Organisational considerations

40% of the carbon footprint of primary care comes from non-clinical sources, and there are some easy wins from taking action on non-clinical carbon.

The largest sections of non-clinical carbon are in energy use, followed by business services, staff travel and patient travel. 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 can provide a really useful focus for areas to work on.

Non-clinical topics

Carbon foot-printing your practice

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 & Transport

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.
Greener buildings

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.
Procurement

By making ethical and green choices about our procurement, we can have a significant effect on the ethics and sustainable practices of the supply chain.
Reducing waste in health care

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (in that order) is the mantra of sustainable usage. Reducing waste can reduce harm and financial costs.