The NHS Sustainability Agenda 2024
In a dynamic and insightful panel discussion, our esteemed guests from the NHS delved into the intricacies of sustainable practices within the healthcare sector, what their Trusts achieved in 2023 and what’s on their sustainability agenda for the next coming years.
Our Sustainability Agenda Panellists
Nicci Stephens, Environment and Sustainability Manager at the Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust
Richard Schofield, Southwest Regional SRO, Greener NHS, NHS England
Ben Tongue, Digital NetZero Lead for NHS England
As always, the panel was led by our founder, Georgia Halston. We also heard from our sponsor of this event, Tim Evans, Founder & CEO of 3ti Energy Hubs.
Nicci Stephens - Pioneering Sustainability at the Welsh Ambulance Service NHS Trust
Nicci Stephens, the Environment and Sustainability Manager at the Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust, kicked off the discussion. With nearly 13 years of experience, Nicci shed light on the challenges and triumphs of fostering sustainability within a diverse operational landscape. Operating across 115 buildings and a fleet of over 800 vehicles, the Welsh Ambulance Service is navigating Wales' ambitious goal of reducing emissions by 34% by 2030. Nicci highlighted innovative solutions, such as a bespoke Building Management System and collaborations with Swansea University, resulting in a commendable 55% reduction in operational carbon. Despite resource limitations, the Trust remains steadfast in its commitment to achieving ambitious sustainability targets over the next five years.
Richard Schofield - Charting a Sustainable Path for NHS England
Following Nicci, Richard Schofield, Southwest Regional SRO for Greener NHS at NHS England, provided a comprehensive overview of the NHS's strides in sustainability. Over the past 18 months, increased engagement and voluntary leadership initiatives have marked a positive shift. Notable successes include reducing carbon footprint in medicines and early adoption of carbon reduction initiatives in estates. Richard emphasised a strategic approach, focusing on impactful initiatives rather than numerous small-scale efforts, aligning with the NHS's commitment to sustainability across various facets.
Ben Tongue - Advancing the Greener Digital Agenda
Ben Tongue, Digital NetZero Lead for NHS England, took the stage to address the critical role of digital advancements in sustainability. Highlighting the Green Tech programme, Ben underscored the evolution of the greener digital agenda and engaged the audience in a quiz on the environmental impact of digital services. Collaboration with the supply chain emerged as a crucial aspect, with Ben emphasising the importance of considering sustainability outcomes and encouraging audience participation in ongoing initiatives.
Tim Evans - Driving on Sunshine with 3ti Energy Hubs
Our sponsor, Tim Evans from 3ti Energy Hubs, rounded off the discussion by presenting the innovative solutions his company offers. Specialising in combining solar, batteries, and EV charging, 3Ti showcased a recent project with Eastbourne Hospital featuring 20 EV chargers. Tim discussed the global shift towards full electrification with renewable energy by 2050 and outlined the steps required to meet this goal in the UK. With a focus on tripling electricity generation, expanding solar energy, and investing in grid upgrades, 3Ti is at the forefront of driving the transition from fossil fuels to solar energy.
Thank You for Joining Us!
A big thank you to everyone who attended the event. The valuable insights and commitment to sustainability shared by our panellists and sponsor set the stage for a greener future in healthcare.
Stay tuned for more exciting events throughout the year by exploring our upcoming events page.