Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust has made significant progress in reducing our emissions from our own activities in recent years. Investment in technologies such as bio diesel CHP’s (combined heat and power) providing heat and electricity at zero carbon reducing emissions by around 800 tonnes whilst also generating an income from Renewable Obligation Certificates (ROC) sales.
The Trust recognises the enormity of climate change and the issues it presents to the health of everyone including our local community, the wider North East region and beyond; in particular the key issue of air quality which is linked to respiratory
diseases, heart disease and cancer.
As one of the largest employers in the area, we create a significant carbon footprint and contribution to air pollution, with the NHS as a whole responsible for around 5% of England’s carbon footprint and 6.7bn road miles from patients and visitors. We must take conscious action on how we impact air quality, from staff, patients and suppliers and our impact on climate change.
This Green Plan will set out the short term pathways to meet the longer term targets of ‘net zero’ by 2040 and 2045 and incorporate the priority areas and actions from the Delivering ‘Net Zero’ NHS report and the regional ICS Green Plan as it is vital that we work collectively as a region to deliver change.
Whilst we’ve had some achievements there is still so much more needed to be undertaken together and as individuals, as it is everyone’s responsibility to take action and reduce the negative impact upon the planet and the subsequent health impacts. It may seem a daunting task but for every small change made, a difference can be achieved and will benefit the lives of many.