Our Green Plan 2025-2028
Working Together for a Healthier, Greener Future
At Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust (HDFT), we are proud to play our part in creating a more sustainable NHS. Climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time – and how we respond will shape the health of our patients, our communities, and future generations.
The NHS has committed to becoming the world’s first net zero health service, and our Green Plan 2025–2028 sets out how we will contribute to that goal over the next three years.
Building on our progress
This is our second Green Plan, following the foundations we laid in 2022–2025. In that time, we have:
- Cut our direct carbon emissions by over 51% compared to 1990 levels.
- Completely removed desflurane, a highly polluting anaesthetic gas, from clinical use.
- Invested more than £20 million in energy-saving measures, including heat pumps, solar panels, LED lighting, and insulation.
- Expanded the use of digital consultations, reducing travel for patients and staff.
- Planted new trees and created greener spaces across our sites as part of the NHS Forest initiative.
Our priorities for 2025–2028
The new Green Plan is about action and acceleration. Over the next three years we will focus on the areas where we can make the biggest difference:
Energy Decarbonisation
- Deliver a further 1,700 tCO₂e reduction in emissions.
- Increase renewable energy generation on our sites.
- Improve energy efficiency across our hospitals and community bases.
Travel and Transport
- Transition our business fleet to ultra-low or zero-emission vehicles by 2028.
- Support staff, patients, and visitors to choose sustainable travel options.
Supply Chain and Procurement
- Cut single-use plastics by 10% by 2028.
- Work with suppliers to align with the NHS Net Zero Supplier Roadmap, reducing emissions embedded in the goods and services we buy.
Climate Adaptation and Resilience
- Prepare our sites and services for the effects of climate change, with robust adaptation and business continuity plans in place by 2028.
Our green champions
We know real change is only possible when everyone plays their part. Our Green Champions Network brings together staff and volunteers across the Trust to lead local initiatives, share ideas, and inspire action. From reducing waste to encouraging active travel, every small step adds up to big change.
Measuring our impact
Progress will be monitored through clear targets and regular reporting:
- Monthly dashboards to track emissions and project milestones.
- Bi-monthly updates to the Trust Board.
- Annual reporting to the NHS and our local communities for full transparency.
A call to action
Sustainability is at the heart of how we deliver safe, effective, and high-quality healthcare. But this journey isn’t just about the Trust – it’s about all of us.
We invite our staff, partners, patients, and communities to get involved:
- Share your ideas for greener healthcare.
- Join our Green Champions Network.
- Support sustainable choices in your workplace and community.
Together, we can deliver a healthier, fairer, and more sustainable future for everyone.
Contact the Green Plan Team by emailing [email protected]
