New research from Schneider Electric reveals NHS Trusts in England are making tangible progress on net-zero despite critical gaps in planning and measurement.
Five years on from NHS England's commitment to reach net-zero by 2040, the data paints a mixed picture - with accelerating investment and digital adoption sitting alongside continued reliance on fossil fuels and incomplete decarbonisation strategies.
There are marked improvements in technology adoption, digitalisation, renewable technologies, and energy efficiency drives. However, there are ongoing challenges developing robust sustainability strategies in the NHS and a continued heavy reliance on fossil fuels.
The research was compiled from data obtained from Freedom of Information (FOI) requests to 66 NHS Trusts in England.
Key findings
Clear and actionable plans needed for NHS Trusts to ensure long term progress towards targets
- One in five Trusts (21%) don't have a clear roadmap to meet the NHS net-zero targets although this is an improvement from 31% in 2024
- One in five Trusts (21%) are not measuring their carbon footprint, although this has improved from 29% in 2024
- One in four (26%) remain heavily dependent on fossil fuels, with 90% of their energy coming from these sources
Technology and digitalisation at the core of NHS sustainability initiatives
- 64% have adopted technology to monitor and optimise energy use, up from 48% in 2024
- 64% of Trusts have upgraded building systems
- 33% have digitised electrical infrastructure and energy sources to drive efficiencies
- 30% of Trusts have adopted circular business practices, up from 19% in 2024. This includes the refurbishment and redistribution of medical equipment
Renewable sources, modern technology, and digital solutions offer a real opportunity to upgrade existing options, paving the way for a more sustainable and robust NHS for the future.
Funding priorities
Funding accelerates with NHS Trust spending prioritised around renewables and energy efficiency initiatives
Significant boost in funds with nine in ten (89%) Trusts receiving funding for decarbonisation projects, compared to 67% in 2024
- 64% invested in solar panels and other renewable sources, compared to 16% last year
- 53% upgraded Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems
- 68% have used funding to install energy efficient technologies and equipment such as LED lighting, an increase of 28% from 2024
- 9% have introduced training to encourage behavioural change
Commenting on these findings, Alice Williams, Schneider Electric's VP Digital Energy, UK&I, said: We've just passed the five-year mark since the NHS committed to reaching net-zero for direct emissions by 2040, the world's first healthcare system to do so. We should be proud of this and the way in which Trusts are embracing sustainability and making progress towards these targets.
"But, with energy usage and rising costs major challenges for the NHS, there is still much work to be done. Renewable sources, modern technology, and digital solutions offer a real opportunity to upgrade existing options, paving the way for a more sustainable and robust NHS for the future."
Methodology
These findings are based on an FOI request which received 66 responses from NHS Trusts in England.
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