NHS commits to green strategy
NHS unveils new strategy aimed at aligning carbon footprint with government targets
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Tuesday, 27, Jan 2009 08:48
The NHS has unveiled a new strategy aimed at aligning its carbon footprint with government targets.
The health service, Europe's largest employer, generates 25 per cent of public sector carbon emissions and 3.2 per cent in England overall.
But NHS chief executive David Nicholson hopes a new centrally-led strategy will help a government target of an 80 per cent reduction in emissions by 2050 be met.
The NHS is aiming for a ten per cent reduction in its carbon footprint, which currently stands at 18 million tonnes of CO2, by 2015.
It not only wants the current level of growth of emissions to be curbed, but also for the trend to be reversed and absolute emissions reduced.
"As the biggest public sector employer in the country, the NHS needs to lead by example. I want to encourage NHS staff to really get involved and do their bit to create a greener NHS," Mr Nicholson said.
"I want to thank our partners who have signed up to support us to become a leading low carbon organisation. It is by working hard both within NHS trusts and with our partners that we can make the biggest impact on our carbon footprint."