NHS Lanarkshire’s Sustainability and Environmental Team has thanked staff, partners and the community for their feedback during their engagement on its Sustainability & Climate Change strategic plan.
The new Sustainability and Climate Change strategic plan set out the board’s ambitions to become a net-zero organisation by 2040. The engagement process, which came to a close on 10 September, asked for the views of stakeholders before the final plan is launched in the coming months.
Head of sustainability & environmental management, Michael Simpson, NHS Lanarkshire. said: “In responding to the climate emergency, NHS Lanarkshire has a draft Sustainability & Climate Change strategic plan. Recently shared across the Board and externally, the document sets out the Board’s ambitions to become a net-zero organisation by 2040 at the latest. Based on three pillars of Our NHS, Our People, Our Planet, the document reflects national ambitions and policy and covers areas such as:
- Climate Change adaptation and continued provision of service
- Energy consumption reduction
- Sustainability and active modes of travel
“After concluding a period of engagement of the strategy, we were really keen to make sure the document was shared as widely as possible and was accessible for all. Whilst significant progress on sustainability has been made to date, we recognise significant challenges face us. I’d like to thank staff and external partners for their engagement in the strategy.”
The review of the proposed strategy also coincides with Scotland’s Climate Week which takes place this week (26th September – 2nd October), and is an annual event to raise awareness of the global climate emergency and encourages climate action across the country.
Michael added: “Scotland’s Climate Week is a great opportunity to learn more about what climate change is, the ways we can help tackle it in our everyday lives and how collectively we can work to reduce our emissions and limit any further damage.
“NHS Lanarkshire will continue to play our role in reducing our carbon footprint, as we look towards a net-zero carbon NHS, and I’m confident that by working together with our people, our partners and our communities, we can ensure Lanarkshire is a greener, healthier and happier place.”
