New report launched on independent health sector’s progress in delivering net zero

To mark COP27 and the one year anniversary of IHPN’s industry-wide pledge to achieve net zero by 2035, a new report has been published today setting out the independent health sector’s progress in reducing carbon emissions.

IHPN’s report, “Clearing the air – How the independent healthcare sector is working to achieve “net zero” by 2035”, looks at the experiences of healthcare providers from across the independent sector in reducing emissions. Measures taken by providers include:

• Developing “greener theatres”, including through removing the use of Desflurane to reduce anaesthetic gas emissions
• Replacing older machinery and equipment with newer, more energy efficient kit
• Making greater use of renewable energy sources such as solar power
• Increasing energy efficiency in healthcare settings, including through better insulation and use of LED light bulbs
• Establishing green “champions” to drive improvements and identify opportunities to further reduce their carbon footprint

So far almost 50 independent providers – who deliver care in over 1500 individual sites and employ over 160,000 staff – have now signed up to the pledge which builds on the NHS’ own target to achieve net zero by 2040.

To build on this momentum, IHPN will deliver a wide-ranging programme of work to support members on their journey to net zero, including around issues such as:

• Sustainable medicines
• Developing carbon reduction plans
• Understanding net zero and social value
• Sharing best practice on how to reduce emissions across their organisation

David Hare, Chief Executive of the Independent Healthcare Providers Network (IHPN), said:

“I’m delighted to be launching this report today which demonstrates just some of the new and innovative ways independent healthcare providers are working to tackle the climate change emergency and achieve the sector’s ambition to be net zero by 2035.

“We know how important reducing carbon emissions are not only to independent healthcare providers, but also to their 160,000 strong workforce, as well as suppliers and of course patients themselves. And this report acts as a marker in the ground – reflecting the work achieved in the past year but also signaling that so much work still lies ahead.

“As the trade association that represents independent healthcare providers, we will continue to support our members to deliver their net zero ambitions and play our part in improving the health of our planet.”