Better prepared for ‘extreme events’

She highlights a number of useful guidance publications and information sources on the subject, discusses recent research, and focusses on where key lessons may be learned from past experience

The healthcare sector has made encouraging progress on the sustainability front in recent years. With the launch of a new integrated sustainable development strategy, Sustainable Development Strategy for the NHS, Public Health and Social Care System 2014-2020, in January 2014, the NHS and Public Health England made a commitment to work together and in partnership with others to tackle the challenges of climate change. This commitment builds on continuing efforts to reduce the sector’s CO2 footprint, which include green travel initiatives and cycle-to- work schemes, more energy-efficient processes and equipment, allotments to boost biodiversity, waste reduction and recycling initiatives, and consideration of sustainability in procurement.¹ The NHS reported a 5.5 percent reduction in carbon from 2007 to 2012,² although its building stock remains heavily carbon-intensive. Accountable for some 3 per cent of all UK emissions, and 30 per cent of public sector emissions, the NHS estate has an important role to play in meeting the UK’s CO2 reduction targets.

Importantly, the strategy also recognised adapting to climate change as a crucial element of sustainability – through its core commitment to supporting resilient communities and services in the face of a changing climate.