Our Action 50

Progressively cutting the carbon emissions that we have direct control over.

In our buildings services we will:

• Reduce energy use intensity through maintenance upgrade programmes.
• Install photovoltaic solar panels wherever we can.
• Review the set-points of all our building services to ensure they are not on unnecessarily.
• Follow the NHS net-zero standard for our new builds and major refurbishments.

In our transport and travel we will:

• Electrify our CUH vehicle fleet and support staff purchase of electric vehicles.
• Amend our expenses policy in favour of low-carbon travel.
• Upgrade our cycle parking capacity.
• Support public transport and active travel routes to and from our premises.
• Provide telemedicine services and remote access technology to reduce travel to site.

In our clinical practice we will:

• Reduce our nitrous oxide emissions by 50%.
• Reduce our desflurane use to less than 5% of volatile gases used in surgery.
• Prescribe lower carbon inhalers where possible and collect used items.

Creating value and cutting carbon in how we purchase, use and throwaway.

To increase reuse-repair-recycle options we will:

• Specify goods to be reusable, repairable and recyclable wherever possible.
• Expand on-site reuse, repair and recycling facilities.
• Continue to develop waste bin infrastructure to extend recycling rates.
• Set an expectation that suppliers match our net-zero/zero-waste objectives.

To lower the carbon footprint of our purchased items we will:

• Reduce our consumption of single-use plastics (especially PPE and in catering).
• Reduce paper consumption and maximise recycled content.
• Secure electricity supplies from very low-carbon sources.
• Bring forward the longer-term storage of carbon in materials and tree cover.

In avoiding emissions within our supply chains we will:

• Set an expectation that suppliers match our net-zero/zero-waste objectives.
• Seek to exercise the Extended Producer Responsibility (opens in a new tab) regulations.
• Work with carbon and waste reducing modern methods of construction.

Responding to responsibility across our CUH family and local community.

In our engagement with staff and stakeholders we will:

• Provide extensive carbon literacy training and support
• Incorporate net-zero/zero-waste content in all relevant policies and procedures.
• Include net-zero/zero-waste engagement in new starter, new manager and appraisal processes.
• Roll-out net-zero/zero-waste tools for small teams alongside development of a more formal Think Green Champions Network.

In how we provide leadership and accountability we will:

• Deliver a ‘say’ and ‘do’ approach with management accountability.
• Become a net-zero/zero-waste anchor institution and ICS leader.
• Support ill-health prevention in the local community we serve.
• Bring together collective capabilities across the campus, local council, universities and research centres.