Briefing / Carbon reduction in the NHS

The NHS carbon reduction strategy, published in January 2009, sets the NHS targets for carbon reduction, recognising that despite growing carbon efficiency, the NHS has in fact grown its absolute carbon footprint by 40% since 1990. To meet the overall UK target reduction, the NHS will in fact need to cut its 2007 footprint by 86% by 2050.

Helping the NHS and individual NHS bodies meet this challenging target is a responsibility for everyone working in the NHS. Boards in particular have a responsibility to demonstrate their commitment to carbon reduction strategies. But there are specific roles for finance managers and there are a number of drivers that are requiring
finance managers to take a growing interest in carbon reduction, which are set out in this briefing.