As the NHS advances its mission of public health in the UK, sustainability has emerged as a critical component in delivering quality care. Beyond a regulatory compliance mindset, sustainability must be integrated as a core organisational value, influencing decisions, operations, and communications across all levels of the NHS. This shift not only reduces the environmental impact but also aligns with the NHS’s ethical duty to enhance community wellbeing. Embedding sustainability into NHS culture will strengthen public trust and model responsible environmental practices for other health systems.
Sustainability’s significance within healthcare extends beyond regulatory requirements to an ethical commitment, as noted by experts in climate psychology and organisational behaviour. Rebecca Nestor, a member of the Climate Psychology Alliance, addresses the NHS’s role in “facing difficult truths” about the environmental crisis and the potential harm of ignoring it on public health. According to Nestor, the NHS must confront the psychological barriers that prevent decisive climate action, acknowledging the link between environmental health and human health outcomes.
This ethical imperative places the NHS in a unique position to foster both health and environmental stewardship, promoting a cultural shift that aligns environmental sustainability with the NHS’s central mission of safeguarding public health.
As an industry leader, the NHS holds substantial influence and responsibility in setting the standard for sustainability in healthcare. A sustainable NHS offers cleaner air, reduced pollution, and health benefits for current and future patients. By embedding sustainability into NHS policies, clinical practices, and everyday decisions, the organisation strengthens its role as a trusted public health guardian. For instance, the NHS Evergreen Programme exemplifies this integration by supporting energy efficiency, waste reduction, and resource management across Trusts, positioning the NHS as a beacon for environmental accountability.
The NHS’s commitment to “first do no harm” reaches beyond patient care to the environmental impact of healthcare services. The energy and resources used in healthcare have a direct impact on the environment and, by extension, patient health. This connection reflects the NHS’s foundational mission and underscores the importance of sustainability as an intrinsic value. From reducing carbon emissions to implementing eco-friendly waste disposal, the NHS can address the growing health risks associated with pollution and climate change, from respiratory diseases to mental health conditions.
Aligning sustainability with core NHS values also resonates with staff, who increasingly view environmental responsibility as an essential part of their roles. The Climate Psychology Alliance advocates fostering a culture of care within organisations, especially in the NHS, to empower employees to act sustainably as part of their commitment to patient welfare. As Rebecca Nestor notes, many healthcare workers may face psychological barriers to engaging with sustainability, from anxiety about climate change to perceived limitations in influencing outcomes. By framing sustainability as essential to patient care, the NHS can promote a positive, psychologically supportive workplace that values environmental care.
Furthermore, cultural care initiatives, such as the Climate Outreach programme, provide NHS staff with tools to adopt sustainability practices in ways that are emotionally resonant. These initiatives encourage open dialogue, making sustainability an approachable and actionable value across NHS departments, thus reducing potential resistance and fostering long-term commitment.
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Effective internal communication is essential to ensuring staff engagement with sustainability goals. NHS leaders can foster a sense of ownership by actively involving staff in decision-making processes related to environmental goals. As seen in the Leeds Climate Commission’s work, clear, consistent communication that aligns sustainability with the NHS’s broader mission helps staff understand and commit to sustainability practices. Integrating sustainability into employee training, performance evaluations, and day-to-day activities builds a foundation of environmental awareness and action.
Involving NHS staff in sustainability discussions and highlighting the relevance of their actions can significantly enhance engagement and buy-in. NHS leaders must clearly communicate that sustainability is not just a policy goal but a shared organisational value that supports staff wellbeing and patient health (Leeds Climate Commission, 2022).
As climate psychology expert Rebecca Nestor highlights, barriers such as “lecture mode” communication—where leaders focus on delivering facts without engagement—can hinder staff buy-in. Instead, NHS leaders should focus on inclusive communication strategies that facilitate dialogue and acknowledge the psychological aspects of adopting new, often challenging practices.
In practice, NHS leaders should prioritise transparency, honesty, and relatability in their messaging. For example, sharing personal stories or case studies from other NHS teams can make the impact of sustainable practices more tangible and emotionally resonant. Nestor’s guidance suggests that leaders focus on creating conversations, rather than one-way communication, to address fears, misunderstandings, and concerns about sustainability initiatives.
4. Engaging External Stakeholders and the Community
In addition to internal communication, building trust with the public and other external stakeholders is essential for sustainable NHS initiatives. NHS Trusts must embrace transparency in sustainability reporting, showcasing both progress and challenges. Regular updates through publicly accessible reports or digital platforms allow the community to understand and engage with NHS sustainability goals.
