Primary care is responsible for approximately 23% of NHS England’s emissions footprint — about 5.75 million tonnes per year, amounting to 1% of UK greenhouse gas emissions. In primary care in England, clinical carbon accounts for about 60% of emissions, with pharmaceuticals being the biggest ‘hotspot’. For non-clinical carbon (the remaining 40%), ‘hotspots’ include staff and patient travel and energy use.
At South East London ICS, General Practice clinical emissions total 45,304 tonnes CO2e, while non-clinical emissions total 30,867 CO2e – we need your help to reach net-zero!
To support team members on their journey to create a net-zero practice, South East London ICS has produced a Primary Care Green Plan that focuses on mainstreaming sustainability into primary care. The plan contains a number of actions and whilst commitment from all partners will be critical, the ICB will be engaging with General Practices and PCNs to design the most efficient and effective way to deliver these objectives.