Can digital communication tools help the NHS reach Net Zero?

In June 2019, the UK became the first major economy to commit the country to net zero emissions by 2050. According to the Committee on Climate Change, if other countries follow the UK’s lead there could be a 50% chance of avoiding a ‘catastrophic’ temperature rise by the end of the century. In support of this, the NHS, leading from the front, has committed to becoming the first national healthcare system to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040, reducing emissions by an ambitious 80% within the next 10 years. To do this, the newly formed integrated care systems (ICS’s) now have the opportunity to work collaboratively with local councils, hospitals and the community to adopt ‘greener’ attitudes and work practices. These can then help make a measurable positive impact on carbon emissions and the environment.