Figures just released show that NHS Forth Valley is making good progress with cutting back its carbon footprint.
The Board’s Climate Change Report for 2021/22 shows that the Board has reduced reportable carbon emissions by 33.6% from the 2014/15 baseline – this is a reduction of over 9,000 tonnes of carbon.
However, NHS Scotland’s new target, introduced in November 2021, is to be a net-zero carbon health service by 2040, an extremely challenging target that will mean big changes to the way we deliver healthcare.
The problems currently faced by our health system are compounded by the cost of living crisis and rising prices. Innovation and improvement are key to tackling the climate emergency and delivering a sustainable health and care system.
Derek Jarvie, NHS Forth Valley’s Environmental and Sustainability Manager, explained: “Our clinicians and staff must be at the heart of the Board’s climate emergency response. We need to reduce waste in the healthcare system and consider the costs of the decisions we make.
“We are already having to make changes to the way we live our personal lives to reduce costs, which in many cases also reduces environmental impacts. I would ask everyone to consider how they can improve and innovate to deliver more sustainable healthcare and what changes could be made to reduce environmental impacts in their area of work.”
