Sustainability 

Climate change is a health emergency. In October 2022, the NHS became the world’s first health system to commit to reaching net zero carbon.  NHS Greater Manchester’s vision is to improve the health and wellbeing of all residents of Greater Manchester whilst minimising environmental impacts through the delivery of sustainable healthcare and increasing focus on public health.

Through the delivery of the NHS GM Green Plan, published May 2022, we will build resilience across the system to deal with the impacts of climate change and promote health equity. To achieve this vision, we have set two overarching goals: 

• To achieve a net zero NHS GM Integrated Care Carbon Footprint by 2038 – this target is the science-based approach outlined in the GMCA 5-Year Environment Plan. We will seek assurance that providers are delivering against their own plans, whilst focusing on priorities that we can deliver most effectively by working together. 

• To achieve a net zero NHS GM Integrated Care Carbon Footprint Plus by 2045 – this is a national NHS target to eliminate the carbon impact of the goods and services we buy. We will work closely with national and regional partners to achieve this.

What is sustainable healthcare? 

Sustainable healthcare delivers high quality care without damaging the environment, is affordable now and in the future and delivers positive social impact. Health systems consume enormous quantities of materials, energy, chemicals, and water, and they produce vast amounts of waste, much of it toxic. A more efficient and sustainable health system would not use resources in a way that adversely affects the health of the population or prevent tomorrow's health professionals from providing care.