At UCLH we recognise that the climate emergency is a health emergency and we have made a firm commitment to reduce our impact on the environment.
We are dedicated to treating and supporting our patients with the highest quality of care whilst minimising our impact on the planet.
We are also actively preparing for the changing times and the ever-shifting climate.
Our aim is to embed sustainable development principles into all aspects of our work, and our staff are at the core of these efforts. We encourage and support staff in reflecting upon and adapting their own carbon footprint, both in the workplace and at home.
A clear strategy to target climate change
Our Net Zero Strategy, 'Critical Care for Our Climate,' offers a detailed and practical approach to how we will address environmental challenges for the upcoming decade and beyond.
Our primary objective is to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2031 for the emissions we directly control and 2040 for our total emissions. You can see some of our progress in the sustainability pages on this website.
Leaders in sustainable healthcare
UCLH has taken a leading role in developing sustainable healthcare within the NHS.
We are one of the five founding members of the NHS Circular Economy Alliance, which pledges to reduce single-use medical equipment and consumables, reusing wherever it is clinically feasible and appropriate to do so.
We include evaluation criteria when selecting products and suppliers through our procurement process and work with our suppliers to encourage them to come up with more sustainable solutions themselves.
Our sustainability team regularly present to and work with the Shelford Group of NHS teaching hospitals, Greener NHS, NHS England, National Performance Advisory Group (NPAG) and the North Central London Integrated Care Board (NCL ICB) to share ideas and sustainability successes more widely in the region and beyond. The team are frequently invited to speak at conferences, to other trusts and at policy groups.
Supporting you to become more sustainable at work
If you are passionate about making an impact on climate change, but don’t know where to turn, we have plenty of people within the workforce to support you.
We encourage each team to recruit a sustainability lead, who can help to take any initiatives through to fruition at a local level.
If you need more support than that, we also have a small, dedicated sustainability team who are also part of UCLH’s Sustainability Programme Board which meets monthly to discuss how to tackle some of the more challenging initiatives, from energy consumption to a reduction of consumable items. The Board includes representation from some the most senior UCLH directors, which means that sustainability is always high on our agenda.
Sustainable benefits
We want to make it as easy as possible for you to live and work sustainably. We offer a cycle to work scheme, discounts on TFL Santander Cycles and annual season ticket loans to support you with making more sustainable travel choices.
We have a sustainability champions network which runs regular education sessions for staff, as well as showcasing where we have successes within the organisation, which you could then replicate in your own team.
Recognising excellence in sustainability
We want to recognise staff who go the extra mile in helping us to reach our net zero carbon emissions target. We are proud to offer an Outstanding Sustainability/Green Award at our annual Celebrating Excellence awards each year.
