The Climate Emergency is recognised as the single greatest threat to global health.
Global temperatures have already increased by 1.1oC from pre-industrial levels and are projected to continue beyond the 1.5oC tipping point for irreversible temperature change.
Without action, climate change will define the health profile of current and future generations and will challenge already overwhelmed health systems.
First to declare a Climate Emergency
In June 2019, Newcastle Hospitals became the first healthcare organisation in the world to declare a Climate Emergency. This is our recognition that a climate emergency is a health emergency and a commitment to becoming a net-zero carbon organisation by 2040.
By joining forces with Newcastle City Council and Newcastle University we have created a civic partnership resulting in Newcastle upon Tyne being the first city in the UK to have all three anchor institutions declare a climate emergency and commit to achieving carbon neutrality by 2040.
Together we have committed to improving the health, wealth and wellbeing of our local population and tackling climate change is a shared priority for us all.
Sustainable Healthcare in Newcastle (Shine)
Watch our short video animation to hear about our Climate Emergency commitments and our Shine work:
What we are doing
Our vision, long-term goals and priority actions for the next five years is set out in our:
Within the strategy you will find out more about our vision, long-term goals and priority actions for the next five years:
Our Shine Report for 2021-2022
In June 2019, Newcastle Hospitals became the first healthcare organisation in the world to declare a climate emergency, recognising the threat that climate breakdown poses to public health, and committing to becoming carbon neutral by 2040.
In October 2020 our Climate Emergency Strategy was launched and this report details what we have achieved in the last year, and what we plan to do in the coming year to achieve our ambitious goals.
Our Shine Report for 2021-2022 outlines our overall performance, including our total carbon footprint, for the year. As well as our actions and achievements in our eight key action areas:
- Energy
- Water
- Waste
- Buildings & Land
- Journeys
- Purchasing
- Adaptation
- Models of Care
- People
Previous Annual Shine Reports
Annual Shine Report 2020/2021Shine Themes
 | Energy – Use energy more efficiently and transition to lower carbon energy sources, to achieve net zero carbon from buildings. |  | Water – Optimise water use in our buildings to eliminate waste. |
 | Buildings and Land – Provide healthy, sustainable and biodiverse spaces for patients, staff and visitors. |  | Waste – Generate less waste, reuse and recycle more, and ensure unavoidable waste is disposed of in the most sustainable way. |
 | Journeys – Improve air quality, and reduce carbon, from journeys associated with our delivery of care. |  | Purchasing – Embed social value and sustainability in to all purchasing decisions, to achieve a net zero carbon supply chain. |
 | Care – Low carbon care pathways and services adapted with climate breakdown in mind |  | People – Inspired, empowered and motivated people enabling the delivery of Shine |
Contact us
Email: nuth.environment@nhs.net
Follow us
Twitter: @SustainableNUTH
