Climate change is the single greatest threat to global health and, without action, it will define the health profile of current and future generations and significantly challenge health and care systems.
In response to the climate emergency, we have created a civic partnership with Newcastle City Council and Newcastle University, making Newcastle upon Tyne the first UK city to have all three anchor institutions committed to a priority of achieving carbon neutrality by 2040, in order to improve the health, wealth and wellbeing of our local population.
Our vision
To be a global leader in sustainable healthcare delivery through collaboration and innovation and helping our patients and communities to thrive within the means of the planet.
Our goals
Zero carbon care
- By 2030 the emissions we control will be net-zero – our Newcastle Hospitals carbon footprint.
- By 2040 the emissions we can influence will be net zero – our Newcastle Hospitals carbon footprint. plus
Clean air
- By 2030 our operational transport activities generate no harmful air pollution.
- By 2040 our healthcare facilities are accessed only by zero emission travel.
Zero waste
- By 2030 we will reuse and repair everything that can be reused and repaired.
- By 2040 we will produce no waste. We will manage resources within the circular economy, with items surplus to requirements becoming a resource in another part of the system.
Towards Net Zero and carbon neutrality
The graphic below outlines our main priorities.
 | 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 |
If we work together, by 2040:
- We will have transitioned our buildings and facilities away from fossil fuels and towards careful use of the earth’s precious and limited resources.
- In delivering our services, we will always champion re-use over single-use items, reducing waste.
- Our buildings will be surrounded by biodiverse green spaces, accessible to patients, visitors, staff and the local community. Nature will be allowed to thrive, patients’ recovery will be enhanced, visitors will be able to take a moment for themselves, and staff will rest and replenish their energy reserves.
- We will completely replace the use of petrol and diesel vehicles for the delivery of our care, resulting in cleaner air and a healthier environment.
- All of our suppliers will have aligned their carbon reduction plans with ours.
Watch our short video to hear more about our climate emergency commitments – we call this sustainable healthcare in Newcastle (Shine):
Contact us
Email: nuth.environment@nhs.net
Follow us
Twitter: @SustainableNUTH
