UCLH’s ‘Care Without Carbon’ Green Plan sets out renewed commitment to net zero

UCLH has published its updated Green Plan, Care Without Carbon, building on our net zero strategy first launched in 2023. The plan reflects our ambition to create an environment where sustainability is embedded in everything we do, for the wellbeing of our patients, our staff, and our wider community.

As we have seen this summer, climate change is already affecting health outcomes, and these impacts make it increasingly urgent to reduce our own carbon footprint. 

Care Without Carbon was developed through a collaborative, data-led approach involving colleagues from across UCLH and our partners. It sets out clear net zero goals and actions across nine key themes, including workforce, clinical transformation, digital innovation, and supply chain.

“UCLH has already made outstanding progress, with significant reductions in carbon emissions from areas like anaesthesia and smarter use of digital healthcare,” said Elliott Westhoff, head of sustainability.

“This updated Green Plan is an opportunity to celebrate our successes and be clear about the measurable actions we’ll take next. Crucially, it shows how sustainability delivers a triple win for us – lowering emissions, improving patient outcomes, and freeing up savings that can be reinvested in better care.”

The plan recognises that progress must be made against a challenging financial backdrop. But the triple win means many initiatives will make both environmental and economic sense.

“The focus and enthusiasm for a greener future across UCLH gives me great confidence that we can keep leading the way,” Elliott added.

“By embedding sustainability in everything we do, we’re creating a healthier, more resilient organisation.”

You can read Care Without Carbon by visiting the sustainability page.