We will consider everything we consume as an asset with a real carbon footprint and a real post-consumption value (from energy to equipment, from food to pharmaceuticals and more).
Circular economy productivity
Three-quarters of our carbon emissions are already embedded in the goods, materials and equipment we purchase and consume.
Our vision of rapidly developing our role as a responsible consumer within a circular economy provides us with a much more achievable and locally productive way forward. One that can act as both a foundation and ongoing boost to the higher level processes of supply chain decarbonisation coming forward in the centrally driven Roadmap for NHS Suppliers to Reach Net Zero by 2045 (opens in a new tab).
Everything CUH purchases does, of course, have an immediate utility value in terms of healthcare delivery. In a circular economy, however, the productivity does not stop there:
- the value can be sustained through reuse and repair on-site;
- some of the purchase cost can be recouped through high-value recycling;
- by working with suppliers, products can be designed for ready reuse, repair and high-value recycling;
- by working with disposal contractors, used products can be sorted more easily, collected, and returned to the supply chain. This helps to get the most value, reduce waste to zero, and cut carbon emissions as much as possible; and
- by working with our NHS, community and academic partners to share and expand net-zero/zero-waste knowledge and experience.
Each of the actions in our Action 50 Green Plan works within or develops this reframing of decision making. To deliver our Green Plan we will work with all our staff to help them choose between high-carbon/high-waste and net-zero/zero-waste options. Some will be familiar and others less so – but all matter.
Day-in-the-life decisions at CUH - Choosing between high-carbon/high-waste or net-zero/zero-waste
High-carbon/high-waste consumption decisions and choices
Below are examples of business-as usual decisions and choices that perpetuate high carbon/high-waste consumption - worsening the climate emergency, dangerous pollution and the loss of vital resources.
These decisions and choices have been reframed so that life cycle analysis counts, current and future costs are connected, and responsibility is devolved to those closest to the point of consumption.
Our Action 50
Go to Our Action 50