Net Zero Carbon and Sustainability Network
Aims and Objectives
The aims and objectives of this group are:
- Collaborate and share knowledge
- Achieve a unified vision for Net Zero across the NAA
- To support each other with the Net Zero transition
Benefits
- Improved staff engagement on the sustainability agenda
- Improved learning around carbon literacy
- Co-ordinated and evidence based approach to large scale improvement priorities
- Working with local healthcare providers on the wider sustainability agenda
Background - Greener NHS
In October 2020, the Greener NHS scheme was launched by the NHS setting bold targets to reduce and eliminate emissions in line with the climate emergency. There are two targets for the NHS Net Zero commitment, based on the scale of the challenge posed by climate change, current knowledge, and the interventions as well as assumptions that underpin this analysis:
NHS Carbon Footprint Analysis
The carbon footprint of the NHS is broken down into two areas:
NHS Carbon Footprint - Scope 1 and 2 (direct and indirect) - for the emissions we control directly (the NHS Carbon Footprint), net zero by 2040, with an ambition to reach an 80% reduction by 2028 to 2032
NHS Carbon Footprint Plus - Scope 3 (indirect and travel) - for the emissions we can influence (our NHS Carbon Footprint Plus), net zero by 2045, with an ambition to reach an 80% reduction by 2036 to 2039.
Net Zero Projects
The NAA Net Zero Carbon group have set up a few key working groups. These include:
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous Oxide is a greenhouse gas that is used for analgesia within the ambulance service. It is 300 times more potent than carbon dioxide. Nationally Nitrous Oxide contributes to around 10% of Scope 1 and 2 emissions of all ambulance services, accounting for another Ambulance Services emissions. In order to achieve a Net Zero Ambulance Service, we need to look at options for reducing, destroying and eliminating its use from the ambulance service. A working party has been established to assess the use, the viable options for destruction and the alternatives to Nitrous Oxide use.
EV Charging points
With the move to zero emission vehicles, the EV charging point installation is a critical infrastructure roll out to support the alternative fuel infrastructure. The NAA network are installing EV charging points and these are now embedded in the capital upgrade programmes and projects are being put together to roll out EV charging across the region. The NZC group are also working closely with hospitals and other healthcare providers to come up with solutions for charging on their sites. One of the aims is to have a unified charging system that all ambulance services can use when they cross their county boundaries.
Carbon Literacy
As a group the NZC team are working to establish a network of climate literate executives within the ambulance service. By working to make all the executives across the NAA region carbon literate, we can ensure that carbon reduction and sustainability are embedded through our business cases.
Biodiesel
Across the NAA region, the fleets are looking to move to a biodiesel based fuel in the transition to zero emission vehicles. This will ensure that there is a reduction in carbon emissions whilst the fleet managers explore zero emission options like electric and hydrogen vehicles.
Climate Adaptation
Across the North of England, climate change is already starting to affect our patients, our response times and the types of incidents that we are responding to.
By working collaboratively, the ambulance service will combine information on climate adaptation from flooding to heat waves, sea level rise to forest and moorland fires. We need to incorporate into our business plans and estates strategies how we mitigate climate change as well as adapt to the impacts.
Further Information
For further information contact: Alexis Percival at Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust, alexis.percival@nhs.net