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Cornwall NHS region commits to net zero by 2030

Published March 30, 2020

Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly’s NHS organisations have committed to a net zero target of 2030, the most ambitious net zero deadline set by any NHS region to date.

According to the Edie news service, the region’s sustainability and transformation partnership (STP), will work together to create an environment plan covering all organisations in the partnership.

The STP covers the Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Plymouth Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust, South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, Kernow Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), and Kernow Health Community Interest Company (CIC), as well as Cornwall Council and the Council of the Isles of Scilly.

While some smaller NHS entities have 2030 deadlines, Cornwall is the only region to set such a near deadline. NHS Greater Manchester has set a 2038 deadline to reach net zero. Newcastle Upon Tyne NHS Foundation Trust is aiming for 2040.

Over the next six months, Cornwall Council will work with the University of Exeter to produce a baseline carbon calculation for the NHS organisations and action plans for high emission producing sites.

The STP will form a system-wide sustainability board. All NHS organisations in the region will be required to add climate risks to their risk registers.

The 2030 target covers Scope 1 (direct) and Scope 2 (power-related) emissions, but apparently not Scope 3 (indirect). Meanwhile, NHS Property Services (NHSPS) is currently switching to 100% renewable electricity. The organisation manages 3,500 NHS buildings, including hospitals, health centres, and GP surgeries.

Tags Cornwall Cornwall Council Isles of Scilly Net Zero Net Zero 2030 NHS Scope 1 Scope 2