Gloucestershire Hospitals cuts carbon emissions in latest sustainability report
Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has reported a 2.4% reduction in carbon emissions for 2024-25 compared to the previous year- the equivalent to the annual energy use of around 2,500 homes.
This reflects the Trust’s ongoing commitment to delivering greener, more sustainable healthcare for the people of Gloucestershire.
The Hospital Trust’s Sustainability Report for 2024–25 key highlights include:
- A 3.5% reduction in waste and a 15% drop in associated carbon emissions, due to improved waste segregation, reduced chemical waste and new initiatives like the expansion of food waste recycling.
- The installation of a new Entonox Processing Unit in maternity services, which captures and neutralises nitrous oxide (commonly known as gas and air). Previously, Entonox use at the Trust contributed around 500 tonnes of CO₂ a year, equivalent to 7 million car miles. The new unit significantly cuts emissions, improving air quality.
- Investing in estate improvements including triple glazing of the Tower Block at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, new solar panels and the ongoing rollout of LED lighting across both hospital sites.
- A 9% reduction in anaesthetic gas-related emissions, equivalent to 90 return flights from London to New York.
- Over 180,000 online appointments, helping patients avoid unnecessary travel.
Will Cleary-Gray, Director of Improvement and Delivery at Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said, “It is encouraging to see progress from our sustainability efforts, but we know that reaching net zero by 2040 is a long-term commitment. Climate change is one of the biggest threats to public health and it will take continued investment and innovation. Our priority now is to build on this momentum and make sure sustainability becomes part of everything we do for patients, staff and the community.”
The report also outlines future projects for next year, including electric vehicle feasibility studies, further water efficiency upgrades, reusable sharps bins and expansion of biodiversity and green spaces across hospital sites.
These efforts align with the NHS’s national ambition to be carbon neutral by 2040.