The Nordic sustainability model highlights the importance of transparency for accountability. In the Nordic region, detailed public reports on sustainability efforts provide a clear picture of both achievements and areas for improvement, enhancing credibility and public trust. A similar approach can help the NHS reinforce its reputation as a responsible, forward-thinking healthcare provider, committed to addressing the environmental determinants of health.
Community-focused educational campaigns, like the Leeds Acts Together initiative, exemplify how the NHS can make sustainability relevant to external stakeholders. Through these campaigns, the NHS can empower patients and the public to take part in sustainable practices, extending the impact of its environmental goals. By framing these initiatives as part of a broader effort to improve public health, the NHS can create alignment with patients and communities who may not initially prioritise environmental issues but do care about health outcomes.
Climate Outreach’s work in community-based messaging further supports this approach by suggesting that health-related narratives resonate more with diverse audiences than purely environmental messages. Thus, NHS sustainability campaigns should focus on framing sustainability in ways that highlight the tangible health benefits, fostering a sense of shared responsibility and impact.
A strong, sustainability-focused NHS brand enhances the organisation’s role as a global leader in health and environmental stewardship. Through visible actions, such as promoting green practices across NHS properties, reducing single-use plastics, and supporting renewable energy sources, the NHS can model sustainable behaviour for healthcare systems worldwide. The NHS Evergreen Initiative serves as an example of how NHS Trusts can lead by example and create a brand identity centred on environmental responsibility.
The Leeds Climate Commission has collaborated with the NHS to create innovative regional sustainability solutions. Through community engagement and public involvement initiatives, such as the Leeds Citizens Jury on Climate, the Commission has implemented projects that align NHS practices with regional environmental goals. These include promoting low-carbon transportation, enhancing green spaces, and reducing local pollution levels. This collaborative model highlights the potential for NHS organisations across the UK to work with local authorities and community groups to tackle shared environmental challenges.
Denmark’s healthcare system offers a comprehensive example of integrating sustainability into all levels of care, from infrastructure to patient services. Danish hospitals use renewable energy, reduce waste, and implement strict environmental guidelines in daily operations. This holistic model has achieved measurable results, including lower emissions and healthier hospital environments, showcasing a path that the NHS can emulate. By following a similar model, the NHS could enhance its environmental impact while benefiting patient health and operational efficiency (Stanford Conference on Sustainability, 2022).
A strategic approach to goal-setting is essential for embedding sustainability into NHS culture. For example, Climate Outreach’s audience-segmented model, which aligns messaging with specific value systems, provides a framework for NHS leaders to set specific, culturally resonant sustainability goals. By defining clear, actionable targets, NHS organisations can ensure that staff and stakeholders understand and commit to environmental objectives.
A culture of continuous improvement is vital for long-term sustainability success. The NHS can implement regular feedback mechanisms, such as employee surveys, community forums, and public reports, to assess progress and refine strategies. This approach mirrors the Nordic sustainability model, where consistent reporting fosters transparency, accountability, and alignment with broader health and environmental goals.
Recognition is a powerful motivator in fostering a positive organisational culture. By celebrating progress—both small wins and major milestones—the NHS can reinforce its commitment to sustainability and inspire ongoing engagement among staff and the public. The NHS Evergreen Programme offers an effective example of this approach, with regular updates and public recognition of each Trust’s sustainability achievements, strengthening the NHS’s identity as a sustainable organisation.
Integrating sustainability into the NHS culture transcends regulatory compliance; it is a commitment to protecting public health, supporting environmental integrity, and fostering a sustainable future. By embedding sustainability in its operational and cultural frameworks, the NHS sets a powerful example, not only for the healthcare industry but for all sectors. In doing so, the NHS safeguards not just today’s health but the wellbeing of future generations, acting as a responsible steward of the UK’s environmental and public health resources.
At NewZapp, we understand the importance of aligning with the NHS’s sustainability goals. In 2021, we made a significant step toward reducing our environmental impact by purchasing 35 acres of land in Devon to restore biodiversity and enhance local ecosystems. Our commitment goes beyond simply reducing our carbon footprint—we aim to create a long-lasting positive environmental legacy.
NewZapp is proud to support the Evergreen Programme as part of our journey towards sustainability. By actively participating in the programme, we ensure that our products and services align with the NHS’s mission for a greener future.
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