A new sustainable transport and Infrastructure framework agreement has been launched by NHS Shared Business Service (NHS SBS) to support the service in lowering its carbon output.
The move, designed to assist with the NHS’ 2040 net zero ambitions, provides the service with a simple way to find and appoint the services of fully vetted providers quickly and compliantly.
The NHS accounts for 4% of the nation’s total carbon footprint, and according to NHS England, emissions from travel and transport account for 14% of its overall carbon footprint. This includes 4% for business travel and fleet transport, 5% for patient travel, 4% for staff commutes and 1% for visitor travel.
Transitioning fleets to zero-emission vehicles, encouraging employees towards active forms of travel like cycling, walking and car sharing and looking to low carbon logistics and transportation of goods using pedal power, are some of the interventions the NHS is putting in place to meet its sustainable transport objectives.
The NHS net zero transport stratrgy for 2033 will see staff travel emissions reduced by 50% through shifts to more sustainable forms of travel and electrification of personal vehicles. From 2030, all new ambulances will be zero emission vehicles. From 2040, all owned, leased and commissioned vehicles will be zero emission.
Infrastructure will be required for such shifts, and the new framework aims to assist with the creation of solar panel car parks, sustainable transport consultancy services, EV solutions and active travel.
Anjub Ali, Senior Construction Specialist at NHS SBS commented: “The NHS has set out ambitious goals en route to Net Zero 2040. Our framework agreement provides all NHS organisations with a convenient and compliant way of purchasing a wide range of sustainable transport services and infrastructure to help it get there.
“We have worked with NHS Sustainability, Estates and Procurement colleagues in designing this framework, and aligned it to fulfil the common themes which have emerged from NHS Trusts’ Green Travel plans, so it includes a range of suppliers providing transport and infrastructure-related services to support the NHS on its journey. “
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