Sustainability
We’re committed to delivering sustainable healthcare, not just for today’s patients but tomorrow’s too, by actively protecting the environment we all depend on.
Sustainability is a golden thread in our Strong Roots, Global Reach strategy, and is a key part of the way we work.
Green Plan to 2028
Our Green Plan to 2028 sets out how we will protect the environment over the next 3 years, while continuing to provide the best possible care for our patients.
We are committed to incorporating sustainability into everything we do, which means treating our patients in the most environmentally friendly way. It also means transforming our green spaces, improving the air we all breathe, minimising waste and championing cleaner, greener ways of getting around.
As well as creating a healthier local environment, these measures will improve the health and wellbeing of our patients, staff and visitors.
Climate Change Adaptation Plan 2023 to 2026
The Trust’s Climate Change Adaptation Plan outlines how we will adapt our estates to weather climate change. From the possibility of flooding, extreme heat and cold to installing green roofs, planting trees and more.
The actions set out in the plan are based around four themes – Built Infrastructure, Clinical Services, Operational Services, Workforce and Community – and will ensure the Trust is prepared for the risks and challenges that come with climate change. It will also bring benefits to patients, such as new green areas on our hospital sites.
Read our Climate Change Adaptation Plan
Travel Plan
The Trust’s travel plan sets out how we will encourage safe, healthy and sustainable travel to our sites, for both staff and patients.
Sustainable travel will aid us in efforts to reduce carbon emissions and make a positive contribution to our community and environment. The key aims of our travel plan are to:
- improve the infrastructure, facilities and initiatives to reduce unnecessary journeys and enable shifts towards healthier, active forms of travel such as cycling and walking as well as public transport; and
- shift away from cars and towards walking, cycling and public transport to decrease carbon emissions and air pollution, improve physical activity and wellbeing, and increase access to care for patients.
Clean Air Plan
In June 2023, King’s College Hospital and Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trusts jointly published our first ever Clean Air Plan. Our plan spans 2 trusts, 5 London boroughs, 37,000 staff and 4 million annual patient contacts. It defines the ways in which we will address air pollution, raise awareness of the issue and ultimately improve the health of our patients, staff and local communities.
We have identified 5 focus areas and 27 priority actions for 2023/24 including a 10% reduction in low mileage fleet vehicles (average of less than 15 miles per day) compared to 2022/23, and air quality criteria in tenders and integrated in contract performance management as part of our procurement process. This will help us reduce our own contribution to air pollution, and raise awareness of the issue amongst our staff, patients and local communities.