Our Green Plan, ambition and achievements

Our journey to net zero by 2045

  • Significant progress since 2021: reduced building energy emissions, greenhouse gases from anaesthetic gases, and improved waste management.
  • 4.5 kt CO₂e reduction in building energy since 2019/20; 50 MWh generated annually from on-site solar panels.
  • Achieved zero waste to landfill and improved clinical waste segregation.
  • Electric vehicles for staff pool cars and community response; 100% electrified fleet for pool cars.
  • Electronic patient record system implemented, streamlining patient data and reducing paper use by 50%.
  • Air-sourced heat pumps installed across hospital sites; combined heat and power system at Wexham Park generates 8 GWh electricity annually.
  • New inpatient and diagnostic unit at Frimley Park showcases modular, sustainable design and solar panels installed.
  • Community Diagnostic Centre in Slough opening spring 2026, featuring solar panels, heat pumps, and EV charging.
  • Reusable surgical gowns, hats, and maternity delivery kits introduced, reducing single-use plastics.
  • Inhaler recycling scheme and switch to lower-carbon inhalers reducing emissions whilst ensuring excellent respiratory care.
  • Staff engagement: Green Champions network, learning opportunities, newsletter.

Focus areas and future commitments

Three strategic pillars and focus areas

Patient-centred sustainable care models: delivering safe, efficient, and low-carbon care, supported by digital transformation and innovative care models.

  • Low carbon care and digital transformation adoption: GIRFT principles implementation, green emergency department and sustainability in quality Improvement.
  • Supply chain and resource use: social value fully integrated and assured in all tenders; increasing re-usable medical textiles and medical equipment.
  • Optimising medicines: though reducing volatile gases emissions and improving stock management.

Modern infrastructure: optimising energy demand and consumption and have facilities that are fit for purpose and comfortable for staff and patients.

  • Estates decarbonisation: setting a trajectory to reduce estates emissions and embed sustainability in new builds (e.g. new Frimley Park Hospital).
  • Waste management: reduce waste and increase recycling initiatives (walking aids, inhalers, surgical wraps), and food waste reduction.
  • Travel and transport: electrification of fleet, expansion of EV charging, active travel infrastructure, active travel and car sharing schemes.
  • Climate resilience: climate risk assessments and adaptation plan.

Transitioning our organisation to a sustainable organisation: meeting our legal obligations and ensuring sustainability is embedded in everything, including bringing staff and community alongside on the net zero journey.

  • Corporate approach: a robust governance that is delivery and impact focused and tracking and reporting progress to the Trust Board.
  • Workforce, education, and community engagement: expanding Green Champions, embedding sustainability in training and recruitment, and promoting awareness.
  • Biodiversity and green spaces: maintaining and improving natural habitats, annual volunteering days, and minimum 10% biodiversity net gain for new builds.