Sustainability
We're committed to a greener and more sustainable future. Our dedication to sustainability goes beyond safeguarding the environment; it's about ensuring the wellbeing of our staff, community, and patients while preserving the natural world that sustains us. Clean air, a healthy environment, and a sustainable approach help us lead healthier, longer, and happier lives.
We're integrating sustainability into every facet of our operations. From our daily work to the choices we make, we are committed to building resilient health services that can withstand the evolving challenges of our time.
Read our Green Plan (2022-25) - Net Zero'n'Green (pdf)
We're proud to be part of a global movement striving to achieve net zero carbon emissions. This means finding a balance between the greenhouse gases we release into the environment and those we remove. To align with our collective net zero target, all NHS Trusts, including Berkshire Healthcare, are developing and implementing Green Plans. These plans set out our course of action for reducing carbon emissions and making our practices more sustainable.Our first ever Green Plan is focused on areas within our direct control and those that offer the potential for lasting change.
Some of our key objectives include:
- Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions: We are committed to cutting our greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2028-2032
- Sustainable Travel: Our goal is to reduce staff commuting and business travel by 50% by 2025/26
- Eco-Friendly Fleet: We aim to have 90% of our fleet comprised of low, ultra-low, and zero-emission vehicles by 2028
- Clean Utilities: We are working to decarbonise our utilities and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2025/26
- Waste Reduction: We are taking steps to decrease the amount of waste we generate by 10% by 2023/24
We have already seen an array of positive changes made at the Trust to help the NHS achieve its 2040 net zero target, which we wouldn't have been able to achieve without the efforts from our staff. Here are just some of our wins:
- We’ve cut the amount of gas we use by 29%
- And our electricity consumption has shrunk by 13%
- We’ve installed 34 electric vehicle chargers at 7 of our sites, encouraging the transition to more sustainable vehicles. We’re also shifting our estate fleet to electric, with two-thirds already electric vehicles
- All of our sites have cycle facilities like bike sheds, encouraging more people to use active travel
- We’ve removed our piped supply of nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas used for pain relief in some medical procedures
- We’re installing rooftop solar panels on two of our major sites, with more in the pipeline, bringing us clean energy and security against volatile and rising energy prices
- We’ve removed single-use plastics from on-site catering suppliers and switched to sustainable alternatives
- We’re committed to supporting nature and biodiversity, and have developed sensory and therapy gardens at two of our hospitals, with more in the pipeline
- We’ve introduced a sustainable procurement policy to help reduce the footprint of our supply chain, for example favouring low carbon and sustainable products – like only purchasing 100% recycled paper
- Since 2017 the amount of waste we recycle has increased by 25% while we've reduced the amount of general waste we produce by 7%
Our Green Plan at a glance
We believe in making a positive impact on the environment while providing the highest quality care to our community and patients. Together, we can create a healthier and more sustainable future for all.
View full size image of our Green Plan priorities (pdf)
Who we want to be
Our staff Net Zero Heroes empower others within the Trust to think greener.
We want to start conversations about sustainability. What do you want to see happen in the Trust to make it more sustainable? What green policies are important to you?
Training will be available to all to educate on sustainability and its importance for our health and wellbeing.
What we will buy
We are looking to invest in renewable energy technologies.
We will prioritise using only sustainable goods and services.
We are striving to only work with other businesses that are aligned with our net zero policies and commitments.
Where we will work
We are working towards making our buildings more energy efficient.
We will reduce how much energy and water we use across our buildings and services.
We will enhance the green spaces around our sites for staff and patients to enjoy.
We will be planting more trees at our sites for shade and flood prevention.
We are looking into installing natural ways to keep our buildings cool.
We will always plan with the environment in mind.
How we want to travel
We want more electric vehicles to be available for staff to lease.
We want to encourage staff to use more sustainable forms of transport.
More vehicles used by the Trust will be electric, and better for the environment.