Plan, we aim to reduce our environmental impact, improve health outcomes and help build a more sustainable, resilient future for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
We have appointed a board-level Net Zero lead, with the delivery of the Green Plan managed by the Director of Population and Health Equity and the Sustainability Team.
The Sustainability and Green Plan group meet monthly. Membership includes Clinical and Corporate Leads with responsibility for the delivery of the Green plan in their sectors.
Each month, a collective report from all members is escalated to the Corporate Delivery Group and the Finance and Performance Committee to provide the Board of Directors with assurance that we are delivering the Trust’s Net Zero commitment.
Achieving net zero means that only when we have reduced emissions as much as is possible any remaining emissions are balanced with equivalent emissions that are either ‘offset’ or ‘sequestered’ (for example verified schemes that absorb such emissions from the atmosphere – planting trees is often used as an example).
The Greener NHS initiative, “Delivering a ‘Net Zero’ National Health Service,” outlines two key targets for reducing carbon emissions across the NHS:
- Net zero carbon by 2040 for sources we directly control (referred to as NHS Carbon Footprint) with an interim goal of an 80% reduction between 2028 and 2032.
- Net zero carbon by 2045 for emissions we can influence (referred to as NHS Carbon Footprint Plus) with an 80% reduction targeted between 2036 and 2039.
We can all make simple changes in creating a healthier, more sustainable future - small changes really do add up.
Use energy and water wisely. Where possible, walk, cycle, use public transport or choose low or zero-emission vehicles. These options are better for the environment and can boost your physical and mental wellbeing.
Recycling what you can and reducing waste by avoiding single-use plastics, choosing reusable products, and only buying what you need.
You can also support local food, choose renewable energy, and get involved in community efforts to protect green spaces.
Together, these actions can help improve air quality, reduce carbon emissions, and support healthier communities across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.