The NHS Green Plan | What PCN Leaders Need to Know

In THC’s primary care, we provide resources for the leaders of the Primary Care Network. While it is possible that the recent Green Plan of the NHS (published in February 2025) has been lost, this blog;

1. Provides the case for change

2. Simplify what only zero meaans

3. Summarize the priority areas of the NHS green plan

4. It provides 10 examples of changes that you can make at the Primary Practice Network level.

The NHS green plan is not just another policy document.

With up to 38,000 deaths annually linked to air pollution and the most vulnerable communities that have the worst part of the impacts on environmental health, creating a clear need for action.

The objective: be The first world health system in committing to Net Zero, which will ensure:

• Best Health ResultS through reduced pollution and improved environments

• Financial benefits Of lower operational costs and protection against future price increases

• Environmental gains Through reduced emissions and waste

Each action we take today, from improving construction efficiency to reducing clinical waste, contributes to a more resistant and efficient health service for tomorrow.

With many solutions since they work and early action is more profitable than reactive measures, the frame is in place; We all need to play our role.

Zero net means the balance between the amount of greenhouse gases (GHG) and the eliminated quantity of the atmosphere.

To achieve net zero, organizations and countries usually follow these key strategies:

• Change of renewable energy sources (solar, wind, hydroelectric)

• Improvement of energy efficiency in buildings and processes

• Transition to electric vehicles

• Implementation of cleaner industrial processes

• Plant trees and protect forests

• Use of carbon capture and storage technology

• Implementation of regenerative agricultural practices

• Development of direct air capture technologies

• Invest in carbon compensation projects

• Support the development of renewable energy in other regions

• Financing of conservation efforts

Then you can find a snapshot of the priority areas.

• Filose all primary fossil fuel heating systems for 2032

• Remove all primary oil heating systems by 2028

• All new buildings must meet the NHS Net Zero Building Standard

• Design a zero net lead at the board level with operational support

• Develop the capacity of the workforce through new roles and skill development

• Establish mandatory green training for all personnel, with specialized programs for key groups

• Zero emission vehicles only through salary sacrifice schemes in December 2026

• All new vehicle purchases/leases will be zero emissions in December 2027 (excluding ambulances)

• 2030 zero emission ambulances

• Measure food waste according to the collection of information returns information (ERIC) and establish reduction objectives

• Support seasonal menus in fruits and vegetables, low in very processed foods

• Implement national standards for food care food and drinks for sustainable acquisitions

• Support high quality respiratory care and low carbon (particularly elections and inhalers elimination)

• Reduce nitrous oxide waste from medical gas pipeline systems

• Address over -time recreation while guaranteeing patient care through shared decision making

• Comply with the central NHS standards for emergency preparation

• Prepare for severe climatic events with specific action plans

• Create climate resilience in infrastructure and design decisions

• Identify clinical potential clients for net transformation zero

• Get to reduce emissions in high -impact clinical areas (CE, critical care, mental health)

• Implement quality improvement projects that reduce emissions while improving care

• Incorporate Net Net Net Providers in Acquisitions

• Encourage suppliers to participate with sustainable evaluations

• Reduce dependence on single -use products where the appropriate clinic

• Maximize the benefits of digital transformation to reduce emissions (EC, virtual routes)

• Use circular approaches for IT hardware management (longest device life, restored equipment)

• Consider low carbon housing and good data hygiene practices

Many general practices and primary care networks are demonstrating a significant environmental impact by:

1. LED lighting installation to replace the old fluorescent tube

2. Configuration of recycling stations dedicated through practices

3. Add simple reminders “think twice before printing” in printers

4. Replacement of disposable cups with reusable alternatives

5. Implementation of toner cartridge recycling programs

6. Installation of wireless heating thermostats with remote access

7. Update to double -glazing Windows

8. Fix inputs and doors of air currents

9. Installation of Ecoefficient Boilers

10. Implementation of smart temperature controls

11. You can also facilitate training throughout the PCN in its next PLT.

From initiatives of all the practice or if you are lucky to obtain more ecological funds from the NHS, you collectively withdraw your resources or your economies of scale, some lead down for the most ecological initiatives of the NHS.

The primary care of THC is a award -winning specialization of health consulting in the management of the Primary Care Network and the creator of the Podcast Business of Healthcare. With about 20 years in the industry, we have supported more than 200 PCN through interim management, training and consulting.

Our experience covers project management and business development in public and private sectors. Our work has been published in the London Journal of Primary Care, and we have written about 250 blogs that share ideas about primary care networks.