University to lead NHS carbon footprint hub

Exeter University will lead research on how the NHS can reduce its carbon footprint

A £6.5m hub that will research ways to help the NHS reduce its carbon footprint will be led by the University of Exeter.

The centre is one of seven funded by £42m government investment across the UK, each tackling different net-zero challenges.

The Exeter hub will work with various UK partners to identify ways to make the NHS environmentally sustainable and meet its net-zero target by 2045.

The centre's director Prof Ed Wilson said: "We'll be looking at a patient's journey through the NHS and social care, finding where the carbon hotspots are and seeing what we can do to make them carbon neutral."

The NHS said it had already reduced its carbon footprint and was on course for an 80% reduction on 1990 levels of emissions directly in their control by 2030.

However, emissions have increased from travel, waste and from companies who make drugs, devices and supplies used by hospitals and care facilities.

"This isn't just about reducing travel and unnecessary waste but about helping the NHS' suppliers - the companies who make our drugs, medical devices and everyday items like swabs, sheets and hospital gowns - to redesign their processes to reduce carbon emissions," said Prof Wilson.

Ed Wilson, professor of health economics and health policy at the University of Exeter, will lead the hub

Exeter University will work in collaboration with organisations in the south-west of England and across the UK.

These include the Royal Devon University NHS Foundation Trust, the Cornwall Partners NHS Foundation Trust and Volunteer Cornwall.

Adrian Harris, chief medical officer at the Royal Devon, said the hub would provide "cutting-edge research and ground-breaking innovation".

"Being a key partner in this project allows us to further strengthen our relationship with the University of Exeter and is another step towards establishing the Royal Devon as a pioneer in innovation," he added.

Beth Chapman, consultant psychiatrist from Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, said it was "essential" to reduce carbon footprints and provide a health service fit for the future.