Did you know that the NHS alone is responsible for approximately 4% of the UK’s total carbon emissions?
To help address this, the North West London Integrated Care System has published its revised Green Plan, setting out a clear and ambitious three-year strategy from 2025–2028 to support the NHS in meeting its net zero commitments whilst tackling the growing health and operational system challenges that result from climate change.
The plan has been developed in collaboration with our trusts, London Ambulance Service, academic partners and a number of other organisations including Transport for London and the Greater London Authority.
Our commitment
Aligned with NHS England’s national targets (working to a 2019/2020 emissions baseline) and our statutory obligations, NW London ICS aims to:
- achieve a net zero NHS Carbon Footprint (relating to emissions we directly control) by 2040, with a 47% reduction by 2028–2032
- achieve net zero NHS Carbon Footprint Plus (relating to emissions we can influence) by 2045, with a 73% reduction by 2036–2038
Visit our Green Plan page to find out more about our commitments, what the plan seeks to achieve and our priorities going forward.
Working with our trusts and system partners
We are proud to continue working with our trusts and system partners to achieve the above commitments. Here is what colleagues in our trusts told us about the importance of sustainability in the NHS and why we need to take action:
“Medicines sustainability is no longer a luxury; it is a necessity. Every prescription is an opportunity to protect both patient health and earth health. As a system, we have a responsibility to reduce our carbon footprint, and medicines optimisation is a critical lever in achieving that. The NW London Medicines Sustainability Group remains committed to supporting this work and contributing meaningfully to the Green Plan.”
Tf Chan, Chief Pharmacist and Controlled Drug Accountable Officer
“Climate change is one of the biggest challenges we face, and there is clear evidence of its direct impact on human health. The only way we will achieve our bold Net Zero aspirations in the NHS is if we work together, in collaborative and aspirational ways. I am hopeful that this plan, and the leadership of many people across north west London will be a guiding light that helps us to achieve this.”
Professor Bob Klaber, Consultant Paediatrician, Director of Strategy & Innovation at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, and Professor of Practice (Population Health) at School of Public Health
“We look forward to working collaboratively with NHS NW London on the delivery of the new Green Plan. Environmental sustainability is so important for our future health and wellbeing. We are much stronger working on these challenges together, sharing learning and best practice.”
Tom Wright, Director of Sustainability for Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust and West London NHS Trust
"We’re excited to collaborate with NHS North West London on delivering the new Green Plan. Protecting our environment is essential to safeguarding long-term health and wellbeing. Through collaboration, we can drive meaningful progress in reducing carbon emissions across the supply chain and enhancing social value. By sharing insights and best practices, we can make a greater collective impact."
Mahroof Anwar, Head of Sustainability and Social Value, NW London Procurement Services
Individual NHS trusts are mandated to develop and implement their own tailored Green Plans that align with the overarching sustainability goals of the ICS, while addressing local priorities and challenges.