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The NHS Green Plan | What PCN Leaders Need to Know
Updated: 1 day ago
At THC Primary Care, we provide resources for primary care network leaders. While you might have missed the recent NHS Green Plan guidance (published February 2025), this blog;
Provides the case for change
Simplifies what net zero means
Summarises The NHS Green Plan priority areas
Provides 10 examples of changes you can make at practice and primary care network level.
Let's jump in!
The Case for Change
The NHS Green Plan isn't just another policy document.
With up to 38,000 deaths annually linked to air pollution and the most vulnerable communities bearing the brunt of environmental health impacts, creating a clear need for action.
The goal: to be the first health system globally to commit to net zero, which will ensure:
Better health outcomes through reduced pollution and improved environments
Financial benefits from lower operating costs and protection against future price rises
Environmental gains through reduced emissions and waste
Every action we take today, from improving building efficiency to reducing clinical waste, contributes to a more resilient and efficient health service for tomorrow.
With many solutions already proven to work and early action being more cost-effective than reactive measures, the framework is in place; we just all need to play our part.
What does Net Zero mean, and how is it achieved?
Net Zero means the balance between the amount of greenhouse gases (GHG) produced and the amount removed from the atmosphere.
To achieve net zero, organisations and countries typically follow these key strategies:
Reducing emissions through actions like:
Switching to renewable energy sources (solar, wind, hydroelectric)
Improving energy efficiency in buildings and processes
Transitioning to electric vehicles
Implementing cleaner industrial processes
Removing or capturing carbon through methods such as:
Planting trees and protecting forests
Using carbon capture and storage technology
Implementing regenerative agriculture practices
Developing direct air capture technologies
Offsetting remaining emissions by:
Investing in carbon offset projects
Supporting renewable energy development in other regions
Funding conservation efforts
The NHS Green Plan Priority Areas 2025
The full NHS Green Plan can be found here: https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/green-plan-guidance/
A snapshot of the priority areas can be found below.
1. Estates & Facilities
Phase out all fossil-fuel primary heating systems by 2032
Remove all oil primary heating systems by 2028
All new buildings must comply with NHS Net Zero building standard
2. Workforce and Leadership
Designate a board-level net zero lead with operational support
Build workforce capacity through new roles and skills development
Establish mandatory green training for all staff, with specialist programs for key groups
3. Vehicles/Transport
Zero-emission vehicles only through salary sacrifice schemes by December 2026
All new vehicle purchases/leases to be zero-emission by December 2027 (excluding ambulances)
Zero-emission ambulances from 2030
4. Food and Nutrition
Measure food waste in line with Estates Returns Information Collection (ERIC) and set reduction targets
Support seasonal menus high in fruits and vegetables, low in heavily processed foods
Implement National Standards for Healthcare Food and Drink for sustainable procurement
5. Medicines Management
Support high-quality, lower-carbon respiratory care (particularly inhaler choices and disposal)
Reduce nitrous oxide waste from medical gas pipeline systems
Address overprescribing while ensuring patient care through shared decision-making
6. Climate Adaptation
Comply with NHS Core Standards for emergency preparedness
Prepare for severe weather events with specific action plans
Build climate resilience into infrastructure decisions and facility design
7. Clinical Transformation
Identify clinical leads for net zero transformation
Focus on reducing emissions in high-impact clinical areas (e.g., critical care, mental health)
Implement quality improvement projects that reduce emissions while improving care
8. Supply Chain
Embed NHS Net Zero Supplier Roadmap requirements in procurements
Encourage suppliers to engage with sustainable assessments
Reduce reliance on single-use products where clinically appropriate
9. Digital Initiatives
Maximise benefits of digital transformation to reduce emissions (e.g., virtual pathways)
Use circular approaches to IT hardware management (longer device lifetimes, refurbished equipment)
Consider low-carbon hosting and good data hygiene practices
What this looks like in Primary Care
Many general practices and primary care networks are demonstrating meaningful environmental impact by:
Installing LED lighting to replace old fluorescent tube
Setting up dedicated recycling stations throughout practices
Adding simple "Think twice before printing" reminders on printers
Replacing disposable cups with reusable alternatives
Implementing toner cartridge recycling programs
Installing wireless heating thermostats with remote access
Upgrading to double-glazed windows
Fixing drafty entrances and doors
Installing eco-efficient boilers
Implementing smart temperature controls
You could also facilitate PCN-wide training at your next PLT.
From practice-wide initiatives or if you are lucky enough to obtain Greener NHS funding, you collectively pull your resources, or your economies of scale could drive down purchases for greener NHS initiatives.
Resources and ideas can be found here:
We hope this helps.
About Us
THC Primary Care is an award-winning healthcare consultancy specialising in Primary Care Network Management and the creator of the Business of Healthcare Podcast. With over 20 years in the industry, we've supported more than 200 PCNs through interim management, training, and consultancy.
Our expertise spans project management and business development across both private and public sectors. Our work has been published in the London Journal of Primary Care, and we've authored over 250 blogs sharing insights about primary care networks.
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