Sustainable UHS

Our updated Green Plan

Our revised Green Plan sets out how University Hospital Southampton will reduce its environmental impact and support the NHS ambition to reach net zero. Building on the progress made since our first plan in 2022, it outlines the priorities and actions we will take over the next three years to deliver sustainable healthcare for our patients, staff and communities.

Why sustainability matters

Climate change is the greatest public health challenge of our time. As one of the largest employers in Southampton, and with an energy use comparable to all the households in Winchester combined, UHS has a significant influence on the health of our local population and environment. By reducing our environmental footprint, we can help prevent illness, improve health outcomes and create a more resilient NHS.

Since 2022, we’ve already reduced high-carbon anaesthetic gases, advanced digital care, and secured major investment in solar energy, LED lighting and other low-carbon improvements. This updated plan builds on those foundations with clear priorities across clinical care, travel, estates, medicines, procurement, digital services, food, green space and climate adaptation.

A message from Paul Grundy, chief medical officer

“We recognise the importance of effective, co-ordinated action to address the impacts of climate change and reduce the environmental impact of our Trust. Building on the progress made between 2022-25, this updated Green Plan outlines the actions UHS will take over the next three years to become a sustainable organisation and remain fully compliant with the NHS Net Zero 2040 Plan.

We will position sustainability at the heart of all decisions across the Trust, with clear responsibility, accountability and strong leadership. These actions apply to everyone at UHS, including our suppliers, and have been developed together with our clinical and non-clinical teams.”

Read the full revised Green Plan here