21 November 2017
NHS Digital has outlined ambitious targets to reduce its carbon footprint following the launch of the Sustainable Development Management Plan.
The plan aims to cut the organisation's carbon output by 34 per cent by 2020, in line with the Green Government Commitment (GGC), which all arm's length bodies and government departments need to comply with.
NHS Digital will be looking to go greener through a range of initiatives including reducing emissions from running its estate, as well as cutting travel and adopting more sustainable procurement procedures.
The plan was approved by NHS Digital's board on November 8.
Carl Vincent, NHS Digital Chief Financial Officer, said: "The Sustainable Development Management Plan is an ambitious report that helps to identify the direction we need to travel in order to become a sustainable organisation and reduce our carbon footprint.
"It also sets out plans for how we will work with the NHS Sustainable Development Unit to look at ways to help the rest of the NHS reduce their digital carbon footprint and make cost savings.
"We will kick start our carbon reduction programme with staff with the Big Green Challenge at the beginning of December encouraging everyone who works at NHS Digital to help us with this important work.
"This is just the start of our plan to reduce our carbon footprint and support the Government's sustainability commitments.
"Everyone is encouraged to get involved, as we will only be able to deliver these changes with support from the whole organisation."
The full report can be read here
ENDS