Reducing our carbon footprint

We can and must act now to tackle the causes of climate change. By reducing emissions, we can play our part in slowing the pace of climate change and avoiding its worst consequences.

For us, this means achieving net zero as an organisation by 2030. Net zero means balancing the greenhouse gases we emit with those that are removed from the atmosphere so we’re no longer contributing to climate change.

We are acting now to reduce our emissions:

• We’re making our existing buildings more efficient and investing in renewable energy.
• We’re providing facilities that make it easier for staff to choose active travel or public transport and encouraging flexible working to reduce unnecessary car journeys.
• We’re also improving access to EV charging for our staff, as well as electrifying our own fleet of vehicles.
• We’re working with our Microbiology labs to help them reduce single use plastics and develop more environmentally friendly practices.

Plans

The NHS in Wales has a plan to reduce health sector emissions across our estates, energy use, transport and our supply chains. Public Health Wales’ Decarbonisation and Sustainability Plan brings our actions together and helps monitor the progress we are making.

The Healthy Travel Charter in Wales promotes sustainable and healthy travel to improve public health, improve air quality and reduce carbon emissions. It encourages organisations to support their staff and visitors in making active travel choices, such as walking and cycling, as well as using public transport and electric vehicles. Charters are in place in every region of Wales, with over 70 organisations signing up including Public Health Wales, health boards and local councils.