According to Freedom of Information (FOI) data from 66 NHS Trusts in England – released by Schneider Electric – while there are marked improvements in technology adoption, digitalisation, renewable technologies, and energy efficiency drive, there are ongoing challenges developing robust sustainability strategies in the NHS and a continued heavy reliance on fossil fuels.
Key findings include:
- One in five Trusts (21 per cent) don’t have a clear roadmap to meet the NHS net-zero targets although this is an improvement from 31 per cent in 2024
- One in five Trusts (21 per cent) are not measuring their carbon footprint, although this has improved from 29 per cent in 2024
- One in four (26 per cent) remain heavily dependent on fossil fuels, with 90 per cent of their energy coming from these sources
When it comes to technology and digitalisation:
- 64 per cent of Trusts have adopted technology to monitor and optimise energy use – up from 48 per cent in 2024
- 64 per cent of Trusts have upgraded building systems
- 33 per cent have digitised electrical infrastructure and energy sources to drive efficiencies
- 64 per cent invested in solar panels and other renewable sources, compared to 16 per cent last year
- 53 per cent upgraded Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems
- 68 per cent have used funding to install energy efficient technologies and equipment such as LED lighting, an increase of 28 per cent from 2024
Alice Williams, Schneider Electric’s VP Digital Energy, UK&I, said: “We’ve just passed the five-year mark since the NHS committed to reaching net-zero for direct emissions by 2040, the world’s first healthcare system to do so. We should be proud of this and the way in which Trusts are embracing sustainability and making progress towards these targets. But, with energy usage and rising costs major challenges for the NHS, there is still much work to be done. Renewable sources, modern technology, and digital solutions offer a real opportunity to upgrade existing options, paving the way for a more sustainable and robust NHS for the future.”