As the UK marks Clean Air Day (16th June) the Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Foundation Trust (BSMHFT) Green Plan is set to play its part in helping the NHS cut more than 1m tonnes of C02 emissions in the next three years – the equivalent of taking 520,000 cars off the road.
One of more than 200 new green plans put forward by NHS trusts across England, the plan by Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Foundation Trust sets out how it will reduce its environmental impact and help the NHS reach net zero by 2040.
Neil Cross, Corporate Property and Sustainability Manager – Summerhill Services Ltd said:
“Our BSMHFT Green Plan is a testament to our commitment to tackling climate change, and we are proud to set out the positive actions we will take to reduce our impact on the environment and safeguard the future health of our children and grandchildren.”
“To date, the Trust has been recognised for multiple achievements such as:
- Our fleet vehicles gradually being replaced to hybrid/fully electric
- Introducing food waste recycling at sites with production kitchens
- Moving all our electricity supply where directly procured to net zero carbon for 2022/23
- Achieving a recovery or recycle position of 99%, with only 1% of all Trust waste going to landfill.
- Improving processes over several years to inform medicine management and reduce Medicine wastage and excess stock
“We have made bold steps towards our plan. However, the work is far from over, and we are continuing to improve. In addition to our successes, over the coming months we will be:
- Launching schemes (working with National Express) to help to subsidise public transport with free taster passes and cost reduction in annual passes
- Launching an ‘opt in’ recycling scheme accessible to all Trust sites
- Launching a ‘Green Champions’ network for staff who have a passion and want to get involved
- Further reviewing our heat decarbonisation and energy reduction opportunities and the necessary investment”
The green plans lay out how the NHS, which contributes approximately 3.5% (9.5 billion miles) of all road travel in England, will make this travel greener. Smarter buildings, LED lighting and energy saving measures are also reducing emissions and saving NHS organisations money, while using intravenous anesthetic instead of gas and helping patients use inhalers more efficiently are improving patient care.
Dr Nick Watts, Chief Sustainability Officer at NHS England said:
“The NHS was the first health system in the world to commit to net zero and the outstanding innovation and commitment from Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Foundation Trust is a vital step towards achieving that aim.
“Doing our bit on climate change will directly improve public health and reduce health inequalities, cutting deaths caused by air pollution and ensuring a healthier future for our children.”
