New carbon-cutting strategy unveiled by DoH

A new guide to reduce the NHS’ carbon footprint has been unveiled by the Department of Health (DoH).

Named Strategy, Saving Carbon, Improving Health, the paper sets out ways the organisation can achive the government’s target of reducing carbon emissions by 80 per cent by 2050.

Currently, the NHS produces 18 million tonnes of CO2 per year, accounting for 25 per cent of the public sector’s carbon footprint.

Speaking at the launch, the organisation’s chief executive David Nicholson said the NHS “needs to lead by example”.

He continued: “I want to encourage NHS staff to really get involved and do their bit to create a greener NHS.”

Last month, public health minister Dawn Primarolo unveiled public health campaigns that are set to be released over this year.

Focusing on healthy eating, exercise and alcohol consumption, the scheme is to allow the general public understand the Know Your Limits campaign, which was launched in May 2008.