Health service must cut CO2 emissions

The NHS has pledged to reduce its carbon dioxide emissions in a bid to fight global warming.

Health minister Ivan Lewis yesterday launched a consultation on the Carbon Reduction Strategy, which commits the NHS to reduce these emissions by 60% by 2050 in all areas of the health service.

Mr Lewis added: 'As part of our commitment to sustainable development we will work with the NHS to enable organisations to reduce their carbon footprints.

'Climate change also has real health implications and so we are taking action to help people adapt to our changing climate.'

The NHS is responsible for more than 18 million tonnes of carbon dioxide per year and is the largest public sector contributor to climate change.

In total the NHS is responsible for 3% of the country's carbon dioxide emissions, Mr Lewis said.
Anyone wishing to contribute to the consultation can do so via the NHS Sustainable Development Unit website.