One in five don’t have an agreed plan to meet net-zero goals. One in four using fossil fuels for over 90% of their energy. Trusts turning to technology to make progress – almost two-thirds using solutions to optimise energy use.
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New research reveals that NHS Trusts across England are making headway towards net-zero targets but a significant number still lack clear plans and measurement practices to reduce their carbon emissions.
There are marked improvements in technology adoption, digitalisation, renewable technologies, and energy efficiency drives. However, there are ongoing challenges developing robust sustainability strategies in the NHS and a continued heavy reliance on fossil fuels.
This is according to Freedom of Information (FOI) data from 66 NHS Trusts in England, released today by Schneider Electric, the global energy technology leader.
Key findings include:
Clear and actionable plans needed for NHS Trusts to ensure long term progress towards targets
One in five Trusts (21%) don’t have a clear roadmap to meet the NHS net-zero targets although this is an improvement from 31% in 2024
One in five Trusts (21%) are not measuring their carbon footprint, although this has improved from 29% in 2024
One in four (26%) remain heavily dependent on fossil fuels, with 90% of their energy coming from these sources
Technology and digitalisation at the core of NHS sustainability initiatives
64% have adopted technology to monitor and optimise energy use, up from 48% in 2024
64% of Trusts have upgraded building systems
33% have digitised electrical infrastructure and energy sources to drive efficiencies
30% of Trusts have adopted circular business practices, up from 19% in 2024. This includes the refurbishment and redistribution of medical equipment
Funding accelerates with NHS Trust spending prioritised around renewables and energy efficiency initiatives
Significant boost in funds with nine in ten (89%) Trusts receiving funding for decarbonisation projects, compared to 67% in 2024
Funding is being prioritised around:
64% invested in solar panels and other renewable sources, compared to 16% last year
53% upgraded Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems
68% have used funding to install energy efficient technologies and equipment such as LED lighting, an increase of 28% from 2024
9% have introduced training to encourage behavioural change
"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," said Alice Williams, Schneider Electric’s VP Digital Energy, UK&I. “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.”
Methodology
These findings are based on an FOI request which received 66 responses from NHS Trusts in England.
Related resources:
The All-Electric Hospital: a smarter way to power patient care
Circle Health Group Saves Over £200k Working with Schneider Electric to Deliver a Connected, Digitised Healthcare Estate
Schneider Electric reveals a third of NHS Trusts in England are still not measuring their carbon footprint, despite pledges to reach net-zero by 2040 – FOI research 2024
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