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This section looks at primary care net zero work being done at ICB level in England as well how to reduce our non-clinical carbon footprint
Integrated Care Boards (ICB)
Greener Practice has been working with those in leadership positions in the ICB in England to collate good practice and information for those working in primary care.
Non-Clinical Carbon
The largest sections of non-clinical carbon are in energy use, followed by business services, staff travel and patient travel. (image from ‘See Sustainability’)
The largest single contribution to non-clinical carbon in primary care is from energy use. Reducing energy wastage also saves the practice money, so simple actions to help with this are win-win solutions. There are also multiple co-benefits in encouraging active travel for patients and staff.
Carbon footprinting your practice may provide a useful focus for areas to work on.
The 2024 summary report of primary care net zero work at ICB level in England, has been collated by the chairs of this group. The purpose of this document is to showcase work that has been done in Primary Care by some ICBs in England as part of their Green Plans in order to meet the Greener NHS net zero targets.
A carbon footprint measures the total greenhouse gas emissions caused directly and indirectly by a person, organisation, event or product – in this case the carbon emissions associated with the running of a practice and providing healthcare to our patients.
Travel by staff and patients contributes a significant carbon burden, and the benefits of reducing fossil fuel travel go well beyond just reducing our carbon emissions.
Insulating your building reduces energy bills and carbon emissions. Low carbon energy generation, such as solar panels and air source heat pumps, are also worth considering.
By making ethical and green choices about our procurement, we can have a significant effect on the ethics and sustainable practices of the whole supply chain.
Health inequalities are exacerbated by the climate crisis. People in poorer countries and communities bear the greatest burden of harms. And the drivers of the climate crisis and health inequalities are often the same.
